Hey guys.... Just purchased my first baitcaster and decided to go with some 20lb braid. This is my first time spooling braid and I am experiencing a weird, intermittent problem when casting. The braid appears to be "sticking" to itself when casting a variety of different weight bait. after about 20-30 ft of line come off, the reel will catch and the spool spins backwards about 2-3 rotations. I have adjusted both the mag-brake and the spool tension to no avail.  I have done some reading and youtubing and it seems as if it is recommended to spool new braided "tightly" on a baitcaster. IS that true first off all, and secondly if I spooled normally, do you pros think that could be causing my problems? 

 

Cheers!

 

 

It's  digging into itself, this happens for a couple of reasons,   you may have not spooled the line with enough tension, or the line is too thin.

You actually want to spool braid very tightly.

 

Id recommend taking the braid off and putting it back on the spool.

 

You'll have much more success and save money if you start off with some 10-12lb mono. Learn the ins & outs of baitcasters first, then try the braid out.

Spool on some 40#.  Problem solved.

20 pound test is likely too thin for your reel. Should have gone with some 40-50 pound test (10-12 lb. mono diameter). 

Too thin...up the braid dia.

please excuse my ignorance to the subject but how does one determine how thick/thin is TOO thin in terms of braid and baitcasters?

Just get 40 or 50lb if you are new to it. That will solve the problem you are having. Line dia is on the site and on the spool box.

please excuse my ignorance to the subject but how does one determine how thick/thin is TOO thin in terms of braid and baitcasters?

 

Think in terms of the line's diameter itself when compared to Mono.

 

Most braided lines in the 20lb class have a diameter similar to 6lb mono.  That's pretty thin and not routinely used on a casting reel.

 

Combine that with the braids tendency to dig in / bury itself into the spool when not spun on under sufficient tension, and you have a formula for back lashes.

 

Learning to use (and especially cast) revolving spool reels is challenging. 

Additionally, when first using braided line, there is a learning curve here as well.

 

Seems to me you're try two new things at once.

I'd recommend spinning off the braid, spooling up with some 15lb mono and learn to cast & fish the reel with that.

 

Then, once you've got it down and feel  confident & comfortable with the equipment, consider going back to the braid.

 

I will tell you from experience that 40 pound braid is a very nice mix of size, manageability & strength for a casting reel.

 

30 lb is good too, but it's just a little more challenging in the management department.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

please excuse my ignorance to the subject but how does one determine how thick/thin is TOO thin in terms of braid and baitcasters?

If the line is digging in 1) it is too thin or 2) it wasn't spooled on tight enough or 3) has loosened up on the spool over time.  The best way to avoid line digging in in the first place is to go with a heavier line.  Also putting a lot of tension on the line...such as when snagged...can cause it to dig in, and stop on the next cast.

 

I see A-Jay posted while I was typing.  His explanation is a good one. 

perfect. Thank you guys for the detailed answers. I am going to attempt to respool this evening with much more tension on the line and see how it goes, otherwise I will be throwing some monofil on there and learning that way first.

 

Thanks Again!

perfect. Thank you guys for the detailed answers. I am going to attempt to respool this evening with much more tension on the line and see how it goes, otherwise I will be throwing some monofil on there and learning that way first.

Thanks Again!

The tension will probably help for a bit but the main problem lies in the size of the braid you're using. Tie off your line to something sturdy and walk it out till the end. Then reel it back in while keeping good tension on the line. Honestly jumping up to #40 will give you less headaches and is a better fit for a casting reel.

for sure 20# is to thin even 30# can be. Line digging into the spool will just be part of the game and you might have to cast it out to fix it after a hard hookset. Even with 65# It will dig on me when fishing heavy cover and smashing hooksets with tight drag. 

A-jay and a few of the other guys hit the nail on the head. Don't even try to re-spool the line even tighter on the spool. As soon as you snag or catch a decent fish the line is going to dig in itself and the problems will come back. You will be better served by re-spooling that braid on spinner you may have, and spool up the line A-Jay recommended or 40lb braid. Enjoy the new reel.