Braid On Spinning Setup

[GaterB]

I want to use braid on my spinning setup for lighter lure applications, but am unsure what size would works best, or if that even matters? I already own some heavier braid (30 and 50 lb.) for frogging/flipping/jigs and if I don't need to buy more I can save a little cash (always nice).  Any advice?

[MrSwimJig]

You could use 30lbs braid and would be fine. I have 30lbs braid on my sons spinning reel and it works just fine.  I have 20lbs braid on mine.

[flyfisher]

30lb will be fine unless you want to go smaller diameter for some reason. I just switched up from 30 to 20 on my set ups myself.

[Long Mike]

If you are fishing very stained or murky water you can get away with your 30# braid.  For water having better visibility I would recommend a fluorocarbon leader.  Take a look at Seguar's Abrazx for the leader.  While we are talking about braid, Tuf-Line has a new product out that is reported to be amazing.  I'm headed out for a week-long fishing trip on Thursday and I will be using our sponsors' products.  I'll report back after my return.  I'm especially looking forward to using the Tuf-Line.  Apologies for semi-hijacking the thread.

[GaterB]

If you are fishing very stained or murky water you can get away with your 30# braid.  For water having better visibility I would recommend a fluorocarbon leader.  Take a look at Seguar's Abrazx for the leader.  While we are talking about braid, Tuf-Line has a new product out that is reported to be amazing.  I'm headed out for a week-long fishing trip on Thursday and I will be using our sponsors' products.  I'll report back after my return.  I'm especially looking forward to using the Tuf-Line.  Apologies for semi-hijacking the thread.

I appreciate the info and not a problem at all that sounds awesome!

[GaterB]

Thanks guys!

[Darren.]

Allow me to differ from the rest. And purely my .02, nothing more. I use 10 lb test on my spinning gear. Power Pro.

 

I followed this road from heavy to lighter test braid thanks to some articles about Gary Yamamoto's spinning gear.

 

I'd say the max *needed* is 20 lb test. GY uses 15lb max according to the article. Think about it. That's a LOT of poundage, and most braids that I know of will break above their rated strength.

 

I'm not discounting the other suggestions. Just relaying what I've found for ME. If you feel more confident with a higher pound braid, then by all means, go for it.

 

10 pound test is amazingly strong. I always use a leader, anything from 6-15 lb test, and I've pulled in huge, water-soaked logs off the bottom of 10-15' at my reservoirs. It is strong stuff. Used it as backing plus a 10lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid leader to haul in my PB in thick grass. Held fine.

 

All I'm saying is that you don't *necessarily* need higher pound test to fish for bass. Again, if it makes you more confident to do so, then by all means, do it!

 

On my main baitcaster, I use 20lb test braid with up to a 15lb test leader. Plenty for my needs.

[GaterB]

Allow me to differ from the rest. And purely my .02, nothing more. I use 10 lb test on my spinning gear. Power Pro.

 

I followed this road from heavy to lighter test braid thanks to some articles about Gary Yamamoto's spinning gear.

 

I'd say the max *needed* is 20 lb test. GY uses 15lb max according to the article. Think about it. That's a LOT of poundage, and most braids that I know of will break above their rated strength.

 

I'm not discounting the other suggestions. Just relaying what I've found for ME. If you feel more confident with a higher pound braid, then by all means, go for it.

 

10 pound test is amazingly strong. I always use a leader, anything from 6-15 lb test, and I've pulled in huge, water-soaked logs off the bottom of 10-15' at my reservoirs. It is strong stuff. Used it as backing plus a 10lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid leader to haul in my PB in thick grass. Held fine.

 

All I'm saying is that you don't *necessarily* need higher pound test to fish for bass. Again, if it makes you more confident to do so, then by all means, do it!

 

On my main baitcaster, I use 20lb test braid with up to a 15lb test leader. Plenty for my needs.

Great info. The only reason I don't go lighter is so I don't have to buy an entirely new spool of braid. I'm in college and on a budget. To me 30 lb. braid on a spinning setup is overkill for sure, but it's what I already have, so to save a little cash it'll work for now. I was just concerned that the line would be too much for the gear. Also, I'll definitely be using a leader for everything I'll fish with the setup.

[Darren.]

Great info. The only reason I don't go lighter is so I don't have to buy an entirely new spool of braid. I'm in college and on a budget. To me 30 lb. braid on a spinning setup is overkill for sure, but it's what I already have, so to save a little cash it'll work for now. I was just concerned that the line would be too much for the gear. Also, I'll definitely be using a leader for everything I'll fish with the setup.

 

Then absoLUTELY go with what you have. If I were on a budget like that, I'd do the same. No reason not to. Save cash, no worries!!

[SirSnookalot]

I 10000000% agree with Darren, and agree that using what you have is probably the best way to go at first. Braid is about line management and line capacity, strength isn't an issue as most of it breaks well over the labeled number. The leader is real measure of how strong your "chain" is.  

