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josko · #1 02-02-2000, 01:41 PM

I'm trying to figure out what super-braid to use for offshore fly line backing. I hear good things about Izorline spectra and PowerPro, but also that they're very abrasive and will destroy snake guides in short order. They are thinner for a given break strength than Cortland and Orvis thin backing, and I have to wonder whether the extra-thin braids are just too abrasive to be used as backing. Anyone know?

Adam-Albino · #2 02-02-2000, 02:44 PM

I added the Spectra to my Fin Nor 15wt. Got on 500 yards vs 300 with regular Micron backing. I also was told the stuff will eat through the snakes over prolonged use - but Brian at Old Salt has used the stuff on his inshore rods for several years with NO negative effect. I think one has to watch their fingers on a fast run more then the guides!

I figure with an offshore rod, with little false casting (let alone just a few casts a day anyway) I don't think it will be an issue. Time will tell :-);
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bassman · #3 02-03-2000, 08:17 AM

bassman · #4 02-03-2000, 08:25 AM

Adam...Curious to the cost of 500 yds of Spectra?..I have a Tibor Gulfstream that I plan to spool up with the stuff or similar thin backing.
I bet one fight with a BFT would put more wear on the guides than 5 years of bass fishing!!!...Arr Arr Arr...
BTW..Anyone tying squids for offshore?...I did a few prototypes the other nite and they came out reeeeeeeeeeely slick. I realized after finishing them that the next set will need stingers tho....You can see a pic of them on my bb forum board on my website under the Squidley thread at www.flyfishsaltwaters.com Im still looking for the proper method of hooking this whole system together from arbor to fly, especially with the Spectra or similar backing to flyline.

josko · #5 02-03-2000, 08:44 AM

i was just thinking the same thing... i bet you could use spectra backing n a trout reel for 20 years with NO problems. However, it seems most gel-spun lines are very abrasive, and can damage snake guides in a single long fight (say tuna or billfish). the gel-spun backing orvis and cortland sell ids larger in diameter because it is apparently impregnated with something to reduce is abrasion. Similar stuff is used in Powerpro, but the line is thinner. I've also heard Izorline spectra is somewhat less abrasive.
i can imagine how I feel is line started sawing through my guides as I had the fish close. While I'm sure T&T would replace the rod, I'd be pretty livid if the fish got away.

Slamdance · #6 02-03-2000, 09:04 AM

Gudebrod makes a gel-spun Spectra fly backing which is flat as opposed to round like you'd use on spinning reels. The flatness of the line keeps the guide wear to a minimum and you can really pack the stuff on. It also seems to prevent the backing from digging into itself as much when under extreme pressure. I have used it on all my reel set-ups for several years and it gets the job done.

bassman · #7 02-03-2000, 09:18 AM

Steve...Sounds promising but how do you keep it from twisting while putting on spool being the fine diameter it is?...
BTW...I have talked to Howard Hayes owner of Anglers Pro Shop Inc. the last two years at the shows. This guy does offshore trips off the Outer Banks for BFT and Marlin. He seems to be pretty successful for it and maybe he will answer questions directly concerning offshore fly gear. I haven't been to his website but its at www.anglers-pro.com

bassman · #8 02-03-2000, 09:27 AM

I should have checked that url before I posted it...Doesn't seem to work on my end even tho that's whats on his buisness card that he gave me at Marlborough...

Adam-Albino · #9 02-03-2000, 10:34 AM

Cost? If you have to ask you can't afford it :-);

Since you need this yardage and pound test in the offshore scene, and the only practical way to do it is with gel spun type line, I'm not sure I (we) have a choice. We'll all hopefully find out if our rods can handle the stuff!!!

I tye a very nice squid pattern with ez-body tubing that is very realistic (Larry jokes its really an off-shore trolling lure):
1. Tie eight or so very thin white or cream hackles on either side of a 2/0-7/0 hook (4 on a side) splayed out down at the bend of the hook. I prefer the very thin and very long (6-8") ones from freshwater necks.

2. Tie in 4-8 strands of flash material (your choice) and 4-8 PINK flashabou strands.

3. Bring thread forward to eye.

4. Slip on the largest ez-body tube (I like 1/2" -1" dia.) cut to a length about 1" longer then your hook. This will cause the thread to move back along the shank inside the tubing.

5. Pinch tubing when it just covers the hackle. Tie off at this end - cut thread. Front of tubing should extend 1" or so past the hook eye.

6. Continue to push on tubing so it flairs on the tied off end and goes "inside itself" in the tubing. Push on till it's even with the eye. Tie off this end.

7. Wings, or fins (what do you call them on a squid?) are made of flexible clear plastc sheet (I get them from my cleaners- but any thin flexible material works). Cut to shape, glue or epoxy on.

8. Cover whole body and fins with Sparkle Body (I use clear) then cover with epoxy. Put on LARGE eyes.

9. Lastly - take black marker (waterproof!) and put "dots" all over body and hackle. Done.
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