Information about Gel Spun backing

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

http://www.midcurrent.com/news/archives/000399.html

For people planning on fly fishing for 100 pound plus salt water gamefish, here is some inforamtion about Gel Spun backing from MidCurrent.

http://www.midcurrent.com/

[Hairstacker]

Great site Bill, thanks!! I feel like someone who was just handed a free stack of fly fishing magazines.

[Darian]

After reading the article, my concerns about using Gel-Spun on my Abel saltwater reel remain unchanged.... Probably my own fears/prejudice but I'm not sold on gel-spun; still like braided dacron backing . For all of the negative reasons detailed in the article and a big one not highlighted (potential cuts or loss of portions of digits ), I'm gonna wait for more evidence.

Having lots of backing is good if you're stationed on an immovable platform or one not easily moved.... Last year at East Cape, the Marlin I had on would make run's while the panga captain would follow. Thus, even tho I was tired, the equipment held and the backing was not seriously depleted until the fish was released.... .

Think I'll stick to the dacron for now....

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Darian,

I had talked with both Lefty Kreh and Ted Juracsik of Tibor Reel and they had no need personally for Gel Spun at that time.

I don't think any of us need it unless we are after big salt water gamefish that are well over 100 pounds.

They use 300 yards of 30# Dacron for large Tarpon (200#) and large Sailfish (120#).

Large (over 200#) Tuna and Marlin are another story where 600 yards is not uncommon so Gel Spun would be good there.

We do have a few customers who are after those big boys.