FS Digest

Hello guys,

I am considering purchasing a PENN Battle III Surf Spinning Combo for saltwater surf fishing (hi-lo rig, 2-3oz sinkers).


Stats for the reel:

Size - 5000

Line Capacity - 15/200

Braid Capacity - 30/300

Line Weight - 12-25 lbs


I will also buy these lines:

PowerPro Braided Spectra Fiber Microfilament Line - 300 Yards, 20lb

Berkley Trilene XT Extra Tough Line Filler Spools (mono) - 270 Yards, 20lb


A couple of questions

Is it ok to use 20lb mono as backing with 20lb braid?

How much mono do I put on the reel before I attach the braid to it? Do I put 150 yards of mono and the rest braid?

Are there markers on the reel to know how much has been spooled on the reel already?

Anything else I have missed?

Thank you so much

--
by linuxrssx

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

I go straight braid on my reels, no backer. Reel you're talking about has line capacity rings on the spool. Don't use Penn reels myself, but lots of folks love them

DC Loc: Washington state

with a 30/300 capacity for braid I personally would just fill it with 30lb braid if that is what you want and skip the mono. I know it will cost more since braid is about half the size of mono but braid will last longer and there will be one less splice in your line. I am sure others will chime in and have different opinions but I personally think once you get below 30lb braid which is equivalent to 8 mono it gets harder to work with and is easier to wrap around the tip of your pole and harder to untangle when it gets tangled on something and I don't think you gain much if anything by going smaller. I use 30 fresh water and 50 on my salt water reels

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

I agree with DC I don't use any backer just braid . If i'm fishing heavy, after 4 months I spool it onto another real as the braid past 100 yds doesn't have much wear.

BruceI Loc: Canton ohio

I typically use 30# suffix 832 braid on all my surf reels..reels are Penn Slammers..4500,6500, and a 7500LC( not a slammer)…..if I can get 600 yards I fill them up but if I can only get 300, then I use copolymer backing….to make sure I finish off where I want I put the braid on first, fill it up to to alittle under 1/8” from the spool lip…then I take the mono and braid off…put the mono on for backing and put the braid on top…then add a 40# shock leader with an FG knot…I have a couple of empty line spools I put a bolt thru so I can use an electric drill for taking the line off and reversing things…spool fill can effect casting distance..also note as your filling the reel how the line is spooling…needs to be even so you may have to add/remove shim washers under the spool arbor..usually extra washers in reel box..

4DaFryer Loc: Romeoville, IL

Some reels are "braid-ready" with no need for adding backing. If not, you can add a WRAP of electical tape to the spool to prevent slippage.

richardseewald

If in doubt, go to YOUTUBE! I asked the same question, do you put monofilament on before braid. Their answer is yes ( Roland Martin Professional Bass Fisherman), to keep braid from spinning inside your reel. But, don’t take my word, or especially these other two replies, go to YOUTUBE for your answer.