Prepping smaller spinning reels for braid

Started by kriznol, March 08, 2026, 03:22:14 AM

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kriznol

I've had good results prepping my conventional saltwater reels for braid with Yamalube and athletic tape.

Now I have a few smaller spinning reels that I'd like to spool with braid. 2000/3000 sizes that will only see fresh water, and some 4000/5000 sizes that will see salt.

Should I be prepping these reels just like my conventional reels? Or is there a better way?

Keta

Flex-wrap/vet-wrap is what I would use.  Grease is not needed for 100% freshwater use.
Hi, my name is Lee and I have a fishing gear problem.

I have all of the answers, yup, no, maybe.

A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.
Mark Twain

boon

By the time you Flex-wrap a 2000-size spool you've probably lost 5% or more of the capacity. Tie direct to the spool and pack the braid on tight and you won't have issues, you're not going to be using enough drag to create problems.

cbar45

Unless you need the capacity a full spool of braid offers—-I'd tie directly to the spool using 50-100 yds of suitably sized mono backing, then top with 150-200 yds of braid.

Keta

#4
Quote from: cbar45 on March 09, 2026, 05:40:34 AMUnless you need the capacity a full spool of braid offers—-I'd tie directly to the spool using 50-100 yds of suitably sized mono backing, then top with 150-200 yds of braid.

10' of "backing" is more than enough to keep the braid from slipping on the spool.  I prefer to use Daccron over mono.

Quote from: boon on March 09, 2026, 03:45:57 AMBy the time you Flex-wrap a 2000-size spool you've probably lost 5% or more of the capacity.

Vet-Wrap/Flex-Wrap compresses when spoiling line on a reel  and does not take up much space.
Hi, my name is Lee and I have a fishing gear problem.

I have all of the answers, yup, no, maybe.

A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.
Mark Twain

cbar45

#5
Quote from: Keta on March 09, 2026, 01:18:44 PM
Quote from: cbar45 on March 09, 2026, 05:40:34 AMUnless you need the capacity a full spool of braid offers—-I'd tie directly to the spool using 50-100 yds of suitably sized mono backing, then top with 150-200 yds of braid.

10' of "backing" is more than enough to keep the braid from slipping on the spool.  I prefer to use Daccron over mono.



Hello,

I use that length, too, when more capacity needed. Curious why you prefer Dacron over mono?

Reason for the first 50-100 yds mono on a small spinner is cost effectiveness, as this bottom portion may never see water.

The mono "backing" is usually good for at least another season when it's time to change the braid.

Keta

Dacron grips better than mono but mono works.  Small diameter braid is not that expensive and I would use less backing. 

The arbor knot I prefer involves a spliced loop in the hollow Dacron. 

Most of my spooling is 50# and up on conventional reels.
Hi, my name is Lee and I have a fishing gear problem.

I have all of the answers, yup, no, maybe.

A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.
Mark Twain

cbar45


nunc



Prepping Smaller Spinning Reels for Braid
Quote from: Keta on March 09, 2026, 04:06:40 PMThe arbor knot I prefer involves a spliced loop in the hollow Dacron


hollow core spliced loop ... √ check ... arbor knot ... √ check


but a hollow core spliced loop arbor knot escapes me, are you able to elaborate a little on how that works

 nunc




Keta

#9
It is easy to do but hard to explain but I will try.  Somewhere on the internet is videos of similar methods and I will try to find them. 

I first tape the spool with vet wrap, put the spliced loop around the arbor and run the tag end through the loop with the tag end going back the way it came so loop pinches on the spool.  Run the tag end under itself 2-4 times then finish with either a double 1/2 hitch or Resoto.  spool asmuch "backing" as wanted, I cover the spool, and then tye, or splice if the Spectra is hollow, the "mainline" to the daccron.  Spool under heavy presure.

It takes a bit longer but that is how I do it.
Hi, my name is Lee and I have a fishing gear problem.

I have all of the answers, yup, no, maybe.

A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.
Mark Twain