@Catt @WRB - my apologies,  cover not structure. I get it wrong sometimes! 

 

Yall make me want to downsize my line and tackle just simply for thrill of the fight. It's old timers like yall (please take no offense) that inspire me to be a better fisherman. To actually learn what makes fish react certain ways, things to look for, etc.

 

You are right though, 1-2lb fish is average and we worry about wether to throw 20lb FC or 30lb braid. It is a bit ironic. But I like the point Jbrew made, if I can get away with bigger, why not be extra safe?

 

Really good topic and I like pickin yalls brains

Thinking back to the early 80's, all my t rigs were fished mainly with a spinning outfit on 8 lb test, as were some of my jigs. When I bought my first baitcaster, I spooled it with 10 lb, figuring better safe than sorry.

 

Even in the 90's up until about 2001, 10 lb mono was my heaviest line, but I was still using 8 or 10 lb for t rigs.Then I tried a spool of 12 lb Yozuri ultra soft, it became my go to line. Other than using braid for swimbaits, frogging, and some bottom stuff in really heavy slop, 12 lb was the max. Just for giggles, I've caught some decent bass, over 5 lbs on 6 lb mono and FC..

 

As Tom mentioned, about folks using what I consider much heavier line than is sometimes need. Until I start breaking off due to to light of a line, I'll continue to use as light of line that I can get away with. I've caught saltwater fish that fight WAY harder, and have TEETH, on 10 lb test..

8 hours ago, jbrew73 said:

Bragging about using below average size line to catch above average size bass is like bragging about having unprotected sex.   I’ve been lucky too but it ain’t something to crow about.

 

It ain't bragging...it's called experience in knowing how to fight a fish!

 

A well placed shot with a .243 will drop a Whitetail just a dead as a .50 cal.

 

I only read the first page of responses, but to answer your specific question, I can't tell the difference between 30# and 40# braid.  Either will work fine.  However there are differences in brands, and all suggestions you have received will have merit.                           

I've used Trilene Big Game for as long as I can remember. Any fish I've lost in almost 40yrs of fishing has been my own fault, never the fault of the line.