Change your backing?

[mike cozzens]

The thought just occurred to me, I have not changed my backing in years. Probably 7+ years. (not that I see it that often anway!)

Do you guys change it out every few years just to be on the safe side?

Mike

[shoot-straight]

good post, im wondering the same thing!

[spilunkr]

With my saltwater equipment I generally check my backing every couple of years because unlike with my freshwater reels there is far greater opportunity for fish to get into the backing so it must be up to the task. But, I also wash my saltwater gear after every use and every third or fourth time I pull all the line off well down into the backing and let it soak in clean water. I wind up replacing the backing about every 5 or 6 years more so to make me feel better about it than because it was breaking when being checked.

With my freshwater reels I hardly ever change the backing. I've got a couple of reels with backing that has been on them for over 15 years. I check them for breaking strength when I replace the flyline every 4 or 5 years but they still seem to be sound.

Guy

[paxfish]

Mine is dacron - it won't rot.

I just check the tag end whenever changing lines, which I seem to do a lot. Every couple of years, a new bimini gets tied when I find some fraying at the loop.

[djones]

Yes, good post. Now after hearing Spilunkr's and Paxfish's opinions, I feel validated about my approach and not negligent.

[boats]

Get a cheap Shimanno spring scale with indicator and pull on your backing until it breaks. You might be surprised. I have tested Dacron backing that's been on reels several years and broke at half rated strength.

Since most of us run backing that's 30 lbs or so you don't see how weak it may be. Few fly reels have enough drag tension to break 30 or even 15 lbs. Since the backing is back inside the reel breaking when you are boating fish is not going to happen. When he is way out there is quite a bit of elasticity in most lines particularly if they have a bow to them.

I buy in bulk and replace the larger 9 & 10 wts every year. They can hook up with something large quite easily. Inshore Speckled trout or Puppy drum outfits on 7 & 8 wts not as often. If I was going fishing for a true long runner like Bone fish would only use fresh backing and knots. Not to mention the expense of a trip south after Bones makes landing any thing hooked important.

Boats

[Wild Bill]

Excellent reply Boats.

I wrap 30 pound around my hands and pull until it digs in pretty good. If 30 pound breaks, I replace it. The scale is a better idea and less painful. I do not know if Dacron rots but it surely looses its strength after while. Mine seems to retain its strength about five years. I buy bulk spools of Cabelas Prestige bright yellow Dacron in 30 pound for my reels.

[Capt Harry]

I used to swap out every year. Mostly due to abrasion and abuse. I have seen Dacron and Spectra both unexpectedly fail twice, suspect abrasions were the cause of both. I've got all my reels but one switched over to a spectra I've been testing for backing. Running 40lb on 9wts and 60lb on 10wt up. If your running any of the spectras or super lines, you should be good for a long time aside from running it across rocks or pillings. Just check your knots and the rest for abrasion. I also just recently got in a SmartSpooler kit. The thing you stick on your drill, strip it, wash it, dry it, spool it back on. It works great, except for the little brake pads they use for tension. Basically little pieces of foam, they jam up or don't give enough tension. (You need a good amount of tension spooling on Spectra) I've only used it once so far, but when I get some time, I'll sit down and read the instructions, I might be the part not functioning correctly in the equation.
I would say if you fish Dacron, it depends on how many times you get into it, and how you treat it. Even if it looked good, I'd replace every 2 years at least, just to be safe. It sucks to hear the sceam of mercy from a bud because (a) He just lost a nice fish and (b) Gets the cherry on top as he winds the busted backing end onto the reel.
Later, Harry

[shallow thinker]

I'm with you Wild Bill. Dacron can lose strength in time. Just like I have!!!

[paxfish]

So time degrades Dacron? Are you unspooling it and storing out in the sun or something?