This question has probably been asked a zillion times but I'm curious about a couple of things.  I cant get to a store to feel what size line would be right to use so Im in the dark.

 

I have two types of line on different reels at the moment.  Cant remember what # test I bought (~7 years ago).  When I tried to tie up some knots this past weekend, it was very frustrating.  The lines just kept snapping.  Now I use 50lb mono for stripers, and when I tie those knots, I cannot break the line with full force (the clinch knot really melts into the mono and its very strong).

 

But when I tried to tie the freshwater stuff, I just kept snapping it.  Now granted, Im probably using way to much force (I need to adjust).  But still, if I get snagged, that line is going to snap, and Im going to lose lures

 

So anyway, I got this reel today, a Shimano Nexave FD 1000 (I hope its a decent reel):

http://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-nexave-fd-spinning-reels.html

 

I was thinking about slapping some Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting 8lb line on this reel.

 

Would this be a good idea?  Is 8lb big enough to recover a lure from some weeds or a tree (remember this little 5 year old is casting haha)?  Also, can a decent knot be tied with some force using 8lb line?

 

Thanks guys. 

8 lb test is ok for that reel. You will loose most lures that get snagged though.

If I had that reel, I would look at 10 lb Braid,,........

Trilene big game15# mono is the only mono I use.

 

Trilene knot is all I use on mono.

 

Don't know anything bout that reel, I use Lews reels only.

33 minutes ago, NHBull said:

If I had that reel, I would look at 10 lb Braid,,........

 

Yeah this is for a 5 year old so Im not going near braid! 

 

What # test do most people use around here?

5 minutes ago, bitsandbass said:

 

Yeah this is for a 5 year old so Im not going near braid! 

 

What # test do most people use around here?

Sorry, didn't see that in your OP, 6 lb mono or copolly is more than enough 

6lb YZ Hybrid is about as thick as 10lb mono and seems to be about as strong.  I have used it on small spinning reels for a while now and it works fine if you use L&L or change it every three or four months.  

Does Berkley Big Game differ that much from Trilene XL casting?  Both have 8lb lines.  Big game is much cheaper. 

I would look for the most user friendly mono, regardless of price.

You want his experience to be great and time loss screwing with line is not fun

 

18 minutes ago, NHBull said:

I would look for the most user friendly mono, regardless of price.

You want his experience to be great and time loss screwing with line is not fun

 

Then theres Wally World mono, 700 yards for $3. Only thing its good for is backing, horrible line. I don't know why I bought it but I don't reccomend it at all. Go with what people have mentioned above. I use Berkley Trilene XL #12, Smooth casting and a good line overall.

The reel, the rod and lure weight sort of all play into it. I would concern myself with a good cast and proper match more than the snag that you may never encounter. 

I stay within the reel recommendations . That reel is rated for 2 , 4 and 6 lb  mono.  I would go with 6 lb and Triene xl is an excellent choice .

17 hours ago, A5BLASTER said:

Trilene big game15# mono is the only mono I use.

 

Trilene knot is all I use on mono.

 

Don't know anything bout that reel, I use Lews reels only.

Same here with the Big Game... Great line.. I can't believe how cheap it is..

Whatever you do, dont use 15lb big game.

8lb is plenty

8 # XL is a good choice for 1000 size spinning reel.

Start with weedless rigged soft and 6" plastic worm, 1/0 plastic worm hook, 1/8-3/16 oz bullet weight and don't worry about snags. Enjoy your time and fish in open areas without trees. I suggest that you use the same presentation; Texas rigged worm with sliding sinker so your son is doing the same.

Tom