This may be a dumb question, but given my newb-ness with conventional, I need to ask

Can I assume backing is mono that is put under braid on a reel?
How are they connected? With a really small swivel?

I need to reline my reel and I was figuring trying braid... I just want to make sure I set it up right. If I am TOTALLY walking the wrong path, I'll just use all mono.

I use a small amount of backing ( once across the spool ) . I connect the backing to braid with a uni to uni knot . then fill the reel with braid . you could use more mono and less braid if you so desire ( I know many do ) .

for economys sake, i use mono backing( big game or yozuri ) and connect with uni to uni to 150 yd shot of braid. just remember not to undergun mono lb age in relation to braid lb.

Originally posted by afterhours
for economys sake, i use mono backing( big game or yozuri ) and connect with uni to uni to 150 yd shot of braid. just remember not to undergun mono lb age in relation to braid lb.

I thought about putting on 150 yards of braid when I first started using also but decided 300 yards was a better way to go. Reason being if you break off a couple of times you could get into the backing pretty easily. I don't want to get into the backing when fighting a fish. In the long run I think the extra cost of the 300 yard spools is worth it. Just my .02.

I am not certain of the name of the knot I use to connenct mono to braid, but I think it's called a surgeons knot. 3 or 4 turns each side then you tuck the tag ends thru the middle turn that you push open. Pull tight and snip the ends close. I have never had one separate even on a 42# fish. My biggest in the surf on conventional at the Mission Bell. She ran me way into the backing.

I'm like a lot of guys---uni to uni. I put a good bit of mono on and I wind it on real tight. I put the braid on tight also.
Sometimes the braid will dig into itself and make the drag hurky jerky. Putting the line on tight seems to help with this issue.