For Braid + FC finesse applications (Ned , Drop Shot , FF Sonar) - what new finesse braid main lines + FC leaders have you tried say at 15 lb. or under braid + 10 lb. or under FC leader that you are finding good success with ? … I have a unused spinning ML fast rod & 2500 size reel that I want to repurpose for the above set up / tactics , so willing to try some newer lines with improved technology out.

For my finesse uses - it's either 6# or 8# Sufix Revolve or 10# Seaguar Smackdown...they're both very nice, limp lines. Leader is 4#-10# InvizX tied with an Alberto. I've got 3 rigs set up for finesse work.

For a single all-around finesse setup - I'd personally go with 8# braid to 6#-8# FC

I use #10 braid as main lines, PowerPro Slick 8 or Seaguar Smackdown mostly, and almost exclusively #6-8 Seaguar Blue Label as leader.

Still a fan of SX1; 16 lb for most things. Did not care for Almight.

I have been using Varivas Avani Sea Bass PE #1.2 with Seaguar 10lb or 12lb Grand Max. This combination has brought in a ton of fish for me.

I use the same as @FishTank down to #0.8 - 16lb for baitfinesse (and #0.6 - 12lb for spinning finesse).

This is 4th generation drawn X-braid, and has the toughest and longest-lasting coating I've tried.

Varivas has both US website and Amazon store.

Here's a handy chart for PE# diameter and nominal breaking strength.

Japan Fishing and Tackle News

Information: Japanese Line Size “Gou” and Pond Test Stren...

Japanese original line size Gou and pond test strength matching table is here. Check the list and see what line you can buy / use for your reels.

Fluoro leader for finesse, Seaguar Grand Max or Premium Max, 9- or 10.5-lb

So many great choices for PE now. Knowing the attributes of the line you want is the vast majority of the battle.

For spinning gear I like a thin supple line that doesn't get ropey too fast and doesn't bleed its color all over your hands and gear.

I see lots of love for Smackdown, its a good line, but I had some issues with it. I had it in #8 and 10, which casted and handled great. My issue with it was that fishing around any kind of vegetation with thorns, or long thin protrusions, the spines or thorns can slip through the weave, causing it to unravel. If you don't cut the well below the separated carriers, the area where its opened up will just progress up and down the line. Ive never had another PE do that and at smackdowns price point, I think there are options that are better.

For more budget and or easily available lines, X9 and PP V2 are very good.

Pline TCB is great, but like any other heavily coated line, you lose some performance as the coating wears away. The duration depends on how often you use the line. If you fish long days with just that outfit several times a week you may only 4 or 5 weeks of peak performance. It also tends to get a little ropey too after 4 or 5 months. It still performs pretty good without the coating and Ive never had it fail on a fish, but when the line looks frayed, I don't have as much confidence in its strength. While the Teflon coating lasts, its one of the best performing lines Ive used. So for under $20 its pretty good.

YGKs Upgrade X8 is a little more money, but its an outstanding PE. Other than Silky or Gosen, I would take X8 over any other 8 carrier.

Ive been using Almight, a sinking 5 carrier braid on my BFS outfit. Despite the numerous poor reviews, Almight has done very well for me. I still have to really put it to the test in SW, but I have confidence it will do well.

I've been using the Cast X 12. It's gone up in price since I bought it but it' good stuff.

I'm not particular when it comes to leaders. Whatever 8-12 lb. flouro that I find first.

I been using 6# Braid with 6#FC leader on BFS setups. Braid is Kastking either 8x or 13x finesse, FC is Kovert. Also use any KK small dia braid. Just remember the higher the carrier the smoother the braid, the drawback is not as abrasion resistant.

I use a 10 braid to 10 fc most of the time for dropshotting, but have largely abandoned the leader for most purposes.

I started experimenting this spring with ditching the leader for sliders, darters, doodling, etc and my catch rate did not change at all. What I did do was save a lot of time and eliminated the potential failure point of another knot to tie/retie. Straight braid wasn’t the hot ticket for splitshotting, but then I found Gunjiro rubber coated splitshots and solved that problem.

For these application I like sinking braid and I have been going to a heavier fluoro leader to try to get a more horizontal line presentation. Maybe I'm nitpicking but I'm trying to get away from the hinge effect that you get with say 15 lb braid and 8lb fluoro leader. It's not that it doesn't work but you can always get better. I'm using something else right now but I've looking at the new Core G 9 sinking braid and will be using a 10 lb fluoro leader with it.

For what you're talking, I'm set up with 10 lb 832 or 131 braid and Sunline FC fluoro leader in 5-10 lb depending on the cover. I've really like the Sunline FC leader for the past couple years and while there might be cheaper options I don't have a need. I go through so little of it.

I started with 832 a couple years ago. I moved into 131 which I prefer for handling, but not for visibility (it doesn't come in high vis). So my latest setup is back to 832 in yellow.