Large Marge

Thanks everyone for the sound advice!!!! I'm going to go with the mono on the reel and then give him some braid as an extra present. Thanks guys!!!!

Trilene xl 12# mono? Or should I got 10# since it's maxed at12#?

He's not new to baitcasters, but I am. We're going on a fishing trip and I'm hoping to surprise him on the boat with his new rod and reel all spooled up and ready to fish.

I just bought my son a Lew's Speed Spool LFS (SS1SHA70MH) for graduation. It's rated at 120/12 line capacity. I'm new to baitcasters and am looking to get him spooled up with the best possible line. He will be doing bass fishing in fairly, sometimes pretty, heavy cover with a ton of pike around. Am I right to buy 30# braid with 12# fluoro leader? Or would 30# braid with 15# fluoro leader? Also, he will have the ability to use swimming baits as cover allows. Is 30# braid and 12# fluoro leader right for occasional swimbaits on this 120/12 reel? I'm trying to keep in mind the 120/12 line capacity but am struggling to find diameter charts for mono vs. fluoro vs. braid. I would appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks!!!