What Size Mono To Use As Backing For Braided Line On Spinning Reels
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
When you’re putting braided line on your spinning reel, you always want to add some mono backing to the reel first.
Mono grips into the arbor (the center of the spool) much better than braid does and pretty much guarantees you won’t have issues with the line free spinning when you get a fish on.
But here’s a big question most people have about mono backing — what size mono do you use?
That’s a great question since using mono that’s too thick can cause your line to lay uneven and possibly break under pressure.
Check out the video below to see what size mono you should be using for your backing.
What Size Mono To Use As Backing [VIDEO]
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I like to use 8-10 lb. mono as backing for my spinning reels.
You can get away with 12 lb. mono, but I prefer to go lighter.
This is because the thicker the mono is, the more problems you’re likely to have.
Braid can slip in between thick mono more easily (and get tangled as it’s trying to come off the spool), and thick mono leaves a big knot on your spool (which can cause your line to lay unevenly).
Now here’s the big objection most people have about using light mono as backing: what if a fish gets me down to my backing? Won’t it just break me off?
Well, that should never happen in the first place.
You should have 150 yards of braid over your backing, which is plenty enough line to handle any fish you’ll come across inshore.
Yes, even 40 lb. bull reds can be brought in with this line provided your drag is set properly and you’re fighting the fish properly.
And if you’re going after 100 lb. tarpon, then you should be using bigger gear than a 2500 spinning reel!
Conclusion
You should use 8-10 lb. monofilament as backing for your spinning reel.
Any heavier than that and you start running into problems like your braid not laying flat along the backing or your braid getting caught in the mono to braid knot.
And if you think you’re likely to run into big tarpon or other fish that might be too much for your 2500 or 3000 size spinning reels, then come prepared with a larger reel to handle them.
You can check out this video for tips on how to put mono backing on your spinning reel:
And you can get 10 lb. Berkley Trilene mono from our shop here.
Have any questions about putting mono backing on?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who’s about to respool their spinning reel, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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I have a Penn Battle iii 5000. What lb mono should I back 40lb braid with?
You can still use 8 to 10lb mono as backing for 40lb braid. Remember that the backing is just there to secure the braid to the spool and you shouldn’t be fighting a fish on the backing. You want the backing to be fairly thin in diameter so your line lays smoothly on the reel.
what should I put on a 6500 diawa bg with 50 lb braid?
14lb or 15lb mono should be ideal for that.
I have 100LB Braid on what one of my shark rods, What lb mono should this be backed with.
I would suggest matching the line diameter when you get to that strength. 100lb braid has roughly the equivalent line diameter as 40lb mono. Remember the mono is just there to secure the braid to the spool so the braid doesn’t slip on the spool.
Using .004 line to hang a 1.5 lb. plane over a hobby train layout this is a uni mono .004 line hardly visible its clear but is it strong enough?
What unit of measurement is that based off? If thats .004 inches thats about .14mm which is typically a 4 to 6lb breaking strength. Should be plenty!
How much mono should I put on a smaller spinning reel that only holds 100 yards of 8 lb? Also am I able to pit on 10 lb braid on it?
For a reel that small, I’d go with 8 lb braid or less. As for the mono, I go with a minimum of line to get a layer of mono covering the spool’s arbor to make sure the line never slips.
Thanks will do.
I have a Penn 5500. I plan on putting on 20lb braid. What weight backing should I use 10- 15 – or 20. What is the best mono to buy for this
Hey Barry!
10lb mono is all you need. Brand isn’t important as the quality of the mono isn’t important. All the mono is there for is to keep the braid from slipping.
Hey what size mono should I be using if I’m using 80lb braid with a 0.43 Diam?
Hey Jeff!
15 or 20lb would work just fine as it’s pretty close in diameter to 80lb braid. Just enough to cover the spool.
Tony, Great info & follow up to the “How much backing…” video with the second spool loading tips!
I will share my experience that exemplifies why it is important to use small dia. mono for your backing. Last year, I purchased a new Diawa BG Q 2500, it arrive the day before I left for a coastal trip. All I had available for backing was 30 lb mono. I loaded on (1st mistake) and did a mono uni to braid uni (2nd mistake -for this). So, while about a mile out on a flat, in my kayak, fishing away, I noticed a 1″ piece of braid on my lap. I almost just stuffed it in my scrap line bag and continued fishing, but I just couldn’t let it go. Why & how did it get there?
I realized it had to come from my 1 reel I was using (only one with yellow braid). Upon closer examination of my spool, I saw a tiny end of braid. So, I started to peal off yard after yard of braid and at about 100yrds, I found a break in the line. I also saw a tag end of my 30 lb mono backer right there. It had cleanly sliced my braid at a 1″ loop (wind loop) and that is what I had found in my lap. If I had hooked into another decent red that took some line, it would have been a disaster!
A ‘free’ fish with 100yrds of line & my lure , and shut down that rod for the day (not to mention my frustration with my own doings ) – But I learned exactly what you are explaining here (among other things). 10lb backing & FG knots at both ends of the braid (the practice is always good & no tag ends).
Learn it the easy way, here on SaltStrong! Not in the middle of a fishing adventure!
Very interesting! I haven’t seen that happen before.
How about 6lb mono backing on 20lb PP braid?
That should be okay. The thinner it is the better your line will lay on the spool. All the backing should do is be there to keep your braid from slipping on the spool. You should really never get down to the backing while fishing, so make sure you have enough braid to properly fill the rest of the spool.
Im not sure if you know because your website is called saltstrong so i’m guessing you do mainly saltwater fishing. But the question I have is would a 6 lb mono backing be ok? I fish for bass and pike and live up north.