Matching Line Weight To Rod/reel

[Felixone]

So I have a question about using different types of line with different rods and reels.  Specifically what I am asking is how do you match line to a rod/reel when you are using braid.  I have always thought that when a weight range/capacity is listed it is talking about mono unless otherwise stated.  Assuming this is correct, and I am using braided line would I match the weight range or the line diameter.  For instance if my rod has a range of say 7-14 lb line (arbitrary and made up) and I was going to load up braid would I match the weight range or would I convert the line diameter of braid to mono first?  Would this differ for a reel that doesn't provide line capacity in diameter was well was weight?  I have been converting line diameter but wanted to validate that what I was doing is correct.

 

Thanks!

[roadwarrior]

Well, I don't think you need to be precise or make it complicated.  Basically 20=6, 30=12 and 40 or 50=17.

I like 40-50 on baitcaters because the line does not dig in as easily. I like the new Tuf-Line Tournament 8,

but if you are looking for a VERY good economical braid, try Sufix 832.

[Felixone]

So RW are you saying that you match the braid size to the equivalent mono size for rods or are you saying screw it and ignore everything but the reel?

 

My thought is you match line weight between rod and reel.  So if you reel supports say 8-12 lb mono you would go up to a 30 lb braid?  Also, I am curious about the pairing you provided.  I have recently purchased 3 spools of Spiderwire Braid, two 30 lb and one 20 lb.  I just checked and according to the label the 30 lb braid is equivalent to 8 lb test mono.  I question this because I think you are closer to the mark than the manufacturer.  I base this on the fact that when spooling the new line I wasn't able to get all of it on due to having too much mono as the backer.

 

Before I put line on the reel I did a couple things.  First I looked up what the retrieve rate for the reel was.  Since I was putting on braid that stated it was the same diameter as 8 lb mono I used that key for how much line the reel could hold.  I subtracted the amount of braid that was on the spool from the max capacity of the reel for 8 lb test mono.  I then used the remainder to determine how many times I needed to turn the crank before I spliced in the braid.  Even though I did this I still had quite a bit of braid left on the spool when I was done.  The only assumption I could make from this is either the manufacturer was off about how much each turn of the crank retrieves or the braid wasn't the same thickness as the 8 lb mono as the packaging stated. Next time I might measure the retrieve rather than go by what the manufacturer states to see if that works.

 

Now, I did hear you comment about not making it too complicated, and I agree that this might seem like I am over thinking things.  It is just that this kind of stuff is interesting to me, and you have to do something to occupy those times when you can't get your line wet (I am on a forced two week break from fishing courtesy of my job).  I also wouldn't mind not wasting that last little bit of braid as it is rather pricey.  I think I paid $13 for the spool of 110-120 yards.  I didn't measure but I would say that I have at least 20-30 yards left over.  That works out to $2-3 wasted.

 

I should also point out though that you are right.  I might have wasted $2-3 but it hasn't affected my casting or ability to catch fish (as limited as that is).  I also plan to buy larger spools in the spring when I intend to replace the line on all my reels so I can go full braid, or even just a layer or two of mono as a backer.  The only reason I didn't do that this time was that I needed line quickly and didn't want to wait for shipping.  Unfortunately, most of the places near me don't care spools of braid larger than about 150 yards and my current reels use more than that.

 

Lastly, speaking of leftover fishing line.  Does anyone have a clever use for it when there isn't enough to fill another reel?

 

Anyway, thanks for the response.

[ABW]

I follow the line diameters of the braid. They'll usually provide the mono equivalent. But really for baitcasters 30 and up is what you should use because anything below that will dig into intself

 

For spinning reels generally 8-20 lb braid, it's not necessary to go all the way up to 30 or 40

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Line weight ratings on a bass rod are near meaningless other than to roughly suggest applications. Line numbers on a reel are not ratings at all, merely capacity specs.

[Catch and Grease]

I go by line diameter too but the line ratings on rods aren't too important in my opinion.

[.ghoti.]

Felixone, your rough calculation was off because the IPT changes as the spool empties. IPT(inches per turn) is the gear ratio times the circumference of the spool. Less line on the spool equals a smaller circumference.

 

The best way to determine capacity for added braid over a mono backing is to fill the spool with mono, make as long a cast as you can with the heaviest bait you're going to use on that combo. Then peel off another 20-30 yards, and cut the line there. Tie on your braid and fill the spool from that point.

[SirSnookalot]

I keep it simple.  All spinning, body of water, size and type of species isn't really considered, backing is never used.

4/10 rod......10# braid

6/12.............10#

8/17..............15#

10/20.............20#

25,30, 40.......30#

last 3 are only used offshore