Hey guys/gals,

 

 

I like using Fluorocarbon and want to re-spool a few setups but don't want to break the bank.  My questions is when using a cheap mono or co-polymer for backing, should I be paying attention to line diameter to tie the lines together or pound test, or neither?  For example, if I have a T-Rig set up that I have 12# fluorocarbon top shot, should I match that up with a 12# backing or a line with similar diameter?

 

 

Also any advice on what knot you folks use would be helpful as well.  I have used a Modified Albright knot on a braid setup/co-poly setup and it seems to have worked well.

Of course there won´t be a massive difference in diameter between let´s say 10 lb nylon backing and 12 lb FC mainline but better use similar diameters. The only knot I use to join two lines is the uni knot, I don´t see any need to use another when this one has served me well for 4 decades.

I use whatever mono cost me the least.  I can't see backing diameter making a difference.  However, I don't use 8# from my bulk spool although it wouldn't make a difference other than to use more line.  I use 12# or larger.  Nothing wrong with the Uni Knot.  Been using it for 35-40 years.  I do like the Alberto for splicing lines because of its smaller diameter.

I use 20lb backing on mine.  Takes less line to fill up to where I want it.  Normally tie a blood knot to my backing if it's mono to Flouro, but have almost gone straight braid to topshots so use an albright on almost all my braid to mono/flouro connections.

Backing and top shot are 2 different things.  A common offshore saltwater set up on a large capacity reel may be 400+ yards of braid topped off with 50-75 yards of mono for stretch, then a leader, that's called a top shot, certainly not a set up for bass fishing.

Backing is loading up mono first and braid on top as the main line, generally used to conserve using more braided line that's needed.

Thank you Sir for the clarification. I wasn't exactly sure what terminology to use to get my question asked. Thanks for the answers everyone. I appreciate it.