Just wondering how old is too old for backing line? Would you use line that is one or two years old? I live in Northeast Pennsylvania, so I only fish 6 months out of the year, and I change my line twice a season... Thanks

It's just there to take up space. It doesn't matter. Just buy the $2 quarter pound spools of Zebco or whatever line it is from Dick's.

It doesn't matter how old or what quality the backing is. It'll never see water or have the knot strength tested.

I change mine out every season (9 months). I mostly use the left over mono of a brand I tried and didn't like or if i get it on sale. I'm sure you could go longer as long as it's not passing through your rod guides.

Trilene Big game 660 yds at Wally world for like, $6 is what I use. Decent line. I use it for backing because If I hook into a big nasty carp I dont want to be trying to fight it on Zebco Omniflex or Shakespear line

Trilene Big game 660 yds at Wally world for like, $6 is what I use. Decent line. I use it for backing because If I hook into a big nasty carp I dont want to be trying to fight it on Zebco Omniflex or Shakespear line

If I hook into a Carp I'm putting my equipmemt to the test. That fish ain't stripping me down to the backing.

Trilene Big game 660 yds at Wally world for like, $6 is what I use. Decent line. I use it for backing because If I hook into a big nasty carp I dont want to be trying to fight it on Zebco Omniflex or Shakespear line

If I hook into a Carp I'm putting my equipmemt to the test. That fish ain't stripping me down to the backing.

I'll be fine just testing my drag,

Not that i've ever hooked into anything that has taken me to my backing, you can never be too careful.

It doesn't matter how old or what quality the backing is. It'll never see water or have the knot strength tested.

How much backing do you use? I fill a little less than half my spool with backing and I can regularly cast down to the backing with certain lures after retying a few times.

It doesn't matter how old or what quality the backing is. It'll never see water or have the knot strength tested.

How much backing do you use? I fill a little less than half my spool with backing and I can regularly cast down to the backing with certain lures after retying a few times.

I use enough to cover the spool and enure no slippage.

It doesn't matter how old or what quality the backing is. It'll never see water or have the knot strength tested.

How much backing do you use? I fill a little less than half my spool with backing and I can regularly cast down to the backing with certain lures after retying a few times.

It really is up to you. For me, it depends on the fish I am targeting. For example, if I am fishing for bass there is probably zero chance of even a big one taking me to my backing. However, if I am fishing for salmon, and I have been spooled before, I would probably choose a different ratio other than 50/50. I can sometimes get away with 40/60 or even 30/70 when bass fishing, but that is plain and flat out stupid to use against salmon.

To the subject, I think as long as the line is in good shape I don't think it matters for bass fishing.

As long as mine is not crumbling to dust, i leave it on.

I am using Stren 10lb clear as backing from a spool which is 18 years old.

Just wondering how old is too old for backing line? Would you use line that is one or two years old? I live in Northeast Pennsylvania, so I only fish 6 months out of the year, and I change my line twice a season... Thanks

assuming youve properly stored it, your 1-2 y/o line and even line older than that should be fine so long as it isnt brittle and it isnt snapping when you pull on it from two ends. its probably fine to fish with, but should definately serve the purpose of backing well if thats your intentions. i have reels right now that have had the same line on it for 2-3 years and its just fine. for me, the only reason i see to respool frequently is if the line is running low on the reel(which is always the case with me) or if the line goes bad(which is never the case) or if i just happened to buy a bad batch of line(which is rarely the case)

I got a few reels that the backing on is 5 years old already.  As far as how far to fill it, I fill it alittle more than 1/2.  This way I can spool 3 reels with the same spool of fluorocarbon.  THIS is a MAJOR money saver!!    

age doesnt matter.. as long as it isnt dry rotting youll be fine..

As stated above age has little to do with condition of a line exposure to sunlight and other various elements are what truly corrode a line. With that being sad if it is still in decent condition by all means use it!