The use of a mono topshot with some type of backing (usually spectra) is very new to me. I have always used straight mono with a mono leader connected by a barrel swivel for bottom Mutton Snapper/Grouper fishing. I'd like to hear the benfits of using a backing as this appears to be the main way of fishing on the West coast.

Thanks,
Mac

haven spectra backing is great for a few reasons.
1) you can pack more lines on to reel
2) diameter is thinner
3) it sinks faster
4) bieng spooled by a faster/bigger fish.lol

overall, i like to use mono to mono on shorter trips 2 to 3 dayers.

longer trips, i do pack it with spectra.

the key purpose of having spectra backing is more line capacity, for longer fish runs.

just my 2 cents.

Thanks Louie!

Actually, for bottom fishing, I use straight spectra with only a mono or fluorocarbon leader. Spectra has no stretch and is much thinner than mono so you feel bites much better and there is little drift in the current. A mono top shot is best for flylining, iron and trolling, not bottom fishing.

For bottom fishing I run a 10' 50lb mono topshot with 65lb spectra. The mono breaks first if I hang bottom and I don't loose the Spectra. Spectra floats and does bad things to prop shaft seals.


The biggest benefit of Spectra for deep fishing is low stretch and it's sensitivity.

Tim,

Most smaller reels now get enough drag pressure to handle larger lines and on the left coast it's mostly a live bait fishery, so we can fish lighter gear with live bait and surface style jigs. Smaller reels will hold a smaller amount of line so some use spectra to get the yardage that whey want. As said before for bottom fishing or deep dropping spectra is a plus because of its low to no stretch and you can feel much better what’s doing on. Also on a deep drop the line is thinner and has less drag letting you use a smaller weight to get down to where you want to be.

Another benefit is you replace your mono and keep the spectra for years. A negative is learning how to reliably connect the spectra to mono.

Great stuff, guys. I appreciate all your comments.

Mac

I think the biggest down side to spectra is washing it. Nobody talks about it much but it's a pain in the "ARS". I can speak of this first hand cause I just got done servicing my long range reels and washing up the spectra. 20 reels all loaded with Spec. takes some time to stripe, wash, dry and reload. A labor of Love- Yes. But if you don't do it you'll get spool cancer.

as what t rex says, i agree.

wash the spectras, here a tip: coat your spool with chapstick, before respooling the spectra.



highend spools are not cheap, so this will help slow or stop the corrosion building on the spool.

Oh, only if it's necessary and with fishing that leaves out just about everything. A coke can and a hook on some line will work, so all mono on a reel and rod would be more than some !!!
A NET is a good start if you can't tie knots !!!