Which Size Line? Reel?

[jwhiteney]

I am trying to decide which size line to put on my reel. I was initially thinking 30lb braid then 20lb now I'm thinking 30lb again.

I will be fishing mostly for <5 lb bass. However in the same lake there are ~20 lb muskie and I would like my line to be able to handle it.

The rod I have purchased is the st croix avid 7' MF. I'm going to get a stradic ci4+ in either 2500 or 3000.

So back to the line. I have read that 20lb braid will knot a lot more than 30lb braid and you are better off just going with the bigger line. But I'm not sure if that was under different circumstances.

If I'm going with 20lb I was thinking if grabbing the 2500 size and if 30lb the 3000 size. That way I will have around 120 yards either way so if I get snags and have to cut line I will still have plenty.

What are your thoughts on my line and my reasoning for reel size?

[roadwarrior]

20+ lb muskies put a twist in coming up with a solution. If it were just bass, 2500 series

reels and 20# braid is the easy solution. I would add a fluorocarbon leader, Seaguar

InvizX #10.

 

 

 

[lmbfisherman]

Well dealing with Muskies will just have to be dealt with and expect to lose lures.  I live in pike infested waters, I learn to just deal with it.  20 or 30 lb braid imo isn't going to make a difference, without a steel leader of some sort expect to say goodbye to your lures.  Problem solved, I would be more concerned about your rod being able to handle a 20lb musky.  If it were me,  I'd probably go lower with your setup..I would use 15 lb braid with 6-10 lb floro leader. 

[iabass8]

Even with musky in your water, id still use 10-15# braid with a 2500 reel. It wont break as long as it doeant fray. Just add a fluoro leader

[dave]

LTJers in the Chesapeake Bay are using 2500 series reels with 10-20# braid.  It's all about the drag.

[jwhiteney]

Thanks all. So I won't really have any more knotting or dig in with 20lb over 30lb?

[roadwarrior]

Should not be an issue on spinning tackle.

[jwhiteney]

Great. Thanks!

[mnbassman23]

With spinning tackle you will be fine with either line size, I usually do 20lb braid on mine. As for muskies, regardless of those 2 line sizes you are going to lose baits. I get bite off by northern and skis all the time with 50-65lb braid. Just part of the game.