Backing line ?

In the interest of not loading an entire reel with braid and saving some $$$, what are your recomendations on backing line. How much should be backing?  1/3rd of the capacity or ? Do you usually go with a lighter test or the same # test ?
What's your preferred knot for mono to braid? Uni or?

I usually go with 1/3 to 1/4 capacity, mono line backing.  For mono to braid, I always tie improved albright knot.  That has never failed me for bass fishing and have yet to fail me on the ocean.  I suppose a uni knot might be less bulky.

I fill to 95% capacity and top with a couple feet of mono that I tie with a Uni to Uni. Both my frshwater and saltwater gear get the same treatment. The braid lasts so long so it's worth it to me in the long run.
The uni knot is simple and efective.

I pool my reels with 100% braid and use mono leaders.  Also reversed the braid once a year and replace it every 2 years.

I fill to 95% capacity and top with a couple feet of mono that I tie with a Uni to Uni. Both my frshwater and saltwater gear get the same treatment. The braid lasts so long so it's worth it to me in the long run.
The uni knot is simple and efective.

For my saltwater rigs I fill about 1/4 of the reel with mono ( I use 30lb or 40lb) then braid. I top it like Juan does.
I use uni-to-uni, but have heard a double surgeons knot works well with mono-to-braid.

I pool my reels with 100% braid and use mono leaders.  Also reversed the braid once a year and replace it every 2 years.

Can I have your 2 year old braid?

-Allen

I pool my reels with 100% braid and use mono leaders.  Also reversed the braid once a year and replace it every 2 years.

Can I have your 2 year old braid?

-Allen

No doubt. I think the braid on most of my reels is at least four years old.

Can I have your 2 year old braid?

I was thinking the same thing.  I don't fish that much but I put my braid on about 4 years ago and it still seems to be doing it's job.    Has anyone had any trouble with it weakening?  I don't think I'd trust it if I was going on a long range trip but for our local fish I think its still doing just fine.

Can I have your 2 year old braid?

I was thinking the same thing.  I don't fish that much but I put my braid on about 4 years ago and it still seems to be doing it's job.    Has anyone had any trouble with it weakening?  I don't think I'd trust it if I was going on a long range trip but for our local fish I think its still doing just fine.

I'm with you, Angel. I'm actually going to go change all of mine out this week.....but only because I'm using the Islander Trip as an excuse to do so.

Can I have your 2 year old braid?

I was thinking the same thing.  I don't fish that much but I put my braid on about 4 years ago and it still seems to be doing it's job.    Has anyone had any trouble with it weakening?  I don't think I'd trust it if I was going on a long range trip but for our local fish I think its still doing just fine.

I'm with you, Angel. I'm actually going to go change all of mine out this week.....but only because I'm using the Islander Trip as an excuse to do so.

Can I have your old braid too?

-Allen

I pool my reels with 100% braid and use mono leaders.  Also reversed the braid once a year and replace it every 2 years.

Can I have your 2 year old braid?
-Allen

Don't want to take chance loosing a fish of a life time    I'll save my 2 years old braid for you Allen.  I bought the braids in big spools to keep the cost down.

After my recent experience at GS7 with bad braid on a used reel,  I no longer have confidence in the durability of braid The reel came from a source who is an expert and someone who would take care of their equipment.

i think the braid on my favorite reel is probably 6 years old now. never had a problem with it. i think i might have reversed it once two years ago.
i always back with 30lb berkeley big game mono to save $$, prevent line slippage and braid digging in.  i use an alberto knot for braid to mono.

100% braid and mono leader as well. I really don't like the idea of having 2 lines joint together. Like Sailfish, I buy my braid in bulk spool. It'll save you money in the long run. I don't reAlly replace my line unless I have to. I only cut a portion where it's frayed. That's usually 3ft from the leader.

If you're going this direction, make sure you check the amount of line you have left from time to time. I ended up reaching my spool one time from all the intentional cutting and snag (from surf fishing).

Can I have your 2 year old braid?

I was thinking the same thing.  I don't fish that much but I put my braid on about 4 years ago and it still seems to be doing it's job.    Has anyone had any trouble with it weakening?  I don't think I'd trust it if I was going on a long range trip but for our local fish I think its still doing just fine.

i didn't know braid has a shelf life.i only change it out when it starts turning white