. So should I try braid or just stick with mono. Also do I need to learn any special knots for braid. Thanks everyone

Unlike some of the other posters, I do think braid backlashes are harder to get out than mono.  However, the benefits still far outweigh the bad.  Braid is limper than mono and to make it makes backlashes harder to deal with  IMHO.  But just don't backlash

 

No special knots.  Palomar is the only knot I use on any line.

Thanks for the suggestions. I definitely need to learn other casting techniques and get better at my sidearm.

From the bank spot I was at, I had the tree limb above, a tree trunk 9 feet to my right, and more trees to my left. The casting window was quite small and I needed to reach some submerged trees at the very end if my casting range.

 

 

This is the perfect spot for an underhand (roll) cast as long as you have about 2-3 feet clearance behind the rod tip.  I sometimes fish along a local river.  Tree branches overhang a lot of it.  The underhand cast can keep the lure a few feet above the water if done right.  Distance won't be quite as much.  I'd rather fall a couple feet short than lose a $10 lure to a tree.    I don't know the bottom makeup well enough to know if there was an underwater structure I needed to reach.  Unless I got snagged. 

 

And forgot to mention that I'm sure I'll backlash with any line, but I'm guessing braid will be the hardest to detangle.

 

It is the rare person who can say they never backlash.  I can backlash any line, and it isn't all that hard to do either.  I've had plenty of practice doing it.    Braid normally is easier to remove a backlash.  Just don't pull it too tight.  You do know the old adage, "Patience is a virtue.", don't you? 

Thanks, Mike!

 

Any more thoughts on "best" braid test weight/diameter for making things easier for a new baitcaster user — to minimize line digging, backlashes and/or backlash removal? I was standing in Academy last night with a 50lb PowerPro Super Slick box in my hand, but didn't buy it.

50# is a good size.  My first braid was 40# Sufix Performance.  Been on the reel 5 summers.  No digging in that I remember, except when it backlashed...which has occurred a few times.    Had to reverse ends this year due to line twist from throwing a spoon for several hours.  It had been tied direct...no swivel or other item to help eliminate the line twist on retrieval.

Berkley braid knot for everything. Knot wars say its the strongest knot to tie and also very easy to tie.

Is there a particular reason you prefer braid? Try tying a short leader w/an albright knot using braid and fluorocarbon. For upgrading rods check out Denali on Tackle Warehouse. They got some sales going on.