New reels, what line would you use?
Last Post 03 Jul 2010 02:08 PM by jchoiniere. 19 Replies.
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armstrong.jUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:107 armstrong.j
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31 Dec 2009 07:28 PM
    I got my first baitcaster reel for Christmas (spinner reels until now) on 7'0" rod. Then with the money I received from Christmas going to upgrade on old Zebco 33 reel on a fairly nice and new Rhino kevlar 5'6" rod to a baitcaster reel (yet to be purchased), and I need to put line on both of them. Planning on putting different lines (test & type) on both reels.

    What do you recommend? I'm fairly new to fishing, just started last spring, so equipment is still growing and I'm not a specific species angler. Inherited the Rhino rod with the 33 in fact. Prefer crappie and walleye, but spots I'm at typically stocked with largemouth and some smallies as well. Plus have intentions to try cats this summer. So primary factor I need lines that are going to be very versatile for multiple functions and riggings.

    I'm thinking 12lbs Fireline on the 7'0" rod, and 8lbs floro reel that on 33 replacement on the shorter rod. What would you do?

    Thanks for your opinions and all the best wishes for the New Year.
    -james Central IN
    bigbarry bigbarry
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    01 Jan 2010 05:21 AM

    IF YOU ARE NEW TO BAIT CASTERS , YOU WANT ABOUT 15 LB. MONO.  WHEN YOU GET A BACK LASH ( AND YOU WILL ) IT WILL BE EASIER TO GET IT FREE.

    ALSO

    SEE AND REVIEW ALL THE POSTS FOR BAIT CASTERS AND HOW TO USE THEM .  AS FAR AS  A BAIT CASTER ON A 5' 6" ROD YOU WILL NOT BE HAPPY.

    GOOD LUCK

    AND

    GOD BLESS

    BARRY

    LIFE MEMBER 2005

    THEBASSCOLLEGEUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:847 THEBASSCOLLEGE
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    01 Jan 2010 06:57 AM
    Hope This Helps you.   Baitcast and Bass Basics

    Northeast Bass Fishing
    Bass Class Is In Session! The Bass College
    YanosickUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:669 Yanosick
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    01 Jan 2010 01:32 PM

    I would take your new reel to the backyard and practice out there. You will for sure get backlashes, as you are new to a baitcaster. But practice makes perfect.

    bass or bass?User is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:1578 bass or bass?
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    01 Jan 2010 06:55 PM
    I use Trilene XL mono on all my reels (baitcast and spinning) except my heavy catfish rig. On that I use Trilene XT. The catfish rig is a Penn 209 on a Rhino Kevlar medium heavy rod. That's a great rod by the way. I have 12 pound mono on 2 rigs, 10 pound mono on 2 rigs, and 40 pound mono on the Penn/Rhino.
    Phoenix Arizona

    ~N.A.F.C.~B.A.S.S.~BoatU.S.~N.R.A.~
    Phoenix Arizona ~Outdoor-Fishing~N.A.F.C.~B.A.S.S.~BoatU.S.~N.R.A.~A.M.A.~
    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4095 Pegsguy
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    01 Jan 2010 08:13 PM
    When I bought my first baitcaster I spooled it with Cabela's house brand mono in 15 lb figuring that if the backlash got really bad I could cut the line off and not be out $$$$. After about 2 weeks I was able to switch to Fireline without any serious problems. As far as the 5'6" rod, you might be able to use it for short range work around docks and timber, but you sure won't get any distance out of it. My shortest casting rod is 6'6" and the others are longer. Tom
    Fishin' fool in NE Illinois
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    YanosickUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:669 Yanosick
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    02 Jan 2010 10:30 AM

    I too never go shorter than 6'6". But A 5'6" rod (or shorter) is a very good rod for pitching under docks (as long as its at least a MH action) where the lunkers live.

     

    When it comes to line, I prefer 12 lb as an all around great line.

    Brand- Berkley or Stren seem to be the best.

