Exceeding Rod Line Weight Suggestions?

[AC79Angler]

Hey Guys, here with another question.  My rod kindly suggests to me that i use 8-14lb line(I assume they mean with mono/fluoro).  What would happen if i ignored said "kind suggestion" and used 17lb fluoro or even 20lb fluoro.  I'm aware that I may fix this with braid but lets just take braid out of the equation.  If i only wanted to use fluorocarbon, does it damage my rod to use heavier line then the rod suggest?  Not talking about the reel, just the rod here.  I try and do a lot of research before i come and ask you guys about it but the answers i find are all different.  One thread will say its perfectly fine to do so, one says only if i set my drag right and the other says to NEVER do this.  Hoping i can get somewhat of a definitive answer from you guys.  Thanks Everyone.  -AC

[SirSnookalot]

A limit to everything, a 14 lb rod with 17 or even 20# probably will have no ill affect.

[Tywithay]

The lure rating is of more consequence. The line rating doesn't really matter, as long as you're realistic. Probably don't want 65lb braid on an ultralight or 4lb on your flipping stick, but within reason it doesn't matter.

[Preytorien]

I heard it said that the line weight rating is somewhat tied to the lure weight. I guess if they figure you've got a rod that suggests a 1/2 - 1oz lure rating you'll probably be using no more than 17lb line, so they make that the limit assuming that if you use a heavier line you'll use a heavier lure and therefore a heavier rod.

 

But I'm no expert. I just use braid (sometimes with leader) to avoid the issue altogether.

[WIGuide]

Given that you're pretty close to the line ratings, I wouldn't worry about it. The lure weight rating on a rod is more important.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

With the prevalence of braid super-lines, line weight rating is next to meaningless on a freshwater rod. Don't lock the drag down and avoid movements that flex the tip beyond 90* to the butt (over aggressive hooksets, swinging fish etc.) and you'll never have a problem.

[new2BC4bass]

My take is that the line ratings on the rod are only a guide.  I often use lighter line than suggested.  I suppose there are at least 2 possible reasons for not going too heavy with the line.  1)  You could break the rod before the line.  2) Trying to cast a light lure (say 3/16 oz. or less) any distance with 20 lb. line could become frustrating.  Lighter line will yield longer casting distances.

 

A possible third problem if using a spinning reel is excess memory with heavier lines.

[SirSnookalot]

For the most part line ratings indicate the power of the rod:

8/17...........medium

10/20.........medium heavy

25 lb........heavy

It is possible to have 25 lb, med heavy because I have one, but most are heavy.

Exceeding lure weight down here is very common, how much extra is going to depend on the brand as well the power.  Commonplace to throw 1.5 oz on 1 oz max rod, with distances that approach the stratosphere.  I don't see too much reason to do this in freshwater.

[mjseverson24]

I honestly have not looked at the line ratings on a rod ever. This rating is basically useless to me, and most of the time the lure rating is also garbage. If you grab the rod flex the tip (nicely) and it feels right where i want it to be i don't care about the rating on the rod. I know how i want my rods to feel and perform the manufacturer is trying to give you guidelines or approximations for use, but only you can definitively say what works for you...  (its hard buying on line for this reason especially if it is not a company or rod series you are familiar with)...

 

Mitch