All,

I just came from a long trip to Wedowee and I had a couple of rig issues.  Finicky spots like light line. Rocks and ledges don't.  I tied on a lot. SO did my partner.  I used 12lb test Flourocarbon P line and hated it. I threw this trip together fast and did not prepare. How about a good braid?  What test/diameter? I am spooling it on a Chronarch low speed reel.

I was thinking 20Lb braid/5 LB diameter.  How would the Chronarch throw that?  How much regular line backing do I leave on the rod?

Thanks for your help.

 

I don't like 20lb braid on baitcasters. My c-rig rod has 50lb power pro with a 10 or 15 lb mono leader. The weight and Carolina keeper are on the mono.

Rocks and ledges don't like braid either. In fact, they like it less than they do fluorocarbon. I use braid direct tie to my hook unless I am fishing rocks, then I use a fluorocarbon leader. 

I like braid with a swivel and a 15# Big Game mono leader. When the bite gets really tough, I'll go down to a 10 lb leader and use a finesse worm. That way you get the advantage of no stretch all the way except for the short mono leader. But the water is not clear here.

 

I've heard it explained this way. If you have mono line that stretches 10% and you have 70 feet of line out, that line can stretch 7' before you can get a good hookset. I like my chances with the braid. But the mono leader has better abrasion resistant. You can use a Carolina Keeper on the mono leader if you like.

31 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

I like braid with a swivel and a 15# Big Game mono leader. When the bite gets really tough, I'll go down to a 10 lb leader and use a finesse worm. That way you get the advantage of no stretch all the way except for the short mono leader. But the water is not clear here.

 

I've heard it explained this way. If you have mono line that stretches 10% and you have 70 feet of line out, that line can stretch 7' before you can get a good hookset. I like my chances with the braid. But the mono leader has better abrasion resistant. You can use a Carolina Keeper on the mono leader if you like.

The thing no one mentions is the amount of weight or pressure it takes for a line to stretch. It’ll stretch a certain amount before breaking, a fraction of that fighting a fish, and an inconsequential (IMO) amount on a hook set. 

Dragging on rocks.  Fluorocarbon, 16-20lb.  Then go with a lighter mono leader and make it long for finicky fish.

Rocks and ledges require Hercules braid. I know no braid more abrasion resistant than Hercules. It might sound funny and like a fake bootleg brand, but it’s the best braid for abrasion.

30 lb. braid with a mono leader around rocks,shellbeds etc. otherwise all braid no leader.