Line suggestions for A-Rig and Swimbaits

[thomas15]

Thanks in advance. I have a St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod 7'10" Heavy with a Shimano Cardiff A Series 300A which I want to use for A-Rigs and swim baits up to about maybe 3 ounces. I have some 65 pound braid Sufix 832 Braid Lo-Vis Green that I was going to use but I'm having second thoughts. At least at the beginning until I get used to the reel maybe I should use something a bit less expensive and user friendly. I have a few moderately priced swimbaits that I don't want to lose. I'm not new to baitcasters but have never used braid and/or any bait over an ounce in fresh water.

So, opinions please, I'm open to using a mono backer or perhaps just mono (I have some Berkley Big Game) for now 30 pounds. I don't see me punching through heavy mats and I have a different rig for pitching/flipping.  If the optimum is to use the braid with a backer what backer is suggested?

[PennBass]

Berkley Big Game is a widely used backer since it's both strong and cheap - I would stick with that if you're not having any problems. 

If you're looking for a good braid for a cheap price, I highly recommend Tufline XP - its almost 2x cheaper than 832 per yard. One advantage of 832 is that its coated, though, so the noise of the line running through the guides is minimized, while the Tufline is uncoated and is quite noisy.

[Robert Riley]

So braid will definitely help you learn how to use a casting reel. However, if you do backlash, you will run the risk of launching your bait, unconnected to your line. I'd stick with braid (I recommend Suffix Performance Braid) for now, and move up to some #20-#25 co-poly when you feel comfortable. 

[j bab]

Use 20-25# Pline CXX instead of braid

[Dan_the_fisher]

I hate braid for big baits, it will cost you a fortune in the long run from cast offs. Go with a good strong mono. Cxx, big game, or what I prefer is maxima ultragreen. 20#-30# line is required

[Bluebasser86]

I use 20-25 pound big game for my A rigs and most of my swimbaits without any issues. I wouldn't suggest braid for the reasons mentioned. It's not a matter of if you'll cast off a rig, just a matter of when. 

[thomas15]

Thanks, advice taken and appreciated.

[clh121787]

I like big game and cxx. Cxx is a little less stretchy. Both cheap and strong. I've been using 20 # cxx for baits up to 6 ounces. No problems

[South FLA]

As stated CXX and Big Game are the standard for most swimbaiters, but it (CXX) gets memory after a bit.  I found that Mean Green by McCoy is a bit more stretchy, but cast better and has less memory as a co-polymer, abrasion resistance is also great. That being said I use CXX and McCoy, but transition on refills to Mean Green (17lb for 4 oz or less baits, and 20lb for larger baits).

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

P-line CXX for my swimbait setup

[thomas15]

OK I wound up the reel with Pline 25# Cxx and did a few practice runs in the back yard using a 1 oz weight. So far so good, I'm liking this set up. Casts a mile and no backlash (so far). The only surprise is the diameter and stiffness of the line. I treated it with line conditioner and will give it a go this weekend. Thanks for all the help.

[Raul]

12 hours ago, thomas15 said:

OK I wound up the reel with Pline 25# Cxx and did a few practice runs in the back yard using a 1 oz weight. So far so good, I'm liking this set up. Casts a mile and no backlash (so far). The only surprise is the diameter and stiffness of the line. I treated it with line conditioner and will give it a go this weekend. Thanks for all the help.

Don't try too hard with that line conditioner on 25 lbs CXX since apparently it's inmune to it.

[thomas15]

9 hours ago, Raul said:

Don't try too hard with that line conditioner on 25 lbs CXX since apparently it's inmune to it.

Not even KVD line conditioner?

[VolFan]

25# is awfully heavy for what you're asking.  I'd do #20 or even #15 if you're not going over 3 ounces.  CXX is tough stuff.

[Bluebasser86]

25lb CXX probably has a breaking strain well over 30lbs, and a much thicker diameter than most 25lb lines.

I use 17 and 20 on my swimbait combos, even throwing baits to 4ozs and it's never been an issue.