What Test Should I Use On My Rigs?

[Ranger 361V]

I'm new at this. My then 10 year old daughter discovered fishing last Christmas and I just bought my first bass boat.

I've bought the best rods, reels (baitcast and spinning) and tackle I can afford. Good stuff, graphite rods, Shimano, Abu Garcia, Seeker Bushito...

I have several cheaper rigs with mono line but I decided to use fluorocarbon line on my better rigs. Seaguar Red Label 12#, 15# and 20#, InvizX 10#, Tatsu 6# (Spinning reel) and 12#.

I know this is a broad question but, should I use the largest recommended line on the rod? Or maybe close to it?

I have four baitcaster reels and a wide range of action graphite rods. Pretty good ones. All over $100.

Is this a good place to start?

I know that's vague but I'm getting my boat this weekend and I'd like to load my reels.

Thank you for your advise and patience.

Rob

 

P.S.  No spell checker on this forum?

[ABW]

If you are starting out using baitcasters, I would use braided line or cheap mono for a few months just to get used to it. You'll backlash a lot. Braid is very manageable, but would not suggest going any lower than 30 lb test, due to the thin diameter digging into itself.

 

I also would suggest you buy KVD Line and Lure conditioner. It helps a lot.

 

To answer your question, you don't always need to go to the largest recommended line on your rods. You just need to use the lb test line that is good for your applications.

 

This is a good article to read. http://www.another site/blog/fishing-line-guide/

[Sam]

Questions"

1.  Baitcasters - How deep do you want the crankbaits to run? The higher the mono test the higher they will be in the water column.  I usually go with 12 to 17 pound test mono for baitcasters, depending on the depth I want the crankbaits to dive.

 

2.  Spinning Reels - Fluorocarbon line in 8 pound test.

 

As you know, always balance the line test and bait weight with the rod's parameters.

 

Baitcasters are the most difficult to learn how to master. Open face spinning reels are the easiest.

 

Give 'em a try and if you have problems with backlashes in your baitcasters give us a call back and we can give you some tips on how to avoid or minimize them.