     

    *** Hey Tom, I've never used Cabelas line, is it any good?***

    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4095 Pegsguy
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    02 Jan 2010 03:04 PM
    The Cabela's Pro Line is roughly comparable to original Stren or Trilene XL, but a whole bunch cheaper. I use it as backing, on my loaner rods and some of my panfish rigs. I really can't complain especially when it is on sale at about $6 for a 1/4 lb spool. (2400 yds of #4, about 700 0f#20). I don't use it for leaders as I have doubts about abrasion. The price also lets me be generous respooling for the neighborhood kids when I see them down at the local pond with about 15 yds of line on their reel. Tom
    Fishin' fool in NE Illinois
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    armstrong.jUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:107 armstrong.j
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    03 Jan 2010 10:55 AM
    Wow, thank you everybody for your suggestions, I really appreciate it.

    I went to Gander Mtn and Dick's last night just to scope prices, and try and get a better idea on what I'm looking for. I also have spool of Trilene XL 12lbs that I got from the club for a book-of-the-month. I'm still learning a lot, and I was under the impression that mono was the worst because of the stretch and it's sensitivity to light and heat. I thought Floro or Fireline were supposed to be better, but it seems that the general consensus is mono is practical and very viable..... (plus it seems to be cheaper, always a plus!). I might use that on my new rod and get a different test/brand just to try to put on the new reel whenever I buy it.

    Unfortunately I am shore/dock bound (for now ) so it's not like I'm throwing for a hundred feet in open water and cranking. The 5'6" rod was my father-in-law's who passed away this June, so it was an inheritance. I want to keep the Zebco 33 for sentimental reasons just not on the rod  because it's a good rod with a lot of action, it's just not very long. He preferred spincast reels although I never really knew why.

    I will definitely be in the yard practicing as soon as it warms up, it's 9 degrees outside right now. To bloody cold for me. I'm looking forward to next month (February) is the Indy Boat Sport and Travel so I'll see if there are any good deals there.

    Again, thank you everybody.


    -james Central IN
    YanosickUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:669 Yanosick
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    03 Jan 2010 11:42 AM

    WORD OF ADVICE, NEVER USE FLUOROCARBON LINE. IT IS HORRIBLE.

    IT HAS HORRIBLE ABRASION RESISTANCE, COILS OFF THE REEL, BREAKS, AND COST 3X MORE.

     

     

    NOW SUPERLINE(BRAIDED LINE) IS VERY GOOD, ESPECIALLY WHEN FISHING IN A LAKE WITH LOTS OF VEGETATION. IT MAY BE EXPENSIVE, BUT IT LASTS A LONG TIME, HAS NO STRETCH, AND IS VERY THIN.

    slipperybobUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:1240 slipperybob
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    03 Jan 2010 10:39 PM
    Flourocarbon lines and superlines like Fireline can be better when you have the higher quality equipment to take advantage of those line properties...using reels in the $200+ range and rods over $200+.
    jchoiniereUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:23 jchoiniere
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    16 Apr 2010 07:35 PM
    I just recently bought the new 2010 quantum tour edition pt baitcasting reel. i found this off brand name line. its 10 # test monofilament. i love this stuff. i bought one 500 yrd spool for $2.99 and i think its a heck of a lot better than any big name brands like berkley. what im trying to say is dont be affraid to go bargain shopping when looking for fishing line. p.s.: i had practiced in my backyard for two years before i felt comfortable using a baitcaster. it did take a while but it was worth it.
    GONE FISHING
    THEBASSCOLLEGEUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:847 THEBASSCOLLEGE
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    23 Apr 2010 10:59 AM
    I disagree. Line is way too important to skimp on. LINE

