Mono or braid for my lure choice.

[kpla51]

Ok so Ive been bass fishing for about a year and have done very well. I started using a bait caster not too long ago and have used power pro 20lb braid. I primarily fish weightless/ weighted senkos and top water poppers or spooks. Now I'm not a pro at bait casting and have only used about two spools of line caused to bird nests. Well yesterday I was complacent and got a horrible bird nest so I needed to cut 12 bucks of line off after the first cast of new line. My question is should I switch to mono for my lure choices or just stick to braid? I do fish some heavy cover sometimes and I was thinking of using berkley big game in either 12 or 15lb test, If i do switch to mono what is the better lb test for my uses. Also money isn't so much a factor if one serves a propose better but if it doesn't I wouldn't mind saving money lol. 

 

Ive done a lot of research about lines but there not specific to what lures there using any help would be appreciated. 

 

and heres a picture of my PB bass since I started fishing just for fun caught on a weighted yum dinger and the braid.

 

[riverbasser]

I run all baitcasters except for one spinning setup and it is used for weightless plastics and other light lures. There are baitcasters and rods designed to throw the light lures but I don't own any. It takes a special setup that goes beyond just line choice.

 

I reccomend using the baitcaster for 1/4 and up lures and use spinning for the rest. Even 1/4 oz give me trouble at times especially the small pop-r's that you mentioned. They seem lighter than a 1/4 and don't cast well for me on baitcaster. I use spinning for them too.

[roadwarrior]

Well, training your thumb is a lot less expensive with monofilament line. Another alternative is tightening your brakes a notch or two and adjusting the spool tension. You will lose a little distance, but this will reduce "professional overruns" dramatically. Finally, if you decide to stick with braided line, move up to at least 30# and I prefer 40#.

 

[the reel ess]

Here are my reel/line rules of thumb and some will disagree:

 

BC trebles, incl cranks and topwaters: Mono

BC spinner/buzzbaits: Mono 

BC single hooks (T-rigs, weightless Senkos, etc.) 30# Braid

BC frogs: 30# braid, min. 50 lb. braid is what I currently have on.

 

Spinning: 20# braid for everything. I will use the M/Mod rod for smaller trebles because the action is quite moderate. I'll use the MH for weightless Trick Worms and light T rigs, etc. The reason for braid on spinning is the lack of line twist. Braid on a spinning reel will last longer than you want it to and will almost never twist if you remember to flip the bail up by hand. You'll be coloring the end of it with Sharpies to make less visible.

[Preytorien]

I pretty much use braid for everything except if I'm fishing in very cold weather (line icing is worse with braid). If I need the more subtle presentation I will tie on a mono or flouro leader. Also, take some time to get good at picking out backlash. It's much easier with braid than anything else and you can save yourself some money by learning how to do it. There are some videos on YouTube about some techniques to try -- but there are times for us all where no technique or trick will help.

 

With a casting reel I would be careful about dropping below 30lb test due to line digging issues, plus its easier to pick out a backlash with a thicker diameter line.

 

Aside from using a spinning reel for very finesse applications, I use a Curado 71XHG for casting very light lures just as well as heavier lures, but almost any casting reel can be tuned to your liking with a bit of work. That said, I can't say I've ever tried casting anything less than 1/16oz.

 

Nice fish! 

[RichF]

Personally, I prefer braid over mono but since you're just starting out with a baitcaster, I would say switch to mono since it's much cheaper to replace. Once you get more comfortable with your reel, you could go back.  But if you like the braid and don't mind the extra replacement cost, then stick with it.  It's much better for fishing in vegetation.  I'd also try heavier braid as well.  I won't use less than 30lb on baitcasting gear. 

[Bluebasser86]

I use braid for all techniques you listed. Straight braidwith now leader except maybe the senko if the water is clear.

[fishballer06]

If you're still mastering the baitcaster, I'd recommend mono. 15 pound Big Game will handle almost any application in bass fishing, and you can get a big 1/4lb. spool for less than $10. 

[kpla51]

1 hour ago, Preytorien said:

I pretty much use braid for everything except if I'm fishing in very cold weather (line icing is worse with braid). If I need the more subtle presentation I will tie on a mono or flouro leader. Also, take some time to get good at picking out backlash. It's much easier with braid than anything else and you can save yourself some money by learning how to do it. There are some videos on YouTube about some techniques to try -- but there are times for us all where no technique or trick will help.

