Spooling up Braid

[texasbasser]

My new Cabo just came in, and Im gonna try braid for the first time on it.

My question is, should I fill the spool as much as possible? or leave some space? I know with mono I usually spool up as much as possible without making it loop off the spool... I just dont want to make a mistake here. I already have the mono under the braid, about half the spool is spooled up with PP already, but Im gonna hold off finishing it until I know what to do.

Thanks,
tb

[Jrob78]

I find that if I don't fill the spool up completely I have less problems. I fill it up until I can see about 1/8th" or so of spool left. If I over fill it I tend to have more backlashes and more casting difficulties.



Edit: I just looked at my reels and 1/8th" is probably a little overkill, just make sure you can still see some spool showing on the sides.

[BigBassin144]

Definitely don't overfill it. Like Joe said, that's asking for casting and backlash problems on casting reels and more wind knots and tangles on spinning reels.

I usually go to about 1/8" from the spool on spinning reels.

BB

[islandbass]

Anywhere from 1/8" to 1/16" if you're daring. Any less or more is not ideal.

[skeeter1804]

I filll all my reels to where I can just see the edges of the spool. Don't know if it's right or wrong but it works for me.

[Rebbasser]

TB, I spool it up just like I spool up mono. Never had a problem.

[texasbasser]

Alright thanks, I did and it seems to be just fine.

TB

[ontariofisherman]

what's the best thing to use to cut the braid.

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by ontariofisherman

what's the best thing to use to cut the braid.

Braided line scissors or fishing pliers with tungsten carbide cutters.

If you have a very sharp pair of scissors, or a serrated pair, they might work as well.

BB

[Jrob78]

I would recommend getting a good pair of cutters. I bought a cheap pair of Gerber braid scissors and they weren't any good at all. They would cut the braid but they didn't cut the knot off the hook very well. I'm thinking about something like this for my next braid cutter purchase.

In my experience finger nail clippers absolutely won't work for heavy braid.

Has anyone tried one of the Power Zap heat cutters? I don't think I would buy one but it's a interesting idea.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...0001&langId=-1

[Rebbasser]

I bought a small pair if sewing scissors at WalMart several years back and they are still working just fine.

[islandbass]

I used to have a pair of Rapala Braid scissors and they were awsome. Unfortunately, I accidentally had them in my hand carry on a flight and could not bring them. Fortunately, my sister-in-law was able to take them. Unfortunately, when she realized how sharp and awesome the scissors were and she makes crafts, she claimed them as hers.

I am going to see if those razor blade type of envelope openers will be practical and effective at cutting braid.

[ontariofisherman]

Has anyone tried one of the Power Zap heat cutters? I don't think I would buy one but it's a interesting idea.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...0001&langId=-1[/QUOTE]

I read somewhere on the internet that they work well but when you need to replace the ends, it's a bit of a bi#ch.

[BigBassin144]

Here's a TT review of the Berkely TEC Hotwire cutters.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewberk...inecutter.html

I bought a pair of braided line scissors at BPS before I had my fishing pliers (with Tungsten Carbide cutters) and they worked great for a while. Now they still work, just not great. The best pair of braided line scissors I have I got from NAFC Product Testing. I can't even remember the brand...

Knowing the quality of Owner brand stuff, I'd bet these would work good too.

BB

[walkeraviator]

being in the Aviation/EMS business i asked the flight nurse for a pair of scissors used to cut clothing of patients... i love free stuff... also got some hemostats for taking flies out of tiny mouths this way... i also have a pair of scissors i was given when i jaw was wired shut... i was supposed to carry them at all time in my pocket in case i had an emergency and EMS needed to cut the wires to intubate me...

[ontariofisherman]

well I don't have that store around here so i will go to bps and pick up these

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...11000_100-11-5

[HarveysMinnow]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Braided line scissors or fishing pliers with tungsten carbide cutters.

If you have a very sharp pair of scissors, or a serrated pair, they might work as well.

BB

I don’t have a lot of experience with braid, but I may have stumbled onto a suitable tool for cutting it. BB has the right idea. But first, let’s consider why braid is so difficult to cut: I believe this is because of its slick coating. This same property is what causes braid to slip on the reel spool, if it is used without backing. When we try to cut braid with most scissors, it wants to slide along the blades, unless the blades are extremely sharp and well mated.

Among the various cutters, scissors, and shears in my shop, I found a pair of small snips (see photo) which will cleanly cut the braided line that I have on hand (Berkeley Fireline 15# and 10#). The blades on these snips have an almost micro-sized serration. It is difficult to see in the photos, but you can feel it, and it feels almost like a super-fine hacksaw blade. Apparently, when braid is being cut, these serrations grab the line and prevent it from slipping along the blades. This allows for the cleanest cut that I’ve been able to achieve on braid.

Now for the bad news: I’m not certain where I got these snips. However, it’s likely that they came from one of three places – Harbour Freight Tools, Home Depot, or Lowes Home Improvements store. If anyone finds these snips or ones with a similar micro-serrated blade edge, please let the rest of us know. Meanwhile, I’ll be on the lookout for them on my next trip to any of these possible sources.

[Abbeysdad]

Originally Posted by ontariofisherman

Has anyone tried one of the Power Zap heat cutters? I don't think I would buy one but it's a interesting idea.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...0001&langId=-1

I read somewhere on the internet that they work well but when you need to replace the ends, it's a bit of a bi#ch.

I haven't used one but met and struck up a conversation with a fellow fisherman fishing a small pond - he used one and claimed they were awesome for cutting braid. Seems a little pricey to me, but I suppose there are worse things you could throw a $20 at.