I am trying to decide what strength and type of line to get. Last year was the first year that I did a lot of fishing. This year I want to try to use the right line. In the past I have used the cheapest somewhat strong line. I have a baitcasting rod that I am planning on using for fishing mostly jerkbaits and topwater lures. How strong of line should I get? I am planning on using mono. What brand should I use? Thanks for any help.

If you want to stick with mono, you don't have to spend a lot of $$ to get a good line. 12- 14lb Trilene XT is pretty good choice for "all purpose work" on casting gear.

I agree 12-14# is what u want however my brand of choice is sufix, siege or elite both great lines. Worth the price of admission.

Sunline Super Natural #12. Great line and inexpensive, sometimes on sale

2 for 1. Otherwise, 330 yards for $10 msrp.

What type of rod/reel and line would you use for fishing wacky rigged worms? I often fish them near boat docks.

What type of rod/reel and line would you use for fishing wacky rigged worms? I often fish them near boat docks.

I use a 6'8 M/XF St Croix Avid with a Symetre FJ 2500 spooled with 20lb Suffix Performance Braid or 832 for all my weightless plastics, especially skipping stick worms (senkos) around docks.  A leader to break off snags would be a good idea around docks so you're not losing a ton of braid in the process. If you're not likely to snag a lot, then you can fish straight braid.

Sunline Super Natural #12. Great line and inexpensive, sometimes on sale

2 for 1. Otherwise, 330 yards for $10 msrp.

for jerkbaits/topwater, this is exactly what i would use. especially on one rod

I haven't used braided line before. Do you need to use backing? Does it matter what lb test the backing is? Do you use a leader?

I haven't used braided line before. You're missing out. Trust me, when you feel the difference you probably will never NOT want to use it.

 

Do you need to use backing?  No, you can tape it to the spool, however backing it will save you line and $$$.

 

Does it matter what lb test the backing is? You should back with mono in something close to the same diameter. if it's slightly larger, it's not a huge deal. significantly bigger is not good.

 

Do you use a leader? I only use a leader when I know i'm going to hang up and need to break off, around a lot of rock/wood, or in EXTREME clear water and even then I don't always use a leader. Otherwise I'm 100% braid almost always especially on spinning gear.  I use Fluoro on my cranking set ups and I never really use mono on any set ups.

Thanks for the help!

I haven't used braided line before. You're missing out. Trust me, when you feel the difference you probably will never NOT want to use it.

 

Do you need to use backing?  No, you can tape it to the spool, however backing it will save you line and $$$.

 

Does it matter what lb test the backing is? You should back with mono in something close to the same diameter. if it's slightly larger, it's not a huge deal. significantly bigger is not good.

 

Do you use a leader? I only use a leader when I know i'm going to hang up and need to break off, around a lot of rock/wood, or in EXTREME clear water and even then I don't always use a leader. Otherwise I'm 100% braid almost always especially on spinning gear.  I use Fluoro on my cranking set ups and I never really use mono on any set ups.

So if I am using 30lb braid, 12 lb mono backing would be okay? Or would 8lb be better? And you don't have to worry about those breaking with a good fish on?

Backing is just used to take up some space on the spool so you don't have to use as much braid to fil the spool. Also to give it something to grip to so it doesn't spin on the spool. Either 8 or 12 will be fine in your situation. For your second question. No you'll be fine as long as you tie a good knot. In my testing with braid and leader knots. My knot will break at the hook before the leader knot. I use a modified Albright to make leader connections.

If you're going to be fishing a lot of treble hook baits I would just stick with mono instead of braid, sometimes with braid it will get tangled with the hooks, also I think it's beneficial to have a little bit of give in the line with trebles.

Personally I like pline cxx, it's cheap, tough, and doesn't have as much stretch as regular mono but more than braid.

McCoy is hard to beat.