Reel Repair by Alan Tani

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?

Flex-wrap/vet-wrap is what I would use.  Grease is not needed for 100% freshwater use.

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.

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.

Quote from: cbar45 on Today at 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 Today at 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.

Quote from: Keta on Today at 01:18:44 PM

Quote from: cbar45 on Today at 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.

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.

Keta, thanks for sharing.