Can somebody please explain to me why anybody would need line that is over 40lbs? I am not trying to start a bad post, but just wondering.

Thanks, Corey

I'll assume that you are referring to braided line, as I have not seen anyone mention any mondo mono. Often, braid is used in extreme "power fishing" situations. Deep in the slop, pads, or trees. It is used to muscle the fish out of super dense cover.  Also due to no stretch, lower strength braid can snap on jaw jerking hooksets that are used with baits like frogs and worms in the cabbage. I've broken alot of fish off on the set with 50lb, so its only 65 for me. There are some California Delta dudes that swear by 80lb too. You can even find some 90lb stainless steel cable on some of my trap hook rigs.

This comes to mind immediately

Most baitcasting reels are designed to work properly with a specific diameter line. Because braided lines have a much smaller diameter than their mono & flouro counterparts for the same pound test, you must use a heavier line to achieve the desired diameter. Example: Most 200 series baitcasters recomend 12-17lb test line. 50 lb Power pro braid is the same diameter as 12 lb mono. If you use 12 lb braid, it has a diameter of 2lb test mono and will cause problems with line digging and casting.

Ronnie

Heavy cover and big fish

r we talking about bass fishing?

if yes I think ur talking about braided lines

for mono 20lb is fine

Sorry for not being exact, I mean for largemouth or smallmouth bass. I just thought that even in heavy cover 30lb was overdoing it, I just like the challenge.

Thanks, Corey

The term "heavy cover" means different things to different people. I know that there are areas I fish a frog where its not about breaking off, its about control. If I hooked an 8 lb bass way back in the slop inside tree branches with 50 lb braid it might not be that I'd break her off persay, just that I wouldn't have the muscle to get her up, out of the branches, on top of the slop, and the 75 feet back to the boat. Its not always about breaking off, its about control. 65 lb or higher braid gives you the ability to get those fish coming in your direction.  In open water you can just a fish through branches on light line but 75 feet across a moss mat you can't get to them, they're either coming over the branches the same way you went in there or they're not coming out at all. Its all about CONTROL. That said, I've broken 50 lb a few times, its a misleading label because though it is rated for 50 lb pull strength it can be cut by sharp objects just like 12 lb mono due to the thin diameter.

Its a very different mindset from the way a lot of guys fish. You're going into places where 50-65 lb line IS giving the fish a chance... totally different ball game from the way most guys bass fish.

As for mono I feel that there are times when I need 25-30 lb to accomplish what I'm after, especially when swimbait fishing but that is a whole different ball game.

Matt