Hey Fellas: The capacity of these reels is like double of what I was used to with low profile Pfluegers

 Can I put black electrical tape on the spool to lessen the amount of line I am putting on, or is it better to use about 100 yds of cheaper line as a backing?  I do not want to put 180 to 200 yards of Trilene Xl on a reel if all I am ever going to need is 100 yards

I would back fill with some cheap filler. That way the line will lay right on the spool.

I always fill the spool full of the line I'm using and then as the top 100 yrds gets beat up, I will spool that onto another reel, leaving the used line as the filler and having brand new line at the top. I should say I do this with braid on my spinners and round reels, never done it with mono but in theory it should work.

Go to WalMart and buy the cheapest bulk spool they have.  Berkley Big Game is good backing.  

The question is, which weighs more.  50 yards of 25 lb. Big Game or 100 yards of 10 lb. Big Game.

I've been using Cajun line as backing.  The red line acts as a good indicator.

Go to WalMart and buy the cheapest bulk spool they have. Berkley Big Game is good backing.

i use this as a main line. good stuff for the money.

Thanks Mr. L, off to Wal mart I go to spool up for tomorrow

I bought a 2000yd spool of eagle claw 14# mono and it has been great backing. It was only $8 at dicks.