So I have recently gotten back into fishing after many years away. In the past, I always used pretty light tackle: medium light rod, small spinning reel, 6 or maybe 8 lb test, etc. I targeted small bass and pretty much any thing else that would bite in the local pond. Now that I have picked up the tackle box again, I have upgraded my equipment a bit and moved to heavier tackle: 7 ft medium heavy/fast rod, Pflueger President XT 35 spinning reel. The rod is rated for 8-17 lb test mono, and the reel holds 185 yards 8lb mono. I am fishing intentionally in heavier cover that I used to. Mostly from the shore. For this and other reasons, I am thinking about making the switch to braid. My question is really very simple, and maybe answered elsewhere. 

 

What test weight of braid should I use? I mean, on the one hand, I could go with 8 or 10 lb, which would be lighter than my monofilament and so case farther for the same strength. Or I could with the same diameter as the mono, which would be (from what I read online) as much as 30 lb test. That gets me more strength for the same diameter, but does this negate the casting advantages? Also, given the relatively small fish I tend to land from shore, 30 lb seems like overkill. Or should look for something in between (like 15 or 20 lb braid), which will be stronger than the mono but also thinner?

 

I guess braid is a whole new world for me!

With the setup you mentioned, between 15-30 lb seems like a good weight.  Braid is very difficult to break off if you get hung up so for sure go with a 4-10' leader of mono or flouro.  Check out an FG or Alberto for your connection knot. 

You have found a tremendous wealth of knowledge here on BR.  Welcome back to the sport and good luck!

 

It's safe to view 30-lb test braid as the pivot point.

I like 20-lb braid for smallmouth, and use 50-lb braid in heavy cover (frogging, punching~)

 

Roger

OK, great, very helpful. So it sounds like 30# at most, probably a bit lighter. I tend to be good at fishing, not so good at catcher. Maybe my luck will change! Thanks all.