I need to get new line for four different setups.  I feel like the more I read through the forums, the more I second-guess myself.  I’m open to suggestions regarding type, strength, brands, etc.  

 

*** *** (M) 7’1”  (10-17 lb line) (paired with a Daiwa Tatula baitcaster)

·      This is my first “legit” fishing rod and my first baitcaster.  I’d like it to be as versatile as possible until I can afford another rig (and another and another), which will allow me to start specializing.

o   I’ve never fished with braid, so I’m thinking maybe a 15 lb braid?  Or is this a bad idea for learning how to use my thumb?

o   Maybe I can use the mono listed below as a backing for the braid?

o   Likewise, maybe the mono & fluoro listed below can be used as a leader for the braided line?

 

Abu Garcia Conolon (M) 7’ (1/8-5/8 lures) (4-12 lb) (cheapo spinning reel)

·      Not sure of the best use for this cheapo rod.

o   Maybe 8-10 lb mono?

 

Shakespeare Amphibian (M) 5’6” (6-12 lb line) (cheapo spinning reel)

·      I use this little rod for Rooster Tails (mostly for bluegill)

o   6 lb fluoro?  Or maybe copoly?

 

Berkley (Light) 5’6” (1/16-3/8 lures) (2-8 lb Trilene) (cheapo spinning reel)

·      Also used for Rooster Tails

o   6 lb fluoro? Or copoly?

 

I live in central Indiana and fish farm ponds and reservoirs from the shore.  I have quite a few topwater & squarebill lures in my tacklebox, but I want to start using more plastics (dropshot, Carolina rigs, etc), jigs, and swimbaits. 

 

Questions marks on everything because I feel lost.  LOL    Thanks for the help. 

 

And a special thanks to BassResource! I’ve spent most of my winter watching their videos. Now that the sun is shining I can’t wait to get out and practice what I’ve learned.  

With braid on a baitcaster use higher pound test like 30 40 50 lb or else it tends to dig into itself. I myself for mono or fluoro use 15-17 lb for every thing except spinning rod. there I use 6-8 lb.

Depends on cover light cover I use 15 on everything. Square bill I started using 17 to get the lure running shallower. Hope this helped

I'd use 30 lb braid + 12-15 lb leader for the baitcaster

 

10-15 lb braid + 10 lb leader for the 7' spinning rod. Use this for weightless plastics

 

6 lb mono for the Shakespeare 

 

4 lb mono for the light rod.

With braid on a baitcaster use higher pound test like 30 40 50 lb or else it tends to dig into itself. I myself for mono or fluoro use 15-17 lb for every thing except spinning rod. there I use 6-8 lb.

Depends on cover light cover I use 15 on everything. Square bill I started using 17 to get the lure running shallower. Hope this helped

 

I've seen that lots of people suggest 40-50 lb braid, but I wasn't sure how the conversion worked... In other words, the listed line specs on the *** is 10-17 lb line...  I didn't know if that was for braid, too, or if there was a listed-to-braid conversion.  The last thing I want to do is break my fancy new rod.  

15lb braid is too thin on a baitcaster and will probably dig into itself. Like bruce said go at least 30lb braid. I think 30lb should be a good all around braid for you if you want braid on the bait casting set up. As far as the spinning setups, I would go with trilene xl on them since they are fairly light set ups. That's just my preference tho. Many others will chime in with thier preference and make it harder on your decision lol.

I've seen that lots of people suggest 40-50 lb braid, but I wasn't sure how the conversion worked... In other words, the listed line specs on the *** is 10-17 lb line...  I didn't know if that was for braid, too, or if there was a listed-to-braid conversion.  The last thing I want to do is break my fancy new rod.  

You can pretty much ignore the line rating on a fresh water rod. Set the drag appropriately and use some common sense and you won't have any problem. 40# braid is a middle ground (sensitive, strong, easy handling). You can get away with straight braid in most cases but even if just for confidence reasons a 14-15# leader is fine. I use mono backing and 125-150 yards of braid with a strip of tape over the knot. This keeps the knot from being felt and keeps any backlash from getting too deep. I like braid on spinning reels too just for line handling, but a limp mono like Trilene XL in 4# will cast well on the smaller rods. 

OP here...  Thanks again for all the help.  Without your assistance, I would still be standing in Dick's trying to figure out what kind of line to buy.

 

They had buy one get the 2nd 50% off on Sufix so I got the Sufix 832 braid in 50 lb and 15. I got Trilene XL in 4 lb and 6 lb.  And I picked up a small spool of Stren "fluorocast" in 12 lb for leaders (I just guessed the size. Let me know if this won't work well). I didn't make it out of the store before picking up some 1/4 oz drop shot weights and a pack of size 1 drop shot hooks, a bag of watermelon/pearl Yum dingers, and a pack of Berkely Havoc pit boss craws. 

Hooray for payday!

 

                        Now I'm off to read up on putting black tape(?), backing, and braid on this new rig. Tight lines, y'all.