Topshotting with mono

[fishon79]

Just a question about this, why would you topshot with mono? I know people who usually use braided line use mono as backing, so why would someone do the opposite and use braided as backing and top shotting with mono? I was just curious because I want to change to braided. I'm setting up my rig for bottom fishing from a boat anywhere from 80-300ft depths. Is it better to use mono backing then braided or braided then topshotting with mono. I want to use either 80-100lb test mono/braid.

[Carnivore]

Can't say back there but out on the west coast we top shot with mono. Braid lasts for more seasons this way you can just replace the top 100 or so yards and not all the line and with braid being so visible you can just tie your setups to the mono and not have to leader it all the time. I usually use all mono but my bigger stuff has a braid backing with a lesser topshot. Other reason but would work in reverse you can put more braid on but the main reason and not sure why anyone would top shot braid is the braid will pull down through the mono if alot of drag is played to a fish and the mono on the bottom is the slightest bit loose. I know of 3 people so far this season that did just that. Lost the fish and had to cut out all the mono and some of the braid too.

[tiggere]

I went the mono for backing just because I couldn't afford to pay for solid braid...I have 250 yards of 30# mono then 300 yards of 65# braid...I run a 6 foot leader with two dropper loops and a surgeon loop at the bottom for the weight and a 100# barrel swivel up top...the mono leader is 65# fluorocarbon...and I use a 125# snap swivel tied to the braid...this lets me swap premade rigs real quick...if you don't want to use mono just have your dealer spool the whole thing with braid...it just costs more...If I have a fish that can run 300 yards of braid off without being able to move on him then he's probably more than I can handle anyhow :)

[Sinker]

As I understand it and how I use it:


Mono Backing - This is done to reduce the cost of having to spool an entire reel with braid.

Mono Top Shot - This is done so that you still have the benefits of the mono characteristics. Some line stretch both serving as a type of shock leader and reducing the risk of pulling hooks. This is how my off-shore gear is loaded, especially the big guns - the 80 wides have approximately 1200 feet of Spectra with a 300 foot top shot of mono.

Straight Spectra - Rarely is this seen as most will use a small leader usually of Fluorocarbon or Mono Leader material. On my inshore gear this is how I rig it with maybe three feet of Floro Leader.
Even with the Butterfly Jigging Systems that rely on the full length of Spectra they employ a 25' Fluorocarbon Leader.

[fishon79]

thank you for all the helpful info!!