What Am I Doing Wrong?

[ABW]

I ran out of line... so I resorted to Red Label from Walmart. Even after soaking it in Line and Lure overnight, it is still unmanageable. Every cast I would get line fluff. I'd like to say I know what I'm doing with a baitcaster, I had my brakes set and spool tension right. Lure I was throwing was appropriate for the rod. Is it me, or the line?? 

[bowhunter63]

Get some 14 lb Trylene Xt and practice with that.Works great in a bait caster and really good line.Set your tension on your reel were your bait falls slow but steady.I dont what your action your rod is,but a medium would be a good choice.A 3/8 ounce spinnerbait is good to practice with enough weight but not over powering.

[eyedabassman]

36 minutes ago, ABW said:

I ran out of line... so I resorted to Red Label from Walmart. Even after soaking it in Line and Lure overnight, it is still unmanageable. Every cast I would get line fluff. I'd like to say I know what I'm doing with a baitcaster, I had my brakes set and spool tension right. Lure I was throwing was appropriate for the rod. Is it me, or the line?? 

What lb. test are you using ?

[ABW]

19 hours ago, eyedabassman said:

What lb. test are you using ?

12 lb test. I have used Vicious and FC Sniper without any issues, but this line always causes me problems

[roadwarrior]

We have a few guys that REALLY like Red Label, but I think it's something you might want to consider using just for leader.

 

[amishnightmare88]

I use to use 17 lbs test Florocarbon Vicious and i started noticing it would do that uncontrollably. Like you said, i would stop it before it hit the water, adjust the tension on it, and it would still bird nest every time. even flipping and pitching i was pulling some line out. I switched to Seager Red label at 17 lbs and no other issues. I have also used Stren. i go for lower line diameter at the same lb test... but thats just me. 

[eyedabassman]

22 minutes ago, ABW said:

12 lb test. I have used Vicious and FC Sniper without any issues, but this line always causes me problems

Well I too think it is the line too.use it on spinning gear and go to a line you trust on the baitcaster!

[Cgrinder]

My experience with Red Label indicates that higher pound tests require more braking. The line likes to 'lash. I had 14 lb on a Ci4+ and it needed 3/4 brakes on. However the 10 lb is excellent and controls nicely. You really can't compare RL to Sniper as Sniper handles like a thousand times better. It's also possible you have a bad spool, but your experience sounds similar to mine.

[Jar11591]

I abandoned Red Label last year, couldn't do it anymore. I like other Seaguar line, but the Red Label had to go. 

[fishballer06]

I've never had good experience with Red Label. The fact you bought it at Wal Mart might not help either. I like to know my line is fresh, and hasn't been sitting on the shelf for years. 

[jbrew73]

red label has to be the stiffest line ive ever used.  i perfer yz hybrid or plain old stren mono.

[ww2farmer]

I love Red Label...........FOR LEADERS ONLY................it handles terrible as main line.

[Logan S]

It might be you...Not a knock on your skills, but if you are used to another line or mono/braid it might take an adjustment on your part.  Physically, there's nothing wrong with RL.  I use it as main line and it performs well without having to use more braking or tension.  It's not the best but for the price it's great.  It's also not a line that will last for months and months of use...Probably one of the biggest reasons people don't like it (whether they know that's the reason or not), I respool frequently so it doesn't bother me.  

If it was already old from sitting on the shelf when you bought that could be the issue too...But there's no sense in struggling with it.  If you don't like it, regardless of the reason, you should just go back to a line you do like.  

[cottny27]

I like AbrazX better, but still use RL.  For $12 a spool its worth it to me.  I've only used it in 10# & 12#.

[primetime]

I have a tendency to keep my tension knob super loose, and I have lost it on many reels, and when your knob falls off, you can easily lose a spool bearing, and the felt pieces and little anti friction pads that fit inside the knob. I have found that simply making sure you check the schematic, and making sure you have all the right pieces in the reel makes a huge difference. Sometimes people will remove these things from reels at the store as well, I have purchased Combos with the cheap pieces missing that are free if you call the company.

I use Red label on one of my casting reels and have not had any issues with it, I use 20lb which has diameter of 17, and I find it is a good line for the money. Invisix is better, but RL is for sure manageable line. I also use Stren Fluoro without issue since I found it at K mart on sale for $3 and it was new line from 2015. I only use Fluorocarbon Leader for leader since it is more stiff and abrasion resistant on anything over 10lb test even though it is expensive. I coudn't imagine trying to cast Seaguar or P-line Leader since it is like wire and the knot strength is crazy...Triple Fish Fluoro leader is a good value and never lets me down unless I rush a knot...

I would say that the easiest line I have ever used for casting reels is Berkley XL or Original Stren in 12lb test...If that is having issues, then it is maybe the reel, or maybe you need a swivel for line twist. I also have noticed when using Fluoro on casting reels, It handles better if I don't put alot of muscle into the casts...Once it stretches, it stretches for good and never comes back....

[hawgenvy]

I liked Red Label okay, but eventually thought it had too much memory, too much spiral coming off the reel spool. But it functioned pretty well otherwise. Could your problem be the reel settings?

[shackman]

20 hours ago, Logan S said:

It might be you...Not a knock on your skills, but if you are used to another line or mono/braid it might take an adjustment on your part.  Physically, there's nothing wrong with RL.  I use it as main line and it performs well without having to use more braking or tension.  It's not the best but for the price it's great.  It's also not a line that will last for months and months of use...Probably one of the biggest reasons people don't like it (whether they know that's the reason or not), I respool frequently so it doesn't bother me.  

If it was already old from sitting on the shelf when you bought that could be the issue too...But there's no sense in struggling with it.  If you don't like it, regardless of the reason, you should just go back to a line you do like.  

X2 I've been using 10 & 12# Red label for yes and never a problem @ all, I like it as well. 

[quanjig]

It's all I use anymore when it comes to floro! Purchased 3 1000yard spools, very manageable with kvd line and lure, I refuse to pay twice as much for line that was lasting half as long!

I will say it performs better on the reel with moving baits like blades or chatter baits as opposed to slower presentations like jigs and worms. With slower presentations, you have to pay a little more attention to detail!!