20 replies to this topic

[rockchalk06]

I recently switched over to #50 pound braid on all but one set up. I have been fishing a few really small ponds with lots of trees for shelter so I haven't noticed it. With the cooler 80 degree temp and the 3" of rain this morning I hit one of the open lakes.

I swear every time I made a long cast, my line Kinda acted like a sail. I have #17 pound fluoro on my crankbait set up and didn't notice it at all.

Is this normal with #50 pound? Should I drop down to 40# for normal conditions? For what its worth I was using a 1/2oz jig with trailer and a 5" hollowed body swimbait with 1/4oz weighted hook so I don't think to light a bait was the issue.

Wind was a small 5-10 mph nothing major.

[BASSclary]

It's a characteristic of braid, only way to make is less of a problem is to drop line diameter, just the nature of the beast.

[BASSHUNTER1961]

If there is a hint of wind that's what happens. If it's dead calm I do not experience this at all.

[A-Jay]

It's the nature of the beast.

I use 30 braid w/ leader for several set ups and only go up to 50 + for the heavy cover environments.

30lb handles well, is plenty strong enough and does not blow around as bad.

A-Jay

[rockchalk06]

It's the nature of the beast.

I use 30 braid w/ leader for several set ups and only go up to 50 + for the heavy cover environments.

30lb handles well, is plenty strong enough and does not blow around as bad.

A-Jay

Will 30# dig into the spool?

[BASSHUNTER1961]

Will 30# dig into the spool?

If you hook a big fish or get hung up on heavy cover yes... but it's usually releases after the first cast, not a huge issue.

[A-Jay]

Will 30# dig into the spool?

I haven't tried them all but Power Pro & Sufix 832 braid handle just fine.

A-Jay

[SirSnookalot]

There are but 2 functions for 50# braid, tying up your tomato plants or raising the Titanic, which will you be doing? J/K about the Titanic, I'd be using 65# braid.
I don't feel there is anyplace for line that heavy for small game fishing. I know I've heard all this digging in stuff, that's why I use spinning with 15# braid when I'm targeting fish I know that are going to be less than 10# and most are smaller. I'm not into winching and dragging them in.

[rockchalk06]

There are but 2 functions for 50# braid, tying up your tomato plants or raising the Titanic, which will you be doing? J/K about the Titanic, I'd be using 65# braid.
I don't feel there is anyplace for line that heavy for small game fishing. I know I've heard all this digging in stuff, that's why I use spinning with 15# braid when I'm targeting fish I know that are going to be less than 10# and most are smaller. I'm not into winching and dragging them in.

I have always run 15# on my spinning gear but wanted to try it with my BC reels too. I went with 50# off recommendations from here due to the digging in. Guess I should have researched it more.

I do like the titanic bit though!

[SirSnookalot]

I have always run 15# on my spinning gear but wanted to try it with my BC reels too. I went with 50# off recommendations from here due to the digging in. Guess I should have researched it more.

I do like the titanic bit though!

I have enough technology, don't mind giving the fish a sporting chance.

[rockchalk06]

If you hook a big fish or get hung up on heavy cover yes... but it's usually releases after the first cast, not a huge issue.

Good deal. Thanks alot

[rockchalk06]

I haven't tried them all but Power Pro & Sufix 832 braid handle just fine.

A-Jay

Thanks. I kinda prefer Suffix so I will try some. I have 3 new reels coming in for various set ups that need line!

[MarkH024]

How tight do you have your drag set? You can prevent some digging in with the braid if you loosen your drag a little more than if you were using a mono/fluoro. If you're fishing dense weeds or worried about the fish hanging you up, just use your thumb to give the added resistance to keep it up in the water where you need it to be. I use 20 and 30 lb braid on a few of my BC's and I have eliminated a lot of digging from this. Give it a try.

[Busy]

Will 30# dig into the spool?

I use 20# braid typically and the only dig I see is usually further into the spool than I use. I unwrap it every once in a while but I've never had a cast stop from the line being dug in in the middle of the spool. When you spool, do it with some pressure on the line to get it tight on the spool. This will help with dig problems before they start.

[Capt.Bob]

Will 30# dig into the spool?

I spool my 400 Calcutta W/ 65 # test braid on my Muskie rod, tie direct to a 70# Fluorocarbon leader for the thoothy critters, and if I lock into a log or rocks and have to pull hard enough to break it, it will dig into the spool, not bad but if you are running the reel totally free, which I do a lot, you better be careful on the next cast or you could have problems, this is magnified with lighter reels and lighter line and lures!. .

On Bait casting reels W/ a MH or H rig for heavy weeds and cover I like 30, only because I use 25# test leaders with Big Game in the thick slop. I use 20# test on my finesse rods W/ 6 or 8# test Fluoro. for plastics and light rigging, same for crankin but I use 12# fluorocarbon leaders, gets down quicker and farther. I like Sufix and Fireline Tracer Braid, it doesn't bleed the color as bad as regular Braid. Regardless what you use, I can generally straighten the hooks out with 25# test when using hooks and tackle for anything Bass size in fresh water.