I just bought my son a Lew's Speed Spool LFS (SS1SHA70MH) for graduation. It's rated at 120/12 line capacity. I'm new to baitcasters and am looking to get him spooled up with the best possible line. He will be doing bass fishing in fairly, sometimes pretty, heavy cover with a ton of pike around. Am I right to buy 30# braid with 12# fluoro leader? Or would 30# braid with 15# fluoro leader? Also, he will have the ability to use swimming baits as cover allows. Is 30# braid and 12# fluoro leader right for occasional swimbaits on this 120/12 reel? I'm trying to keep in mind the 120/12 line capacity but am struggling to find diameter charts for mono vs. fluoro vs. braid. I would appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks!!!

Is he new to baitcasters? If he is then I would hold off on the high end line until he gets the hang of it. 

I don't run leaders on my baitcasters, but I know some folks on here do. 

Finally, no need to worry about line capacity, that reel will be fine with whatever you choose. 

1 hour ago, PourMyOwn said:

Is he new to baitcasters? If he is then I would hold off on the high end line until he gets the hang of it. 

I don't run leaders on my baitcasters, but I know some folks on here do. 

Finally, no need to worry about line capacity, that reel will be fine with whatever you choose. 

He's not new to baitcasters, but I am. We're going on a fishing trip and I'm hoping to surprise him on the boat with his new rod and reel all spooled up and ready to fish.

Trilene xl - until he decides on something else.

5 hours ago, frogflogger said:

Trilene xl - until he decides on something else.

Trilene xl 12# mono? Or should I got 10# since it's maxed at12#?

12 minutes ago, Large Marge said:

Trilene xl 12# mono? Or should I got 10# since it's maxed at12#?

Go with the 12#. That line rating on the spool is not it's 'max', just an indication of how much line you can put on it. You could put 20# on that spool if you wanted...just won't have near as much of it.

The reel isn't maxed out at 12 lb line. The spool capacity is rated to be filled with 120 yards of 12 lb mono. 12 lb mono line is a good choice to learn to cast with.

I hope you don't give your son the car keys to a new car without learning to drive first.

Tom

You say he’s not new to baitcasters, but still, I think 12# XL is a good start. Good line, and inexpensive so if he wants to spool on braid later it’s not big $$ wasted. 
 

Besides, whatever’s left can be used as a mono leader. 

Thanks everyone for the sound advice!!!! I'm going to go with the mono on the reel and then give him some braid as an extra present. Thanks guys!!!!