backing for tuna

packer · 04-11-2010, 11:01 AM

New 12wt rod and reel getting ready to load up the reel , one spool for live bait , planning on 50 yards of 30 lb mono and the other spool will have an intermediate sinking , I was thinking of using 60 lb hollow core for backing just in case i hook up a good fish ,the mono will probably get used for a little trolling also , any thoughts or recommendations

Jad Donaldson · 04-11-2010, 12:16 PM

Packer,

I am assuming that we are talking about the Albacore in OR or are we talking about yellowtails, bluefins in the gulf of Mexico or somewhere else?

Not really sure what the "live bait" fly rod set up is...IMO just use a spin/casting rod for that. It's really not fly fishing. If you decide to troll your fly rod, a couple of things:
1: Placing a swivel within the leader will minimize the effects of line twist
2. Choose your fly carefully. Some designs twist way more than others
3. Everytime! On the way back to shore (done fishing) remove the leader and fly and drag your line behind the boat for a while...this will untwist the line

For the fly set-up, you will want 2 spools rigged. One with a Saltwater intermediate, and one with a deep sinking set-up. SA bluewater and Airflo's depthfinder, Rio's leviathon, etc... in 500-700 grains will do the trick. Keep the leaders short, but longer than the length of the fish or else the tuna's tail will thrash the fly line to pieces. All you need for backing, provided that the reel is large enough is 30# dacron saltwater backing. Having 60 # hollowcore serves no point if the breaking strength of the flyline is 30#.

30# dacron works just fine, doesn't cut your hands, doesn't bite into itself and lays flat under tension.

PM me if you have any specific questions

Best Fishes,

Capt. Jad Donaldson

Keta · 04-11-2010, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packer

New 12wt rod and reel getting ready to load up the reel , one spool for live bait , planning on 50 yards of 30 lb mono and the other spool will have an intermediate sinking , I was thinking of using 60 lb hollow core for backing just in case i hook up a good fish ,the mono will probably get used for a little trolling also , any thoughts or recommendations

I know where there is some 60lb JB hollow but I'd recommend 40lb hollow.

Jad, hollow Spectra lays flat and does not cut in as bad as solid will. You still have to watch out for line cuts.

camA · 04-12-2010, 10:57 AM

if i were u, i would go with either spiderwire so you can get as smooth of a braid as possible, or i would go with hollow core spectra braid.

clarkman23 · 04-12-2010, 11:02 AM

I used 50lb power pro & had zero issues with it.

but, my only time doing this was once last year, whereas Jad takes groups (I was lucky enough to be in one of those groups) out all the time and really knows his stuff, especially when it comes to big burly saltwater fish that will wreak havoc on a lot of gear. The weakest point will probably be somewhere on the terminal end anyway, so 30lb I'm sure is plenty.

~Randy

camA · 04-12-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarkman23

I used 50lb power pro & had zero issues with it.

but, my only time doing this was once last year, whereas Jad takes groups (I was lucky enough to be in one of those groups) out all the time and really knows his stuff, especially when it comes to big burly saltwater fish that will wreak havoc on a lot of gear. The weakest point will probably be somewhere on the terminal end anyway, so 30lb I'm sure is plenty.

~Randy

hey man, when you connect your backing to the fly line, do you make a blood knot? or like a nail knot or what? im trying to learn new knots to make the smoothest transition as possible

clarkman23 · 04-12-2010, 11:08 AM

I used an albright knot and then coated it. It's really really strong but can be a little bulky (coating it with knot-sense helps it glide through the guides more smoothly). A lot of folks who fish salt use it, there are certainly other knots that are a little less bulky, but that's the one that has worked really well for me. shoot Jad an email, he'll hook you up with other kinds of knots--or if he sees this, he'll chime in.

Jad Donaldson · 04-16-2010, 08:22 PM

My suggestion for connecting backing to flyline would depend on the flyline and the backing type, but to make a long story short:
1. Normal 30# Dacron to standard fly line
- Back to back nail knot with the coating removed from flyline
2. Spectra to Fly line
- Back to back nail knot with spectra doubled and coating removed from flyline
3. Loop to Loop
- Whipped(3x) 50 lb mono loop to either a blind splice loop in 30# Dacron OR doubled over bimini loop in Spectra

Another reseason to use 30#...it works and is cheap. I can show all of you 2 trevally over 80 Lbs as well as a 130+ lb. yellowfin all landed using 30# dacron. If anyone wants to see how this is done, just stop by the shop. I am generally in Saturdays for sure, otherwise just give a call. I will be in Mexico guiding for Roosterfish from May 15-June 7th though.

packer · 04-16-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jad Donaldson

My suggestion for connecting backing to flyline would depend on the flyline and the backing type, but to make a long story short:
1. Normal 30# Dacron to standard fly line
- Back to back nail knot with the coating removed from flyline
2. Spectra to Fly line
- Back to back nail knot with spectra doubled and coating removed from flyline
3. Loop to Loop
- Whipped(3x) 50 lb mono loop to either a blind splice loop in 30# Dacron OR doubled over bimini loop in Spectra

Another reseason to use 30#...it works and is cheap. I can show all of you 2 trevally over 80 Lbs as well as a 130+ lb. yellowfin all landed using 30# dacron. If anyone wants to see how this is done, just stop by the shop. I am generally in Saturdays for sure, otherwise just give a call. I will be in Mexico guiding for Roosterfish from May 15-June 7th though.

My only concern with the dacron was getting enough on the reel to keep from getting spooled fishing in deep water , I have no idea how much of a run a 35lb albie could make , what do you think , is 300 yards enough backing

camA · 04-17-2010, 07:34 AM

i was just wondering for tuna mainly cuz they are little speedy footballs, if you may need a different type of knot at the end of the backing. i was almost thinking like inchworming the backing onto the fly line, and making it so tight, that i wont come off. thats the smoothest way i could think of

Jad Donaldson · 04-19-2010, 01:34 PM

Packer,

Most of my reels have 250 yds of 30# Dacron. I have never run out. 300 yds is plenty.

Hazelnut · 04-19-2010, 10:49 PM

If anyone wants to see how this is done, just stop by the shop. I am generally in Saturdays for sure, otherwise just give a call. I will be in Mexico guiding for Roosterfish from May 15-June 7th though.[/QUOTE]

Maybe this is stated somewhere, but what shop? I'm always looking to improve my connections. Lost to many fish because of it.

LunkerFish · 04-21-2010, 12:22 PM

Jad works out of Kaufmann's in Tigard. He tends to frighten children and small animals but he's a good guy.

Jad Donaldson · 05-03-2010, 08:17 PM

Thanks guys...but you guys are killing me.

You can link to me through my profile. I proudly am employed by Kaufmann's in Tigard.

Always glad to help, although these days I watch the Salty Dogs pages just as much as the Flyfishers section. Now just waiting for the tuna to come in close and off to Mexico in a couple weeks.

For all that don't know, I am almost always in the shop Saturday as I try not to guide weekends. The rest of the week is a crapshoot. Let me know how I can help...

Jad