Braid Vs. Mono On A Baitcaster

[mcwiggles]

I am currently using the Abu Garcia Black Max reel, with 45 lb braid. I use it for mainly bass and pike, with crankbaits and spinners. So my question is should i be using braid? How many pound test should i be using? Or should I be using mono or even fluoro? If so how many pound test. What do you guys use?

[BassinLou]

If those are the only two applications you are using that current set up for, I would personally use fluorocarbon. Braid I would use for other applications. If that is your only b/c rod and reel then with your current line you have spooled on, start experimenting with fluoro or mono leaders.

[Arv]

I'd like to know a lot more info to give you a good answer. What rod are you using? Power and action? I just started cranking with braid on a MH/M rod and I love it. But I wouldn't think about using a F or XF rod with braid for cranking. I've been using braid for spinners for a while now. Also, what cover are you fishing? Rocks may not be a good idea for braid but you can simply tie on a fc or mono leader if need be. That will also help determine the # test to use if you decide to switch to mono or fc. If its open water, going down to 10# could be fine. If you're around heavy cover you may go anywhere from 15-25# line.

 

As for me, I use braid on everything now. I sometimes tie on a fc leader. The only time I use mono is for C-rigging when I want my lure to float off the bottom more.

[J Francho]

If it works, why fix it? 

[dodgeguy]

_{I use braid with no leader for everything.50 lb /12 suffix 832 on baitasters.i will admit I am trying 8 lb flouro on a spinning rod but that may change.}

[mcwiggles]

I'd like to know a lot more info to give you a good answer. What rod are you using? Power and action? I just started cranking with braid on a MH/M rod and I love it. But I wouldn't think about using a F or XF rod with braid for cranking. I've been using braid for spinners for a while now. Also, what cover are you fishing? Rocks may not be a good idea for braid but you can simply tie on a fc or mono leader if need be. That will also help determine the # test to use if you decide to switch to mono or fc. If its open water, going down to 10# could be fine. If you're around heavy cover you may go anywhere from 15-25# line.

 

As for me, I use braid on everything now. I sometimes tie on a fc leader. The only time I use mono is for C-rigging when I want my lure to float off the bottom more.

I'm currently using some cheap rod (I dont even know what it is) because my last one broke. im in the process of upgrading to a Berkly Lightning Rod Shock. Medium heavy.

[mcwiggles]

Use what you feel comfortable with. If you feel you should try something else, you can easily strip your spool of braid onto the spool it came on and try some mono or flouro. It will not harm the braid to take it off and put back on. It will actually help break it in more. You could try tying a leader on to experiment with the other types but will not get the same effect as using it as main line. I am not a big fan of leaders because it adds a extra knot but I am not the final authority on this. If you are used to using braid then it does not matter what type of rod you have it on because you know the feel of setting the hook with it. Just need to be careful not to set to hard. Using the braid is not wrong at all.

Thanks for this. As soon as I got my reel I immediately put braid on it. Its more flexible and light weight IMO. I have never even thought of putting mono on. Never even used flouro on anything.