braid as backing on fly reel

[summer salt]

I've fished for 30 years. Started with fly rod this summer and got addicted. Just bought a Tioga10 reel.Have used braid(fireline/p.p.) exclusively for several years now and was wondering if there's any reason it can't be used as backing on a fly reel.

[Onshore]

I don't see why not. Cortland Micron and most backings are dacron braid.

[Count]

I think it could be used, though you need to use caution. As you probably already know, Fireline and the like cuts like a knife. Also, it's so strong that it can actually damage your reel if you're not careful.

If you use it, let us know how it performs.

Best to you,

Count

[Strat]

I think Tibor reccomends PowerPro and lists the capacities on thier website. Might be worth checking out...

[Quicksilver]

Most guys use #50 or #60 to reduce the risk of getting cut. (Ya still gots to keep your fingers away from the line). My preferance is white Spiderwire because all of the gel spun braids will bleed their color. PP green is the worst in this respect.

[MAKO13]

I have the same reel. use 50lb power pro as backing, have had plenty of fish into the backing (including albies) with no problems, also you can fit a ton of the stuff on there. Use a "slim beauty" knot to connect it to the fly line.

It does tend to bleed the color a bit but only on the last foot or two of the flyline which I can't see would ever be an issue.

[summer salt]

Thanks to all for the input on briad backing on fly reel.I have a spool of 50lb. P.P. that I'll try on my reel.Still some fish in R.I.

[Chuckster]

What Mako said - 50lb PP and use a Slim Beauty... the bleeding color is kind of a pain in the a$$, especially if you rinse your gear every time out like I do.

[lemaymiami]

Ever since the "super braids" became available there've been arguments about the stuff. The one possible problem you may run into is what it might do to your snake guides. With very high usage on big fish with extended fights you may have a problem with the line cutting a groove in your guides...
Just keep an eye on them to see if it ever becomes a problem. Make certain, as well to be careful to cross wrap a bit when loading the stuff and use a glove so you can put a lot of tension as you load your backing. All of the super braids are bad about cutting down into a spool and jamming if they're not loaded tightly. Cautions aside, load up, hook up, and get after them!

[yakbass]

I use PP on my 14wt Tuna sticks as well as my 11wt and have seen no damage after 2 years. AND it does not bury itself under load as bad as some other brands. I would recommend 50lb.

Mike

[ChemFly]

Ever since the "super braids" became available there've been arguments about the stuff. The one possible problem you may run into is what it might do to your snake guides. With very high usage on big fish with extended fights you may have a problem with the line cutting a groove in your guides...
Just keep an eye on them to see if it ever becomes a problem. Make certain, as well to be careful to cross wrap a bit when loading the stuff and use a glove so you can put a lot of tension as you load your backing. All of the super braids are bad about cutting down into a spool and jamming if they're not loaded tightly. Cautions aside, load up, hook up, and get after them!

Bob,
Do you load the PP directly onto the spool or do you lay down a bed of mono before loading the PP?
Thanks,
JW