Backing on a linecounter...

[dkooser]

Ordered three of the BassPro line counter reels and have a backing question. The reel is capable of holding like 400 yards of 20 lb. test. I dont what to spend my next paycheck adding probably 600 yards of 10 lb. times 3 reels.

How do you guys/gals apply (if at all) backing to a reel that will hold more 10 lb. mono than I want to put on. Do you (1) use only an adequate amount of 10 lb (say 300 yards) with no backing or (2) do you put some type of backing on the reel to fill it up before adding the 10 lb.?

If you use backing, what do you use? Since I cannot imagine ever getting into the backing while trolling or battling a fish, can it be a cheap heavier mono?

[4given]

Since you are buying 3, it's real easy. Put the desired amount of 10 lb test on one of the reels first then add the backing to fill the reel. Then transfer the line to one of the other reels. Pay attention to the counter readings and fill the other two reels accordingly. I use 20lb cheap bass pro line as backing.

Duane

[Dave in Mpls]

Option (1) is not an option, as the counter will not read accurately if the spool is less than full. 4given offers good advice - spool one backwards (desired length of 10# then top off with cheap backing) then transfer to another reel. The third reel may be a little trickier, as X hundred yards of 20# backing wound on the top half of the reel is going to be different than the same amount being wound on the bottom half (hope that makes sence!) I would fill the last reel the same as the first two, then go down to a park, unwind the entire spool, then spool it up from the other end.

Regards

[JimRK]

For backing on large capacity reels, I will use electrical tape to partially fill up the spool, and then put on 200 - 250 yards of line. Never had a walleye strip the spool, but have seen Chinook salmon make some really long runs!!!!
Works for me.:-)

[MIke2]

I had the same questions until I discovered Gander Mountains spring line sale. Up to 10lb XT or XL for $.01 per yard, installed. Now I just wait for the sale and bring in all 6 of my Diawa Linecounters and have all new line spooled. Then I know that all have the same amount of line and all of the counters read the same. Last year 6 linecounters and 6 spinning reels cost me $27. I can live with that.

Mike2

[Shed Hunter]

go buy 2 spools of cabelas pro line. will run you $5.99 a piece great line for the price. 1 spoll has 1350/yards of line

[bucko]

i would use backing so you keep all reels the same . i have the diawa counters . i put 1000 ft of 10 pd eagle claw line in one color for the backing. then i put 500 ft of 10 pd trilene xt in green . then when i put new line on i will only put the 500 ft of trilene . it will keep all your reels the same . hope this helps

[JBL]

The advice you've already gotten is good. Take the first reel, put your 150yds or whatever of your good line on first, tie the lines together with a uni to uni splice, or a blood knot, then fill the reel clear to the top with 20# cheapy mono backing, cut it off. Tie the end of the backing from spool #1 onto spool #2, reset the counter to zero, reel the backing onto the second reel, (wives or girlfriends are great for holding the first rod while you do this, heheh) STOP and note the counter number when you reach the end of the backing. Yes, the counter will have been going in reverse, that's ok. But now you know how much backing to put on the other two reels. The number of feet displayed may not be accurate, but it will be the right amount of line. Just reset the counter to zero when you put the backing on the next reel and crank to that number.

I did 4 reels this way tonight. The reason I like backing is if I have a big tangleup and have to cut a bunch of line off, all I have to do is strip down to the backing and add 450 ft of powerpro so my counters remain accurate.

I bought one of those battery powered line strippers today, ($10) those things are great, saved a ton of time and arm fatigue taking off the old line!

[dkooser]

Thanks for all the tips especially the one about putting the line on reel B, 10 lb first, then the backing and then transfering to reel A. Makes me go "duh", I should have thought of that one. Happy trolling to all, fact is I'd be doing it this weekend if it was not the last weekend of Pheasant in Kansas. Thanks again!

[Dave in Mpls]

What JBL said!!

Just come over here and kick me in the corn!

Regards

[MOeyez]

Hey dkooser, let me know how those reels work out for you. I wrote the copy for them in the Bass Pro catalog. There was an earlier thread asking about them, but due to legal reasons I couldn't address those specific questions. One of the posters had it right--there are very few manufacturers who build reels. Please note that the gear ratio is actually 5.1:1, not 4.2:1 as stated in the description. (Sorry) Good luck!

Mike

[RDJ]

On the high volume reels that I have taken up unwanted spool space on, I've just used inexpensive cotton string(diameter like butchers string)and wound on enough to fill spool to the point at which I wanted to start my mono. To hide the tag end of the string, simply take a 10" or so long piece of mono and form it into a U shape and wrap the bell end(leave about 1" sticking out)under the last layer or two of string. Cut the string and run the tag end through the loop end of mono sticking out from under the string,while holding on to tag end of string pull on cut ends of mono and it will pull the tag end under the layers of string which will (1)secure it so it cannot unravel(2)hide it so it does not form a lump under your layers of mono. This is nothing more than how you tie off serving on bow strings or rod guides. Make sure you wrap the string fairly tight on the spool to form a good solid base for the mono to fill over. This has always worked for me but some of the ideas above sound great as well. Good luck, RJ

[rmitchel]

MoEyeze:

I tried to read between the line to understand what you are saying, but could not. I also, did a search and could not find the thread that you were referring to. Any hints? I assume that the Bass Pro trolling reels are made by .....

MathMan

[MOeyez]

Mathman, the simple truth is, I can't tell you who makes them. Take your best guess based on the description, and you'll probably be halfway there. But remember, in most cases, Brand X doesn't make Brand X reels. Most are made overseas by companies no one here ever heard of. It's just like golf balls--about 4 bazillion brands out there, but only 3 major manufacturers.

Sorry--I come to Walleye Central as a fisherman, but I will use my position/knowledge to help other walleye folk out when I can. It's a thin line to walk, though, because I really don't want anyone here to think I'm trying to sell them something. Mostly I'm here to learn, just like you!

As far as the new line counter reel goes, I'm sure its performance will speak for itself over time--for better or worse.

Mike