Baitcast Reel Backing?

[jolicious]

I know, I know - Not a Beaver Lake specific question.

But, y'all are the brothers I talk to most on here, so that's why I am asking in this forum.

Has anyone on here used electrical tape for backing on a baitcast reel? I don't mean just a layer for tying braided line - I mean several wraps so that no true backing line is used?

Just several wraps of electrical tape and then main line.

I wonder if that would work? If it would, I would think it would be cheaper than using even the cheapest monofilament for backing?

[Feathers and Fins]

Yes sir I have many times.

Tie your knot to the spool just like you would any other reel.

Then move the line to one of the sides and wrap the tape to the desired thickness.

When you get to the end move the line to the center of the tape and put your final piece over the line.

Start spooling and your done.

[jolicious]

Thanks bubba

[Wayne SW/MO]

No. You generally want something that will hold it's bulk. The best thing is a braid, whatever is cheap. You can use cheap mono and it isn't to bad, but it will absorb water and swell, where the braid won't swell and the fibers are waterproof.. Dacron is a good braid to use and cheaper then the super braids.

[showmebass]

Just be careful that you have the tape evenly distributed around the spool. I bought a couple of used Shimano Citicas once where the original owner used electrical tape for backing. On one of the reels he had done a poor job of applying the tape, and it was quite lopsided. I discovered that I had to replace some of the inner workings because they had been damaged due to thousands of casts on his out-of-balance setup.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Something solid like electrical tape will change the reels ability to cast some lure eights. When you make a cast the lure has to start the spool and the more energy to do that will be deducted from the distance.

[Dutch]

I used to till I started buying my line in 5,000 ft. spools. Now I take it all off.

[gramps50]

I have never tried it as above but to limit backlashes when learning I wrapped a layer of splicing tape. I liked it better as it didn't leave any sticky glue behind, it will only stick to itself.