Baitcaster Flouro Issues For Me

[Got1Fishing]

Hey fellas,

When I first switched over to baitcasters I started off with braid just because I new most backlashes wouldn't totally damage my line, and I wouldn't have a but a new spool after a huge backlash, because the line was strong. Now that I'm super comfortable with baitcasters, I have switched to straight flouro... And I get backlashes all the time. I notice the line travels through my guides a lot smoother than braid (even smoother than new 832). I have spooled up some Seaguar Invis-X and abriaz-x on my reels and I just can't seem to cast as confident as I used to. Should I be changing my brake setting differently for Flouro? I have my lines treated with KVD Line conditioner as well. If it makes a difference I have 10lbs inviz-x on 2 reels and 20lb abraz-x on another.

[JeziHogg]

Test and adjust your brake, spool tension knob and don't forget your smart thumb.

[Raul]

That´s exactly the culprit, the line is  smoother than braided line and therefore travels a lot faster, adjust your brake and spool tensión settings, also the line in not only smoother buta also stiffer than braided.

[Got1Fishing]

I'll definitely mess around with my brake and spool tension knob... Before flouro, I barely used any settings for braid... Now I find myself turning it up, and changing it for different lures... When I didn't have to worry about that before

[quanjig]

That's why dogs don't fish, they ain't got no thumbs!! Seriously tho, check your settings and learn to feather your cast with a well educated thumb and your problems will be lessened. We all backlash from time to time so don't expect perfection from every type of line!

[Got1Fishing]

That's why dogs don't fish, they ain't got no thumbs!! Seriously tho, check your settings and learn to feather your cast with a well educated thumb and your problems will be lessened. We all backlash from time to time so don't expect perfection from every type of line!

Yeah I felt like my thumb was pretty well educated... Now it feels like an amateur with this flouro spooled on there. It's good to hear that it's not just in my head though... What are your thoughts on the brands of the line I'm using? Both the 10lbs are for cranking and sometimes Texas rigs, and my 20lb is for pitching jigs and Texas rigs in heavy cover. Are these versions of Seaguar known to backlash or are they pretty good lines?

[5fishlimit]

I was using 20# FC and found myself getting a lot of backlashes. I am now using 12#,and the issues have eliminated themselves.

You do have to monkey with the reels settings, but in the end it's worth it.

[WRB]

I have only been casting a bait casting reel for 5 decades and FC line is a challenge for several reasons.

1. FC line stays dry, so it needs a line dressing to lubricate it so it will stay coiled on the spool during the cast.

2. FC line is high memory and has a tendency to spring off the spool, see #1.

3. FC line is heavier than braid or mono line, the increased weight speeds the spool up faster, you need to fine tune the reel for the added weight.

4. FC line has several hardness varieties on the market; abrasion resistance vs castible.

I am not a fan of KVD line dressing because it should be applied several hours in advance of using the reel.

My preference is TangleFree that you can apply while fishing every hour or so.

Tune your reel with line dressing applied to the line, increase the anti backlash a little so the line doesn't spring off the spool.

Everyone has their favorite line brands, I used Sunline Shooter for years and now use Blackwater Toray Solraroam Bass Hi-Class, it casts very well, good knot strength and abrasion resistance at reasonable price.

Good luck with your FC adventures!

Tom

[quanjig]

I don't have any experience with invis-x or abraz-x. I do however like the segar red label in the 17lb and below. I too find that 20+lb test floros can be a little un manageable at times. Unlike WRB, I like the KVD line and lure and make it part of my routine when preparing for a day on the water. I think you will find with a little tuning and practice, you will enjoy fishing with fluorocarbon lines. If not, nothing wrong with sticking with the braid. It may also take a few tries with different lines to find one that suites your needs.

[Felix77]

20lb Abrazx is a little tough to manage so I switched to 65lb Braid with a 20lb Abrazx leader.   All my other baitcasters have InvizX.  10, 12 and 15 lb FC.  I also use the KVD stuff the night before I fish.  Especially tournament nights.

[Jrob78]

Be careful when you pick those backlashes out.  When fluoro gets a kink in it, it is severely weakened and will break.  The InvizX should be more manageable than AbrazX.

[Got1Fishing]

Thanks for the comments guys, I will just have to adjust to how smooth FC is... I just didn't expect such a huge transition. I will have to experiment with different FC lines now... 

[mkfriedrich]

I always just run a leader. FC is pricey. Ive never had a problem with using a leader. 

[awefvawervwae]

Ive always used mono or braid with FC leader. I tried going straight FC on one of my rods over the weekend using Segar blue lable. I went through the whole spool in knots, kinks, and back lash's. I think I will be sticking with the braid and FC leader.

[Got1Fishing]

I love the way straight FC casts... If I can get it to cast right that is. Went out of the water today... I really like the 10lb Invis-x, but the 20lb abriaz-x had some memory... Hopefully the line will get better with use.