How much backing line do I need for Atlantic salmon?

[fishingeek]

Hi Everybody,

I am going to be fishing for broodstock Atlantic salmon and is curious about how much line do you need for them. The fish sizes will range from 8-15lbs maybe a few pushing in the 20's. Just to be on the safe side how much do I need?

[rob-s]

    fill your spool

[jimmyclaude]

In my limited experiance ..... fill it up, cause man do they run... and don't put your tip-ups close cause they will run and tangle them ALL up too!

[Pasquatch]

Probably more line than you have. I've seen 4-5lb LL Salmon run 80 yards in under a minute...I think a 15 lb fish would just rip!

Would be a lot of fun though. 8)

-Wes

[BigCougar]

I am going to be fishing for broodstock Atlantic salmon and is curious about how much line do you need for them.

Never fished for them through the ice, but the amount of line will depend on the Lb test you want to use.  If you spool 10Lb-12Lb line, you should be able to stop a fish in the first 100m.   With a 8Lb, I would say 150m-200m will still be plenty.
Your drag should be set right and the knots better be good.

[TheBigPickerel]

Use a heavier leader, and you won't need much backing,  that's my plan.  I've let fish like large trout run a little and they've broke off or gotten tangled in a dock 30 yards away.  I like to just haul 'em in with heavy tackle.  I've only caught two salmon one at 5 pounds and the other a little bigger, so I'm no pro.