 

With a casting reel I would be careful about dropping below 30lb test due to line digging issues, plus its easier to pick out a backlash with a thicker diameter line.

 

Aside from using a spinning reel for very finesse applications, I use a Curado 71XHG for casting very light lures just as well as heavier lures, but almost any casting reel can be tuned to your liking with a bit of work. That said, I can't say I've ever tried casting anything less than 1/16oz.

 

Nice fish! 

I didn't know about the line digging with lower lb braid. I have noticed it happens often with my 20 lb test. I might just try some 30lb I'm guessing power pro is pretty popular and is an ok price. 

[Jagg]

Mono till your thumb is better educated.

[MickD]

I hear it over and over on this forum, people trying to keep from using spin tackle, using bait casting when it is a real challenge.  This is madness.  Fishing is supposed to be fun, so use spin for the light stuff and bait casting for the rest, and forget the frustration.  I hear all these "I  can bait cast 1/16 oz lures with bait cast" and I ask "Up wind?".  If you want to be one who can cast the lightest lures on baitcast, go for it.  If you want to catch more fish, with less frustration and problems that keep your lure out of the water, go for the easiest to use tackle, sometimes spin.
"

[MassYak85]

For those specific baits I use all spinning gear. And in my experience switching to mono is NOT going to reduce you backlash problems. A bad backlash with mono IMO is going to be much harder to get out and salvage the line. When braid backlashes badly it digs in, when mono does it loops up and can kink. Once you get, if it was bad most likely the line got kinked when taking the loops out, often times far into the spool, only to be discovered when you set the hook on a 20 yard cast and the line breaks at a "random" spot between you and the bait. Now the reason I would still recommend mono over braid for your case is cost. So what if you have to re spool with mono 5 times due to mistakes, you are still (cost wise) ahead of the game of braid). And like others have said, if you stick with braid stepping up a size or two in your braid might help with the line digging in. I don't use anything below 30 on my baitcasters. 

[Raul]

I don't "salvage" monofilament ( nylon, copoly or fluoro ) once backlashed it becomes garbage for me so I change it completely. I fish with some sort of monofilament 95% of the time and most of it is nylon ( Big Game ) for pretty much everything ( lures and techniques ).

[WRB]

My advice is learn how to remove a backlash without cutting the line.

You do this by not trying to pull out the loops. After you get the backlash slowly pull out the loose line until it stops...don't continue pulling any line. Put your thumb tight onto the spooled line, with the loops, and wind all the loose line back onto the reel while keeping tight thumb pressure. Now slowly pull off the line until all the loops are gone without yanking on the line. Carefully wind the line back onto the reel, backlash is gone without cutting. Search for a vedio.

Another trick with braid is pulling off 60 yards of line and tape over the remaining braid using Teflon plumbers tape, just a few wraps to keep the line tight during the cast. 60 yards is more than enough line to bass fish with. If for some reason you need more the braid cuts through the tape easily.

I also use Fins Windtamer braid, doesn't backlash or wind knot like Power Pro.

Tom

 

[RoLo]

 

When 30-lb braid is combined with proper spool tension and an experienced thumb,

'wind-knots' and 'line-burrowing' become distant memories.

 

The likelihood of 'line-burrowing' is highest when you're finesse fishing with an unweighted lure,

then use your rod to pump the boat over to a snagged lure (even then it is rarely a problem).

As for 'wind-knots', I'd rather have a half-dozen of those, than one nylon rat's nest...just sayin

 

Roger

 

 

[kpla51]

Now in the year of fishing with a bait caster Ive only re spooled the braid once due to a bad bird nest I couldn't get out. I used some trilene for the first week to figure it out and have used braid since. It was more of a question if mono would suit me better over braid with the lure choices since theres such a vast choice of line it gets confusing on what each is used for. 

[WRB]

You get birds nests with all types of line using a bait casting reel, with braid it's harder to pick it out and the reason Ivsuggested not doing that.

The OP is having success with what he is using and wants to know what other lines are similar to braid, the is none because mono or FC is bigger in diameter per pound test strength. 20 lb Power Pro is .009 dia. Mono around .012 diameter will be in the 10 to 12 lb test range. Sunline Armillo Defier Nyon 11 lb is .011 d and 13 lb is .012 d, 15 lb is .013 d, good line and should work.

