I am considering getting a new combo(shimano/loomis conquest7’6”h) paired with the new shimano Antares(when the left hand comes out) for bottom contact baits. I want to be able to throw jigs with it, but the new Antares doesn’t have a huge spool so I only feel comfortable spooling it up with 30lb braid(to leader). I feel like that should be fine, but I’ve heard different things. Just wanted some clarity 

Spool capacity only comes into play when casting jigs and even then, a reel that will hold 100-120yrds. of 14lb. test mono will hold more than enough braid for fishing jigs.  I carry three rods for jigs, one of which doubles as my punching set-up. 60yrds of 40lb. braid is the most I have spooled and it's on my swim jig combo. The two used for pitching and punching hold heavier line, but less of it. A spool of quality braid goes further when you spool more backing and less of the braid. 

You may find that you need more braid for a particular jig presentation, but I doubt if you'll ever use more than 100yrds.

I use 30 pound braid for all my jigs, with no leader.  Never had a problem and never cast it all out even if I tried!

 

That reel holds 70 yards of 14lb line. That's more than enough to cast jigs. 

Well I will be different.  I throw jigs on 15lb Invizx and it works well, but I don't have any trees or bushes to throw into.

I throw 15lb inviz x most of the time.  Real heavy stuff I switch to braid 65lb.

I have 30lb braid on all but one casting setup. I use a leader of 12,15, 20lb line. My usual is 15lb RedLabel most of the time, or go straight when the time is right. 30lb braid is great on casting reels. My 2 cents.

Braid is a good choice for heavy aquatic plant cover (weeds or grass ) not good around abrasive structure like rocks. Where you fish matters in regards to line choices.

For casting jigs I use 10 and 12 lb Shooter FC during the day time and 15 lbs Big Game at night. Reason is the bass are deeper during the day and FC gives me a little better strike detection and night the bite is aggressive and knot strength is a key factor. Braid is relegated to the Delta and areas of Clear lake with extremely heavy cover.

1st goal is getting strikes then putting the bass in the boat. Use whatever line works for you.

Tom

Im with WRB on this. Braid is great for grass. I use floro for flipping woody cover or in rocks (although I like 15-20# sniper). Not saying that if I'm flipping grass with braid and come to a lay down that i switch rods. I would pitch it right in there and it will work. I just prefer FC, and actually have FC on the flipping stick most of the time. Not a fan of using a leader.

I keep one spooled with 15 lb and one with 20 lb red label. 15 for finesse jigs and light weight t rigs. 20 for 1/2 Oz or heavier weight t rigs

On 8/27/2019 at 9:28 PM, Johnpenguin said:

I am considering getting a new combo(shimano/loomis conquest7’6”h) paired with the new shimano Antares(when the left hand comes out) for bottom contact baits. I want to be able to throw jigs with it, but the new Antares doesn’t have a huge spool so I only feel comfortable spooling it up with 30lb braid(to leader). I feel like that should be fine, but I’ve heard different things. Just wanted some clarity 

Why the conquest over the nrx? 

I'll be the odd man out..haha. I use 15# abrazX, but I might change brands at some point.

2 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

I'll be the odd man out..haha. I use 15# abrazX, but I might change brands at some point.

I think you are the smart man in!

Both IviszX and AbrazX 15# are .013D and it's difficult using a baitcasting reel to tell the difference, they cast the and feel the same. My experience was AbrazX was stronger line in knot and impact strength, plus better abrasion resistance. Impact strength is very important with jigs!

Tom

6 minutes ago, WRB said:

I think you are the smart man in!

Both IviszX and AbrazX 15# are .013D and it's difficult using a baitcasting reel to tell the difference, they cast the and feel the same. My experience was AbrazX was stronger line in knot and impact strength, plus better abrasion resistance. Impact strength is very important with jigs!

Tom

Early on, about 8 years ago I had breakage problems with invisX. I talked to rep at the Fred Hall show about, and he admitted to having problems. so I stopped using it. But, that was a long time ago.  

5 hours ago, Cheif250 said:

Why the conquest over the nrx? 

It’s a tad bit more sensitive and it doesn’t have that brittle feeling