[PeteyHD]

I think we all understand the benefits of Top Shots, but I agree with the point Kmaty is making. I use a Top Shot on all my braided set ups but only go up and down the length of the rod and a few cranks around the reel. This is super beneficial to casting, jigging, re-rigging, and tying rigs straight on such as blackfishing. There are some guys who just use too much top shot and end up fishing entirely mono topshot in shallow water (which is pointless as Kmaty mentioned).

The only other us of top shots which I wouldn't really call a top shot is for pelagic fishing. I would prefer to call this braid backing instead of mono topshot. This method (which I don't use) allows reels to hold more line while fishing primarily mono. If the tuna, sword, etc. goes for a big run then the braid will be exposed. The only benefit to this is extra capacity, but you have to remember that there is an extra knot in the equation and these big tunas will take advantage of any weak points. Obviously top shot for tuna jigging is another story.