I have two bait casters now, and both are rated for 12 lb test.  To me, one of the purposes of a bait caster is so you can have really strong line on it.  12 lb is not that strong to me...so my question is this:  Can you put thicker line on a bait caster that says it's rated for 12 lb's, or is it better to throw braid on it?  I am scared by braid...I don't want to ruin my guides and reel.  Thanks for the help guys!

no baitcaster is rated for 12 lb. line.all those ratings are is the line capacity of the spool with 12 lb line.you could put 65 lb braid on it if you wanted to.

Your reel is not "rated" for any line. It states how much in yards of the typical diameter 12# line it will hold. That is it, nothing more or nothing less.

AHHHH  I feel so foolish!!  Thanks guys!!