    Northeast Bass Fishing
    Bass Class Is In Session! The Bass College
    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4095 Pegsguy
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    23 Apr 2010 02:36 PM
    I am interested to hear what the verdict is on the $3 line at the end of the season. I use that kind of crap to hang ornaments and wasp traps around the house. It also works well for stringing beads for necklaces and bracelets. Tom
    Lifer in NE Illinois
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    THEBASSCOLLEGEUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:847 THEBASSCOLLEGE
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    26 Apr 2010 10:27 AM

    Different  Types Of Lines and Applications For Bass

     

    Fluorocarbon:

     

    This type of line has advanced with leaps and bounds over the last few years. It used to be brittle, with poor knot strength and too much memory, but that has really changed. The best types of Fluorocarbon line are Triple Fish, Quattro, and Berkley. Berkley used to just have Vanish but now they offer several types of professional line. At first I hated this line but the formulation has changed and it has really improved.It is way more flexible and has better impact strength. I use this line now for all applications except for big swimbaits and topwater. The price has come down on this type of line as well.

     

    *Note* when tying a knot with Fluorocarbon make sure you wet the line well and tie it slowly as it is susceptable to friction.

     

    Braid:

    The best type of braided line is Power Pro. I have tried just about every other one and this is what I came back to and stayed with.

     

    The types of applications that are best for braid are flipping and pitching, especially around cover, and some people are happy with braided line for Rat L Traps and even spinnerbaits around heavy vegetation, although I don't use it for that myself, but it is a personal choice. I use a heavy braid when flipping or throwing a topwater like a frog into heavy mats of at least 50 pound test and many times 65. I would never use a braided line for a crankbait though under any circumstance.

     

    Mono:

    The best application for mono with the advent of the Fluorocarbon and braid is relegated now to crankbaits and some topwater baits like a Spook or Popper. In most instances, there is really no reason to use mono unless you are crankbaiting.

    If you are using mono the best brand is BerkleyTrilene, P-Line, and Suffix.

     

    I can get into all kinds of technical details on how the lines are manufactured, why each is better and/or different than the rest, different situations where you might prefer a braid or mono, etc, but if you just follow these guidelines for these applications you won't go wrong 99% of the time.

     

     


    Northeast Bass Fishing Tips and Tactics and Videos
    Bass Class Is In Session! The Bass College
    THEBASSCOLLEGEUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:847 THEBASSCOLLEGE
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    08 May 2010 07:12 PM
    Bass Class Is In Session! The Bass College
    THEBASSCOLLEGEUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:847 THEBASSCOLLEGE
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    08 May 2010 07:16 PM
    Yanosick wrote:

    WORD OF ADVICE, NEVER USE FLUOROCARBON LINE. IT IS HORRIBLE.

    IT HAS HORRIBLE ABRASION RESISTANCE, COILS OFF THE REEL, BREAKS, AND COST 3X MORE.

     

     

    NOW SUPERLINE(BRAIDED LINE) IS VERY GOOD, ESPECIALLY WHEN FISHING IN A LAKE WITH LOTS OF VEGETATION. IT MAY BE EXPENSIVE, BUT IT LASTS A LONG TIME, HAS NO STRETCH, AND IS VERY THIN.

    Wrong! Sorry read here>> You bought the wrong stuff. Honestly. This is a very misleading statement and nobody that is serious about bass using quality fluorocarbon on any tournament trail will agree with you. Sorry, but it is flat out wrong. You bought the cheap stuff and/or put it on wrong. No other explanation. LINES>> How to use them and what to buy<< click here

    Northeast Bass Fishing
    Bass Class Is In Session! The Bass College
    jchoiniereUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:23 jchoiniere
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    01 Jul 2010 11:43 PM
    i tested the line when i was out night fishing and a 15# carp snapped it like a twig i just re-spooled my reel with trilene xs 12# test line
    GONE FISHING
    slipperybobUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:1240 slipperybob
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    02 Jul 2010 02:49 PM

    So what was the name of the offbrand line?

    jchoiniereUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:23 jchoiniere
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    03 Jul 2010 02:08 PM
    it was somethin like super formula or something like that
    GONE FISHING
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