how much backing?

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rapala11
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2009/05/13 14:55:49 (permalink)

how much backing?

just bought a teton tioga magnum (4-7wt) that i plan on using with a 7 wt line.  there is no backing info enclosed with the reel, and the online specs say 100-150 feet of 20lb.  should i assume 100 ft. is the capacity.  this is large arbor reel.  thanks for da hep.  rap

Joined: 10/8/2003


#1

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    Cold
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 15:10:56 (permalink)
    Maybe less. The Tioga LA uses somewhat flawed logic. A main selling point is that you can use LA or regular spools on the same reel body...but that kind of defeats the purpose, only depriving you of backing. I'd to a reverse pre-spool, if I were you. Spool up your flyline, then tie on your backing and reel until you get it at the right level, then strip it all off, tie on the backing first, and wrap it back up in reverse.
    #2
    rapala11
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 15:16:33 (permalink)
    this may be a little different than the tioga.  it is wide, as well as large (mid?).  another question, is 100 yards of backing adequate for steelhead? 

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    #3
    rapala11
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 15:17:52 (permalink)

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    #4
    SilverKype
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 15:54:32 (permalink)
    Rarely, do steelhead have the room to get into yer backing on Elk and the like.  100 yards and a full line will cover almost every situation in the state. 

    My reports and advice are for everyone to enjoy, not just the paying customers.
    #5
    rapala11
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 16:11:16 (permalink)
    thanks, kype.  i bought the outfit primarily for smallmouth fishing in lakes and for the occassional trip up for steelhead.  are all backings the same?  (i am pretty much a novice, so you'll have to excuse me).

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    #6
    davef
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 17:18:59 (permalink)
    I've always just used whatever cheap dacron ice fishing line i can find for backing and its worked fine for me. I did use some real heavy spiderwire i picked up at a yard sale one time for backing. The spool had about 70 yards on it and it seems to be fine for backing also.

    The only place i have ever gotten into fly line backing has been on crooked creek in high water when fish at the slight bend in the creek above the bridge at the nursery water headed down stream and i couldn't stop them.
    #7
    Cold
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 17:19:14 (permalink)
    In the realm of dacron, pretty much (from what I can tell). Micron and gel-spun backing is a whole different ballgame, more designed for big game and/or large arbor situations.

    Someone else who knows, feel free to correct me. That's just the impression I got from the reading I did.
    #8
    fishenfool46
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 20:03:03 (permalink)
    from what i read you should have 1/2 inch space between the reel and line.that is if using dacron backing

    I didn't say these are the ten suggestions
    signed God
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    rapala11
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 21:46:57 (permalink)
    now this is a really novice question, but can the super braids, such as power pro, be used as backing in order to get more yardage on the spool?  

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    #10
    davef
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/13 22:19:47 (permalink)
    All i can tell you is its been on one reel of mine for 3 years. The problem is finding it in a heavy enough weight so it fills the spool without needing 300 yards of the stuff.

    Depending on how much line your reel will hold you could always put a couple raps of parachute cord on, then add a wrap of electrical tape and then do as someone suggested. Put your fly line on and add backing to almost fill the spool. Then take it off and wrap it on a old spool, do that again on another empty spool and finally put it onto the spool your using. It's a lot of trouble but you would end up with the reel filled to the max.

    I would think 50 yards of backing will handle any erie steelhead you'll hook. If you plan on using the same outfit for salmon i wouldn't do it.  
    post edited by davef - 2009/05/13 22:20:47
    #11
    2Bonthewater
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    RE: how much backing? 2009/05/14 07:59:11 (permalink)
     
    Dacron will fill a spool and is thickest.......then Micron.....Micronite and other Gel-spun lines.....Power Pro
     
    I put 20 lb power pro on a 2 wt outfit.......to keep the weight down and to beef up the base of the spool..........I am pretty darn sure that the Power Pro on the 2wt will never be seen.......I used the Phantom Red color
     
    In all my days of fly fishing.......I think I have had 3 trout hit my backing......and they were all the N. Branch of the Potomac river in Maryland / West Virginia........and barely into the backing and these were very large trout
     
    Steelhead will go into your backing, but in PA waters.......they are not going to run off 100 yards of backing-- I mean they can.....if you would let them........
     
    Salmon in NY will spool you in a heart beat.......best have 150 plus yards, but you can get away with 100 yards....
     
    Smallies and Largemouth are not going to hit your backing, well, maybe on a huge river system with a great flow--say Delaware river, but rarely
     
    Stripers will hit your backing--Delaware river
     
     
    Teeny Dacron backing is good and comes in various colors............Bionic Braid is from Australia and comes in Pink and is super thin stuff--  $$$  --..........backing is not only to give you extra line on the reel from a fish running, but is also important to BEEF up the spool space........so that your fly line is not wound in too tight of a circle.......but, with a large arbor reel--that shouldn't be a problem..........you want your fly line to come off nicely....not in tight loops.....

    www.2bonthewater.com
    #12
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