Tom

[bagofdonuts]

Spool 2/3 to 3/4 of your reel with cheap mono. Spool only the last 1/3 to1/4 of the reel with braid. It will make the braid easier to handle and if you have to cut it off your not loosing a lot of line. Anytime you catch a fish or have to pull hard on a snag strip off some line and reel it back in before casting. 

[BigShew2]

Like you I only started using a baitcaster a couple years ago. I found it easier to learn using 17# or higher mono-big game is great due to the price. A thicker line makes casting easier, along with heavier weights to start out with. It helps train the thumb. Then with the right set up you can throw 1/4 less fairly easily. 

Good luck. 

[CTBassin860]

Step it up to 40# braid.You'll see the difference.I assume you not throwing 20# on a super shallow spool.

2 hours ago, WRB said:

You get birds nests with all types of line using a bait casting reel, with braid it's harder to pick it out and the reason Ivsuggested not doing that.

The OP is having success with what he is using and wants to know what other lines are similar to braid, the is none because mono or FC is bigger in diameter per pound test strength. 20 lb Power Pro is .009 dia. Mono around .012 diameter will be in the 10 to 12 lb test range. Sunline Armillo Defier Nyon 11 lb is .011 d and 13 lb is .012 d, 15 lb is .013 d, good line and should work.

Tom

Just got 13# defier for my topwater setup!

[kpla51]

I'm using a abu garcia black max combo from wall mart I received as a gift. I would like to purchase a nicer reel and rod but for now its catching bigger fish than my buddies expensive combo. I was looking at the revo sx reel since from what I read a nicer reel tends to be easier to use vs a cheaper real like the black max I have. 

[RichF]

 

38 minutes ago, kpla51 said:

I'm using a abu garcia black max combo from wall mart I received as a gift. I would like to purchase a nicer reel and rod but for now its catching bigger fish than my buddies expensive combo. I was looking at the revo sx reel since from what I read a nicer reel tends to be easier to use vs a cheaper real like the black max I have. 

 

Take a look at the Daiwa Tatula CT.  It's cheaper than the Revo SX and casts awesome.  The braking system is super simple. 

 

 

16 hours ago, MickD said:

I hear it over and over on this forum, people trying to keep from using spin tackle, using bait casting when it is a real challenge.  This is madness.  Fishing is supposed to be fun, so use spin for the light stuff and bait casting for the rest, and forget the frustration.  I hear all these "I  can bait cast 1/16 oz lures with bait cast" and I ask "Up wind?".  If you want to be one who can cast the lightest lures on baitcast, go for it.  If you want to catch more fish, with less frustration and problems that keep your lure out of the water, go for the easiest to use tackle, sometimes spin.
"

 

I don't think it's necessarily people trying to refrain from using spinning tackle.  Baitcasting gear has a heck of a lot more advantages over spinning.  There are so many different rod lengths/actions that allow you to fish a wide range of techniques way more effectively than with spinning tackle.  I also think you get way more control, casting-wise, with baitcasting.  If you strictly throw tiny baits and/or senkos, then yes, all you need is spinning gear.  But if not, learning to use a baitcaster isn't a bad idea.

[Mocktopus]

1 hour ago, kpla51 said:

I'm using a abu garcia black max combo from wall mart I received as a gift. I would like to purchase a nicer reel and rod but for now its catching bigger fish than my buddies expensive combo. I was looking at the revo sx reel since from what I read a nicer reel tends to be easier to use vs a cheaper real like the black max I have. 

I just got a bps bionic reel. It is awesome and on sale at $60. The breaking system is very user friendly and dual breaks on  reel under 100 is hard to find.

 

Up I just started using  buddies BC reel on my rod last summer. I found using braid made it much easier to train my thumb. I use 50# power pro on my new reel and haven't had any issues with birdsnests. I'm sure that will change when I try throwing some light weight lures but for now I'm practicing with a heavier spoon that I removed the treble from . 

Like about everyone else I recommend a heavier braid.

[scaleface]

Try some ,mono and see how you like it . I dont use braid . 

[Big Swimbait]

flea bay seller der_beste has a screaming deal on 30# Power Pro - 100M (328 ft). I took a chance on one spool at $8.00 shipped from Malaysia. When I got it (about 2 weeks), I checked the strength and it didn't break until over 30#. Using a micrometer, diameter was as advertised here. Packaging was the same as available here except for some non English notations. I couldn't tell the difference on my rod/reel. Decided to order a lot more & now it's $2.59 SHIPPED. Yes I reordered!!!