What # Test Braid For Cranking?

[BasshunterJGH]

I'm thinking of switching my shallow-mid crankbait combo from 16 lb mono to braid, mainly because I would like to not have to change line so often, right now I go through about 10 spools of mono a year on that combo. Braid would be nice I've heard you only need to change it 1-2 times a year. The strength and sensitivity is also a bonus. So my question is, what pound test would you recommend? Also which braid? I'm a big sunline fan, so I was thinking sx1, but is there a better value out there? Trying to keep it under $20...

[fishballer06]

Get Suffix 832 in 40 or 50 pound.

[Tywithay]

Strength and sensitivity is not so much a bonus if you're ripping the hooks out. If you're set on braid, I'd suggest 30lb, but add a 6' or so mono leader for added stretch.

[BasshunterJGH]

Strength and sensitivity is not so much a bonus if you're ripping the hooks out. If you're set on braid, I'd suggest 30lb, but add a 6' or so mono leader for added stretch.

Good point. I'll probably use a 12 lb mono leader. The rod I'm using is pretty soft though, 7 ft mod fast action medium power.  It will probably help a little. Invisibility doesn't matter as much to me, the lakes I fish are pretty muddy right now.

[masterbass]

I figure something needs to act like a shock absorber.  Either the line, rod or drag.  I use #30 pp w/ fluoro leader and an s-glass rod. 

[Green Trout]

Seaguar Smackdown 30lb braid with 17lb Fluro leader. You can't go wrong

[flyfisher]

I use 8lb diameter braid tied directly to a snap for my cranking needs.  I also have a moderate action crank bait rod which adds shock absorption to the equation. I tried a leader for a bit and didn't see any difference in catching or landing fish so i went straight braid and haven't had any issues.

[desmobob]

I'm thinking of switching my shallow-mid crankbait combo from 16 lb mono to braid, mainly because I would like to not have to change line so often, right now I go through about 10 spools of mono a year on that combo. Braid would be nice I've heard you only need to change it 1-2 times a year. The strength and sensitivity is also a bonus. So my question is, what pound test would you recommend? Also which braid? I'm a big sunline fan, so I was thinking sx1, but is there a better value out there? Trying to keep it under $20...

 

Suffix 832 is the good stuff.  It's a little pricey, but if you keep your reel spool half-filled with mono and add the braid on top, you'll get a lot more mileage out of the spool of braid.  If you want to go cheaper, regular Power Pro is a safe choice.  I would be satisfied if it was the only braid I could get; it's good stuff.

 

I use 30lb. braid on all my reels, but if you're used to, and want to maintain, the depths your crank baits run with your mono, you'd have to use braid that was 50-65 lb. test... it would have a similar diameter to 16 lb. test mono.    If you used, 30 lb. braid, your crank baits would run considerably deeper than you're used to, as 30 lb. braid has about the same diameter as 8 lb. mono.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I'm thinking of switching my shallow-mid crankbait combo from 16 lb mono to braid, mainly because I would like to not have to change line so often, right now I go through about 10 spools of mono a year on that combo. Braid would be nice I've heard you only need to change it 1-2 times a year. The strength and sensitivity is also a bonus. So my question is, what pound test would you recommend? Also which braid? I'm a big sunline fan, so I was thinking sx1, but is there a better value out there? Trying to keep it under $20...

I dont know about this but Im sure not changing my braid twice a year. Im using braid 5-10 years old on my reels and the strength is still there. My PB was with line 3 years old but that was nanofil some call it a braid but it isnt. My previous PB was frog fishing slop with 8 year old Power Pro. About the only reason I change my braid is it runs out or to try new style/brand.

[Inflatable Raft Bum]

Strength is still there but i bet it looks pretty ragged out & delaminated

[aavery2]

Curious, why are you having to change the line on your crankbait setup so often?

[iabass8]

could be zebra muscles. I can go through a spool of line every couple weeks if the squarebill bite holds. zebra muscles just destroy line.

[aavery2]

could be zebra muscles. I can go through a spool of line every couple weeks if the squarebill bite holds. zebra muscles just destroy line.

We have them bad here as well.  Did you find light braid to  be a solution to the problem the zebra muscle were causing?

[iabass8]

We have them bad here as well. Did you find light braid to be a solution to the problem the zebra muscle were causing?

There is no solution to zebra muscles as far as abrasion resistance goes. Braid is the last line to use near them.

[aavery2]

There is no solution to zebra muscles as far as abrasion resistance goes. Braid is the last line to use near them.

Agreed, the only thing I have used that offers a moderate amount of resistance to them is FC.  It still requires the re-tying of your baits very often.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Strength is still there but i bet it looks pretty ragged out & delaminated

You will lose that bet.

[FishTank]

I have been using 10lb Yo Zuri Hybrid for cranks and I only changed it twice this year.  I have another set up that I use 12lb Invisix for deep cranks and jerkbaits and I have not changed it since March of this year.  

 

In my opinion, I would only use braid as a last resort when it comes to crankbaits.

[Catch and Grease]

Braid is great for crankbaits, not everyone is gonna like how it fishes so don't listen to everyone saying to avoid braid with crankbaits.

Try it for yourself and if you like it keep using it and if you don't you can just go back to normal. I happen to love using crankbaits with braid

[carlm01]

I'm using 20lb braid and have not had any issues