Welp...one man's experience trounces another man's opinion...or
vice versa...LOL.
Here's my opinion. I use braided mainline on every one of my rigs.
Today I use 97% spinning setups with 10, but mostly 15# Power Pro
Super Slick 8 line (got a great deal on 1500 yards years back).
On my now lone baitcast setup (Shimano Chronarch 50e upgraded to
7.1:1 ratio gearing) I use 20# regular yellow Power Pro. I switch
between a M and ML rod depending on what I want to throw.
And I always use a leader. Why? Braid is expensive (for me), and it
is awesome for line management. So with tying on a leader of either
fluorocarbon or copolymer line, I can limit the amount of times I cut
into my braid mainline on a given outing when changing hooks, etc.
While knots may be the weak point, I rarely struggle with a uni-to-uni
tied to 6, 8, or 10# leader (sometimes as low as 4 or high as 15#).
That's my go-to knot, and yes, I've tried the FG. Not my cup of tea.
Mod'd Albright/Alberto is a great one, too.
Good luck!
