Line Size

[Robert Riley]

Hey guys, I was just wondering about line size in relation to rods and reels.

I see that rods are rated for certain sizes of line, are reels as well? Talking casting reels specifically.

Secondly, if I'm using braid and the rod say 10-16lb for example, am I stuck with like 40lb test braid? Or whatever the ratio is, you see the point.

[roadwarrior]

Spinning: #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid (11.9 lb breaking strength)

 

Baitcasting: #12 Hybrid (19.5 lbs breaking strength)

 

With braid you just need to set your drag properly, the stated breaking strength

is not that important. Most guys use 20lb or 30lb for spinning tackle; 40 or 50

for baitcasting.

 

 

[BassinLou]

Hey guys, I was just wondering about line size in relation to rods and reels.

I see that rods are rated for certain sizes of line, are reels as well? Talking casting reels specifically.

Secondly, if I'm using braid and the rod say 10-16lb for example, am I stuck with like 40lb test braid? Or whatever the ratio is, you see the point.

 

No your not stuck using #40 braid. You can use 65lb braid if that's what you need because #65 is 15lb mono equivalent. 

[Wayne P.]

Hey guys, I was just wondering about line size in relation to rods and reels.

I see that rods are rated for certain sizes of line, are reels as well? Talking casting reels specifically.

Secondly, if I'm using braid and the rod say 10-16lb for example, am I stuck with like 40lb test braid? Or whatever the ratio is, you see the point.

Reels have the amount of line that it will hold in several mono equivelent diameters.

It refers to capacity only, not any line breaking strength rating.

[Robert Riley]

I think my initial idea was wrong. I was thinking that it'd be better to use lighter braid for a better presentation, but that I would be sacrificing castability. But I guess since braid has a smaller diameter, it's no real loss to use "heavier" line. 

 

So I guess the last question is about the relationship between the rod and the line. If a rod is rated for 12-18lb test, what would you lose if you used 20lb or 8lb line? I'd assume just a little casting distance?