How far can you cast? 150 yards? I use mono as a backer for braid to fill up the spool some before tying the braid to the mono backer.

Braid to mono know I tie a double uni. ( At least I think that's what it's called)

Braid to lure,hook, etc I tie a Palomar knot.

If you're really cheap (like me) when the braid starts to look a little used, I'll cut it off where it's tied to the mono and reverse the braid. ie:Tie the old end of the braid to the mono and just spool it up leaving the "fresh" end of the braid at the terminal end.

I've found that if you tie braid directly to the spool, it will slip and won't reel when pressure is applied. If you want to tie the braid to the spool, wrap one or two wraps of black electrical tape to your spool first.