[Hanover_Yakker]

The other factor besides your college and monetary situation is also what cover you are fishing.  If you are fishing an area with few laydowns or cover variables to get hung up on, then you could go with 10-15lb.  In fact, you could go with straight flouro if the water was clear.  But if you have any rocks, brush piles or lay downs, then 20-30 is your best option.  I have a good friend who is a well known kayak angler that uses 30lb. PP and a 20lb. flouro leader when he uses his spiining gear for throwing lightweight frogs in the lily pads.

[BiteMe73]

The other factor besides your college and monetary situation is also what cover you are fishing.  If you are fishing an area with few laydowns or cover variables to get hung up on, then you could go with 10-15lb.  In fact, you could go with straight flouro if the water was clear.  But if you have any rocks, brush piles or lay downs, then 20-30 is your best option.  I have a good friend who is a well known kayak angler that uses 30lb. PP and a 20lb. flouro leader when he uses his spiining gear for throwing lightweight frogs in the lily pads.

Yakker I think I know who that friend is. If I am not mistaken I should be purchasing his book later this week.

[Marty]

I want to use braid on my spinning setup for lighter lure applications, but am unsure what size would works best, or if that even matters? I already own some heavier braid (30 and 50 lb.) for frogging/flipping/jigs and if I don't need to buy more I can save a little cash (always nice).  Any advice?

 

I use 15#, have fished in very heavy cover and never had a need to go stronger. I suspect my 15# Power Pro breaks at much more than the stated strength. But try using what you have and if it works with lighter lures, then great, no problem and you're all set. If not, then you know what you need to do.

[GaterB]

Thanks everybody!

[Hanover_Yakker]

Yakker I think I know who that friend is. If I am not mistaken I should be purchasing his book later this week.

 

Yep, that's the one.  Great book, too.  I have one signed by the author, and it's not just for kayak anglers, but for all bass fishermen.

[motodmast]

if i were you, i would run eather 15 or 20 lb braid, i dont spend a lot on my spinning braid, i normally use spiderwire stealth braid its like $13.95 at walmart.

so fill your spool with whatever lb you perfer, than i would tie on a 3-4 ft fluorocarbon leader. it still gives you excellent sensitivity and hook setting power in deep water cause of the braid, but having the fluoro leader helps in not spooking fish as much especally since your using a spinning rod, which is normally finesse stuff anyways for those weary bass.

 

hope that helps, thats my setup.

15lb braid to6lb fluoro for my dropshit only setup on a 7'1 medium light rod

20lb braid to 10lb fluoro for my shakey head, wacky rig, fluke, senko setups on a 7'1 medium rod.

[johnD.]

I use #10 invisibraid on my spinning rods for bass and inshore saltwater.

[fishingman88]

Allow me to differ from the rest. And purely my .02, nothing more. I use 10 lb test on my spinning gear. Power Pro.

 

I followed this road from heavy to lighter test braid thanks to some articles about Gary Yamamoto's spinning gear.

 

I'd say the max *needed* is 20 lb test. GY uses 15lb max according to the article. Think about it. That's a LOT of poundage, and most braids that I know of will break above their rated strength.

 

I'm not discounting the other suggestions. Just relaying what I've found for ME. If you feel more confident with a higher pound braid, then by all means, go for it.

 

10 pound test is amazingly strong. I always use a leader, anything from 6-15 lb test, and I've pulled in huge, water-soaked logs off the bottom of 10-15' at my reservoirs. It is strong stuff. Used it as backing plus a 10lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid leader to haul in my PB in thick grass. Held fine.

 

All I'm saying is that you don't *necessarily* need higher pound test to fish for bass. Again, if it makes you more confident to do so, then by all means, do it!

 

On my main baitcaster, I use 20lb test braid with up to a 15lb test leader. Plenty for my needs.

 

+1 All my spinning reels are spooled with 14lb Fireline or 15lb PP.  The lines definitely break way above their ratings so I don't really worry too much.

[Snitch]

Do you guys use any backing for the spinning setup? Such as mono or tape? Or you guys just use braid as the main line then add a leader?

[AndyTN]

On my older, large capacity spinning reels I have always used a mono backing to fill. It's just enough that my knot is well buried and never interferes with casting. By the time I get down to it becoming an isse, it's time to replace the PP that I use as the primary line. As I replace/purchase new gear I find myself going for the lower capacity spools for my bass/crappie rigs. For me personally the extra unused line capacity is not wasted which makes for more economical fills. I have also pulled logs of the bottom with 15lb braid so that's another vote for > rated line strength. 

[Darren.]

Do you guys use any backing for the spinning setup? Such as mono or tape? Or you guys just use braid as the main line then add a leader?

I use mono, typically. Then add the braid mainline, then use a leader.