I fish a river that can get low and clear. As a result I generally need to make long casts with lighter lures with spinning gear. So far 6 lb test seems to be the best compromise between line diameter and strength and castability. Question is, what kind of line do you guys recommend for this type of smallie fishing.

#4 (.009" diameter, 8.5 lb test) or #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test) Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft for soft plastics and live bait. For hard baits (reaction lures) I use a baitcaster with #12 (11.9 lb test).

HAHA, didnt see that one comin'   LOL

You're right, I need some new material for this gig. Everyday it's the same response.  8-)

I wouldn't chance it with 6lb. test, go with an 8 or 10lb. test fluorocarbon line like P-Line Halo.  

In my opinion, line size should'nt matter to the fish. I use braid, fusion or 10 lb mono on my spinning reels and 20lb mono on my baitcasters. In clear lakes I agree with a more invisable line however there is a huge difference between lake smallies and river smallies, mostly in the way they feed. Most anglers that fish rivers don't even realize this. In a lake the smallie will hit the bait and and then hit again and you set the hook(most times). In a river you will usually just get one tap, the reason for this is in a lake the fish will "kill" or injure the prey first and then come back and scoop it up. In a river they have moving water which means they only get one shot at it. If they kill it first it might drift away into another fish. Of course this really only applies to crawfish type baits. I would also say that in rivers the fish are more aggressive and less spooky. Of course this is just my opinion.

Rob

I use 20/6 and 30/8 Hi Vis braid for everything.

Well...I have read RW's posts on yo zuri soft and went that route with 4lb test. Just don't like the way it handles. So far trilene sensation in 6 and 8lb is keeping me content, but I'm still looking. Thanks for the advise.

Where is the best place to find that Yozuri line

I have looked in the BPS catelog but did not find it.

I have a question, the diameter of the 6lb seems almost

as thick as most 8lb lines does it not?

Ksdog what about the line did you not like?

RW,I tried Yozuri Hybrid(not the Ultra Soft).I agree,it is strong.The one thing I found is that it had alot of stretch,for me.Maybe it is because I am used to 100% flouro when fishing plastics and I love a sensitive line,well......I love sensitivity period with plastics and jigs,especially for smallmouth.Other than it being stretchy feelin' to me,it cast and is as strong of line as I have used.

Cabela's and some Wal-Mart stores carry Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft.

The diameter of #6 is .0100" which is the same as Ande Premium and many other 6 lb test lines.

"Poor handling?" I have never heard that before. I guess I don't even know what you mean.

"Line size shouldn't matter to a fish." Well, it has been my experience that line size is CRITICAL when fishing soft plastics and live bait.

8lb floro for all spinning rods and 10-20lb big game for baitcasters is what I use. Braid and a rocky river just do not mix well for me so I only use it is grass.

Allen

Ultra clear and low- long casts required.

If 4 pound mono is tough enough for you, fine, but I find it too fragile.  So on a clear, low, long cast river I fish I used 10 pound Power Pro with a six foot 8 pound fluerocarbon leader.  It casts a mile (better than any 6 or 8 pound mono I've tried) and is tough enough to take some contact with rocks.

Only down side is you have to tie a good double uni knot to get the line and leader connected well.  After some practice it is not hard.

I use super flukes on a 3/0 hook, no weight, and the smallies leave wakes once in a while rushing up to them.  Tennessee shad color and bubble gum.

Bubble gum is nice if the fish are hitting them because you can see them so well on the retrieve.  Very little to no action is required.