Best overall line for baitcaster?

[PatrickMc]

So here's the deal: I've been using a baitcaster reel for a little while now, I am comfortable with it and backlash is rare for me. This whole time I've used mono line but since I fish a lot of grassy ponds and rocky rivers I think something that could cut through the grass would be better, so do you guys suggest fluoro, braid, or stick with mono? I fish spinners, cranks, topwaters, jigs, everything and I only have one reel so what is the best overall line? Thanks! 

[Jaderose]

20 lb Power Pro Slick 8 with a 12 lb Fluoro leader.  If you throw frogs put 30 lb on it and forget the leader.

 

Make sure you keep about 1/3 of that mono for backing.  That PP is expensive and will slip like crazy without it.

 

[MassYak85]

I think the best overall would be 30lb braid, it's still thin enough to fish stuff like cranks but has the power to fish a frog through the thick stuff. Plus you can add mono or fluoro leaders of your desired length if you need them (like mono as a shock leader for example). 

[Dave A]

Agreed- at least 20 lb braid, with or without a 12-15 lb fluoro leader. 

[roadwarrior]

Different lines for specific techniques is ideal, but you will find your preference over time. Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12 is an "all-around" line to start with. Two others that are also good and inexpensive are P-Line and Izorline.

[Chris at Tech]

Since you want to fish topwaters with this rod, that removes fluorocarbon from the equation as far as I'm concerned.

I'd go 30-40 lb braid.  Straight braid for the grassy ponds, add a leader for the rocky rivers.

[aprestonSEK]

14 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

I think the best overall would be 30lb braid, it's still thin enough to fish stuff like cranks but has the power to fish a frog through the thick stuff. Plus you can add mono or fluoro leaders of your desired length if you need them (like mono as a shock leader for example). 

^^What he said

Learn to tie leaders if you don't know how to already. I recommend the albright knot for its simplicity. 

 

[new2BC4bass]

Rocks and braid don't go together quite as well as peanut butter and jelly.  A leader would be a must.  I like braid for some things, but admit to being biased towards mono or co-polymer for everything else.  I've no experience with Yo-Zuri, but it is a popular line with many on this forum.  I like 12# for an all-around line size.  A friend prefers 15#.  Different strokes for different folks.

Some other excellent lines would include Spiderwire Ultracast Ultimate Mono, Izorline XXX, Silver Thread AN40 or Excalibur, McCoy Mean Green, Trilene Big Game and P-Line CXX.  I use a lot of Sufix Siege.  Fond of Neon Tangerine.    However, if I had to chose only one line, I think it would be one of the others I mentioned.  Couldn't tell you which one without further testing.

I have to add Izorline Platinum as a line with excellent abrasion resistance as tested by at least one of our members who came to the conclusion it is the very best after using quite a few other lines, but also have to mention you should keep it treated with a line conditioner because that abrasion resistance comes at a price.....memory.  I originally spooled my daughter's reel with Platinum as she fishes almost exclusively with Senkos.  However, I changed it out for some Siege after she complained of backlashes.  Hasn't complained since.

[Angry John]

I agree. Yhb 10 or 12 is the best all around line.  Braid with leader can work well if you tie good knots.  I like 40lb braid.

[swandog]

I will just echo what has been said already. 30# braid, then tie on a leader of you feel like the conditions/lure calls for it.