Backing question

Has anyone ever tried or heard of using more than one type of backing? I prefer Dacron but my reels capacity isn’t quite what I want for bonefish. I was wondering if it would work to do fly line followed by around 100 or so yards of Dacron then the rest gel spun just in case I get a big one. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have had many people request braided fishing lines for capacity. Have used it before myself with no issues. It will slice your fingers with a large fish if you aren’t careful. Good luck with your decision man. Have fun catching bones


experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s

  1. the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation

  2. that thing you get just moments after you needed it.

Don’t use braid… it’s not the same as gel spun…

Its not uncommon at all to load a bunch of gel-spun backing and top it off with 100yds or so of dacron… I usually bimini to bimini connect the two together… I’ve done this for tarpon… never had a problem with it…

But if you can get 200-250 of dacron on your reel… (which you should if you’re using the appropriate sized reel for an 8-9wt) then you don’t need anymore… my largest bone to date was a little over 10lbs… she only took about 100 yds of backing off before I stopped her… The only time I really worry about packing on alot of backing is for big game… tarpon/billfish/tuna…

hope this helps…

Mad Mike

"to hell with insane… I’m OUTsane!!! "

Thanks mike. I keep reading make sure you have 200+ and I can fit somewhere between 150-200 of 20 lb Dacron on a lamson velocity 3x all maxed out. Figured if I could manage 250 total between the two I’d have no worries. Glad to know it’s been done and can work. Thanks again.

Hey Mike, what’s the difference between Gel Spun Backing and Dynemma or Spectra Braid. From what I have read nothing was differentiated between the two. Thanks man.


experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s

  1. the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation

  2. that thing you get just moments after you needed it.

The two are made of similar materials… but Gel spun fly-backing is woven differently… it’s flat, not round… makes it lay down and pack tighter… also its colored with gel infused into the fibers vs. a wax layer that you’ll see on most braids like power pro…

Also its thinner… so once again, more capacity…

It will cut ya though… watch your fingers…

Mad Mike

"to hell with insane… I’m OUTsane!!! "