*Watched a recent Timmy Horton top water episode where he loaded a bait cast reel 50% full with #10 lb. BPS Braid for a top water spook show . Timmy stated he added only 25 ~ 30 yards more line on the reel than a max cast claiming less chance for over run and less friction through the level wind ... Long casts for surface busting bass was not a problem nor was the strength of the #10 lb. braid fighting top water bass -  but I can't believe Timmy had no line digging issues ?  Anybody gone down as low as #10 braid for top water applications on a bait cast reel ?

No, Dont do that please. the smallest Lb test I did is 20lb test for my ML travel rod and I have 12 to 16lb test Fluoro for leader in case I want. Otherwise use that straight braid for poppers.

 

Use 10# braid quite often. Just balance the combo accordingly meaning dont overpower the line with a heavy powered rod. Go with ml to med powered rod. Use for ned rigs senkos .25 or so spnnerbaits  paddle tails with buzzbaits being about the only topwater otherthan using a frog here and there. Get the base on tight and dig isnt as big of an issues as people make it out to be if it was I wouldnt have used it for nearly 20 years on bc reels.

   This topic (or aspects of this topic) has been discussed here before. No matter what anyone says, the solution is always the same: try it and see.

 

    If Horton does something, but it won't work for you no matter what you do, then you have your answer. Line dig-in is worse on erratic, jerking or snapping retrieves, and it's worse on long casts. What the true diameter of that BPS braid happens to be is anyone's guess. Not only that, but some old-fashioned fishermen (not to name any names here ?) still use their thumbs as primary control during a cast. When you do that, the friction loosens the supply base of the braid, making dig-in somewhat more likely. Other people have taken advantage of the advancements in spool braking technology, and set the brakes higher. That's a different animal entirely, and if you set it up correctly, can give you better results with braid.  The most obvious example of this is the Lew's Team Pro SP reel. Although marketed specifically for skipping, the reel does wonders with braid.    jj

I use 20lb for exactly what he's using it for and have no digging in issues. There's no monster hooksets with treble hook topwater baits, just lean and reel fast, so it doesn't create enough pressure to dig the line into itself. I get way more distance than I ever did with mono, I can bury the hooks at distance, and the bait is way more responsive because the line doesn't stretch and it floats. 

15 hours ago, jimmyjoe said:

   This topic (or aspects of this topic) has been discussed here before. No matter what anyone says, the solution is always the same: try it and see.

 

    If Horton does something, but it won't work for you no matter what you do, then you have your answer. Line dig-in is worse on erratic, jerking or snapping retrieves, and it's worse on long casts. What the true diameter of that BPS braid happens to be is anyone's guess. Not only that, but some old-fashioned fishermen (not to name any names here ?) still use their thumbs as primary control during a cast. When you do that, the friction loosens the supply base of the braid, making dig-in somewhat more likely. Other people have taken advantage of the advancements in spool braking technology, and set the brakes higher. That's a different animal entirely, and if you set it up correctly, can give you better results with braid.  The most obvious example of this is the Lew's Team Pro SP reel. Although marketed specifically for skipping, the reel does wonders with braid.    jj

Yes , you are correct ...

Any time I've loaded braid that small on a baitcaster, it's a BFS reel with shallow spool. 

 

On deeper spools, I'll stick to 20-lb Sufix 832, and back that with heavy mono - 20 lb BG or UG (only need 20 yds or so).

Braid only in the top 3-5 mm of spool depth.  I've mentioned before, you need a good Allbright knot to get that joint through your LW line guide. 

Frequently on this forum, bass-pro uses such-and-such.  Bass-pro is representing his sponsor, and his choice may not be the best for your choice. 

I used to use a lot of 10# for baitcasters and now have just one for the sole purpose described. It is on an Antares and never a problem.  It’s best to try things for yourself as you will find there are plenty of exceptions to the so called rules