Bought a conventional bait casting reel that holds 12lb max

I want to use my new reel for salmon and big rockfish fishing. What kind of braid should I use, backing, and if so, top shot? Thanks!

I just back it with electrical tape then fill the line with powerpro slick braid. Seems to have worked well enough on all my reels so far.

I just back it with electrical tape then fill the line with powerpro slick braid. Seems to have worked well enough on all my reels so far.

Yup, a little bit of electrical tape to keep it from slipping and then I use the regular power pro braid because I'm cheap.

You could also spool 6" of mono then tie the braid to the mono.i like this method cause it doesn't leave any residue on the spool

As for braid, I like Sufix 832. For one thing, it doesn't seem to cut my skin quite so easily as some other brands (although, of course, you still need to be careful with it).

As for braid, I like Sufix 832. For one thing, it doesn't seem to cut my skin quite so easily as some other brands (although, of course, you still need to be careful with it).

Yes on the Sufix 832, for me 30ib in ghost

You bought a bait casting reel that holds 12lb. max line and you want to catch salmon and big rockfish I hope you have plenty of skill with that combo. Salmon in open water should work o.k. but rockfish might be stretching its limits. Good luck.

It worked ! Now I just need better braid because it either broke on fish teeth or the structures. So far love my new cheaply kastking reel! Fun fun catching rockfish and Lings!

It worked ! Now I just need better braid because it either broke on fish teeth or the structures. So far love my new cheaply kastking reel! Fun fun catching rockfish and Lings!

Use mono-leader.  Braid is strong but breaks easy when nick.

I tried this method on how to spool braid on a baitcaster, and it seemed to work really well without the need for electrical tape:



And as far as the braid breaking off goes, add a top shot of mono to the end of your line, or use pre-tied leaders.  For the top shot most people start off with a uni-uni knot to join the lines together.  But an Alberto knot is my favorite so far, but a little harder to tie.

And as far as the braid breaking off goes,............., or use pre-tied leaders.

I'm all for pre tied leaders. I use a 2 foot leader with a duo-lock on each end. I pre make a bunch of leaders and store them on an old fishing line spool. I tie a swivel on the end of my braid, then snap my leader on. On the other end I snap my jig on (or hook if you use bait). Anytime you break off or notice your leader is getting frayed you just unsnap it and attach a new one. Very little down time and you don't get seasick tying knots.

I tried this method on how to spool braid on a baitcaster, and it seemed to work really well without the need for electrical tape:



And as far as the braid breaking off goes, add a top shot of mono to the end of your line, or use pre-tied leaders.  For the top shot most people start off with a uni-uni knot to join the lines together.  But an Alberto knot is my favorite so far, but a little harder to tie.

+1  Great method for getting braid on a reel so it won't slip. And we use braid for almost all reels and a topshot. Double Uni to connect.

Okay, low-profile baitcast reels are designed for high diameter line (thinner line tends to wedge itself in the spool, making it easy to backlash) so anything under 30# is a no-go if you're using braided. I personally like to put layer of 12# mono for backing (since its about the same diameter), just thick enough to cover the spool, then tie on 50# power pro (not super slick, I'll get to that in a minute) with an FG knot or a double-uni knot. Then I basically fill the spool, and tie on a mono or fluoro leader that suits the situation.

The super slick power pro is absolutely tits; I love the stuff. The only reason I don't use it is because the most readily available color is like, highlighter green, which is fine in low-vis waters, but I took it out on a clear lake and was immediately like "NOPE!" Actually put that rod down and switched to a lighter spinning outfit for the rest of the day, because I could see my line going like 15 feet under the surface. The smoky gray fireline is pretty good too, but it tangles pretty easily. Honestly a full spool of 50# power pro original has treated me great and it's pretty smooth in my opinion.

Here is a source for any knot you might need while fishing:
http://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/all_fishing_knots
Just mouse over each knot to see its purpose/use, and click it to get a diagram with step by step instructions and an animation of how to tie it. Hope this helps!

I have taken this Kast King Baitcaster reel out about 4 times in the salt and it so far has held up well! I caught 3 lings from 24-28in and just recently a 25in ling, along with some big rockfish. I have also pulled in a bat ray with it! For a cheap reel, it has done more then I had expected on 30lb braid. Not bad for a $40 reel. Just wanted to share