dacron or spectra backing for an international 30

[controlled chaos]

I posted this in the general tackle area but thought I would put it up here as well b/c I am looking for some opinions pretty quick so I can order some line hopefully this afternoon.

I just bought 2 international 30s from a guy on this site and when they get to my house I am gonna put some fresh line on them. I want to do at least 600yds of backing and then a topshot of mono. My plan was to put 65-100lb dacron or spectra on as the backing but I was leaning more towards the 65. Which is type of line is better, dacron or spectra? I am going to troll and maybe do a little bottom fishing with these reels.

Can mono be spliced into the dacron (chinese handcuff style)???

Also, would 40lb mono be a good choice for the topshot or should I go with a higher strenght mono??? I am trying to maximize line capacity so I can have 2 versatile reels that can hang with a big fish

The reels are going on custom 5'6" 20-50lb all roller guided rods.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[BahamaLure]

if maximum capacity is what you want then spectra is the only answer, you will fit double or triple the amount of line on as opposed to dacron. My 30W is backed with 80# Jerry Brown and 50# mono top shot spliced on. I fear no fish with this rig

[Captain Michael Buffington]

Yes it can be spliced inton dacron. I have used a length of dacron spliced into spectra and then mono. Point is there is no point to putting dacron on a reel today. Use the spectra and super short top shots. Like 25 yards short. If you want line compacity and versatility of line sizes I would say 80lb spectra and a short 60lb topshot. I mean I dont know what you are trying to do with it but if its short you can change it really easily. For instance, I have a 50lrs that I use as an all around rod when I go on other boats. It is packed with 150lb power pro and we used it for yellowfins and swordfish last trip. For the tuna I had a bimini to albright to 18' of 80lb yozuri fluorocarbon and when we were done I cut that off and stored it and pulled out 18' of 250lb suffix and bimini albrighted that on because it's easier to leader. Spectra is your friend

Mike

[sportfishingusa]

Yes it can be spliced inton dacron. I have used a length of dacron spliced into spectra and then mono. Point is there is no point to putting dacron on a reel today. Use the spectra and super short top shots. Like 25 yards short. If you want line compacity and versatility of line sizes I would say 80lb spectra and a short 60lb topshot. I mean I dont know what you are trying to do with it but if its short you can change it really easily. For instance, I have a 50lrs that I use as an all around rod when I go on other boats. It is packed with 150lb power pro and we used it for yellowfins and swordfish last trip. For the tuna I had a bimini to albright to 18' of 80lb yozuri fluorocarbon and when we were done I cut that off and stored it and pulled out 18' of 250lb suffix and bimini albrighted that on because it's easier to leader. Spectra is your friend



Mike

You bimini your power pro? do you find you have any problems? apparently not since you catch large fish with it but did not know it was possible to do a bimini with power pro!

[Captain Michael Buffington]

You bimini your power pro? do you find you have any problems? apparently not since you catch large fish with it but did not know it was possible to do a bimini with power pro!

It makes a perfect bimini

[sportfishingusa]

It makes a perfect bimini

Wow i just learned something new from Captain Buffington.. Thanks mike.. awesome zambia pics by the way!!


One more question.. With the power pro.. you use a dacron or spectro hollow core piece in the middle between the leader/topshot and the power pro so it doesnt cut through anything?

I would assume that loop to loop would be okay to do also?

[offshore]

Power pro Hollow core or Jerry Brown Hollow core would work great if you want to add a topshot Via a sliced loop and a windon topshot. Or you can insert the topshot right into either hollow core lines. I use JB HollowCore backing with a spliced loop and a windon or a windon topshot.

You can also use the solid powerpro or solid JB like Captain Michael Buffington had mentioned. I like the JB hollow core for offshore trolling. If you need a hand splicing the HC or making a windon top shot I am right down the road and can show you how to do it. The nice thing about the JB is its longevity this stuff last for a long time and then you can back spool it to another reel after a few years.....Mark

[calebw]

You can also use the solid powerpro or solid JB like Captain Michael Buffington had mentioned. I like the JB hollow core for offshore trolling.

Offshore, why do you prefer hollow core to back a reel vs solid spectra. Wouldn't a reel hold alot more solid spectra than hollow core, and wouldn't it be alot cheaper to spool a reel with solid spectra.

[offshore]

Offshore, why do you prefer hollow core to back a reel vs solid spectra. Wouldn't a reel hold alot more solid spectra than hollow core, and wouldn't it be alot cheaper to spool a reel with solid spectra.

Yes this is true the reel would hold more power pro solid but how much will you need my 50w will hold 1000 yds of 130 JB hollowcore plus a windon or topshot. Remember JB is spectra as well.I also feel that the JB HC is a little safer the super small diamater of the solid Spectra like PP is tougher to handle when you have a big fish on. It cuts like a chainsaw because of the weave is much courser than the JB HC. A good comparison would be JBs weave is more like silk and PP would be more like a chain saw blade.I have power pro on all my spinning reels and love it but for offshore trolling I prefer the JB HC. Of course this is only my opinion from using both.....Mark

[offshore]

I also like Dacron for backing but like the longevity of the spectra and the added capacity of the JB HC for my 30w 2s reels. JB HCs Diameter falls somewhere between Dacron and solid core spectra. I spool the spectra between 12-15lbs Mark