Recommended lb test fluorocarbon for current Spinning set up

[P32]

My current spinning setup is a 6'6" medium fast 2 piece Shimano Convergence IM7 graphite rod with a Shimano Symetre 2500FL.

I'm using it for: 

Texas rig and Wacky rig 5" Senkos - size 4/0 Gamakatsu offset shank worm EWG hooks & size 2/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Weedless hooks

Strike King Banshee 3/8 spinnerbait + size 2/0 Gamakatsu trailer hook - couldn't find what size and brand for main hook

Rapala DT series 3/8 crankbait - size 5 VMC treble hooks (changing to 6 Gamakatsu magic eye short shank round bend treble hook later)

Rapala Shadow Rap 7/16 jerkbait - size 6 VMC treble hooks (changing to 6 Gamakatsu magic eye short shank round bend treble treble hook later)

Z-Man Freedom 3/8 chatterbait + Yamamoto Zako 4" swimsuit - size 5/0 long neck VMC hook (changing to 4/0 Gamakatsu offset shank worm EWG hook later)

 

I was thinking of purchasing Seaguar Invizx fluorocarbon as my main line but I'm not sure what lb test line to get. Any recommendations appreciated!

[IndianaOutdoors]

10-15lb should do the trick.  If you have trouble with line twist try braid with a fluorocarbon leader.  If you have trouble hooking up or keeping em hooked on the baits with trebles, use mono.

Edit:. Welcome to the board.  I'm new here too.

[thebillsman]

As light as possible, I would say 8lb. 

[CroakHunter]

15lb braid, with an 8lb leader. 15lb fluoro on a normal bass sized spinning reel sounds like a lot of curse words and a bad time. There's not enough line conditioner in the state of indiana to make me want to try that. Just my .02. Highest I go on spinning reels is 10lb mono

[thebillsman]

22 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:

15lb braid, with an 8lb leader. 15lb fluoro on a normal bass sized spinning reel sounds like a lot of curse words and a bad time. There's not enough line conditioner in the state of indiana to make me want to try that. Just my .02. Highest I go on spinning reels is 10lb mono

 

Totally agree. InvizX is one of the more manageable Fluoro's but at 15lb test it will be an absolute mess. 

[fishindad]

Being that you use a 2500 Shimano, definitely do not go above 8lb test mono/fluoro. I agree with the others that recommend braid main line and I would say based on your lure selection, go with 20lb 832 since those baits are on the heavy end of the spectrum for that rod. 

 

The next best thing to do is get yourself another setup, maybe ML, to throw either the treble hook stuff (jerkbaits, crankbaits) or the single hook baits (Texas Senkos, chatterbaits), a MH. I would use the Med for the former and get a MH for the latter.

[roadwarrior]

#6 Seaguar InvizX

 

[P32]

I was initially thinking of going with 15lb Power Pro braid w 8lb Seaguar Blue Label leader because they have the same diameter of 0.008". I was also thinking of going 20lb Power Pro braid w 10lb Seaguar Blue Lable leader or 12lb Seaguar Premier leader because they have the same diameter of 0.009". Because this is actually my first very own set up I didn't want to have to deal with the extra knot issues with tying on a leader so I'm now thinking going straight fluorocarbon. It's also the reason why I chose those specific lures and not any top water lures because I believe they work best with fluorocarbon.

 

I've done a lot of research on my own and I've also read from several sources not to go above 6-8lb fluorocarbon for spinning set ups. Some people even said not to go straight fluorocarbon as a main line on spinning set ups because there are issues. That has lead me to go with Seaguar Invizx because I've heard it helps with those certain issues with using fluorocarbon as a main line on a spinning set up.

 

What exactly are these issues/problems with using fluorocarbon as a main line on a spinning set up and why should I not go above 8lb fluorocarbon?

 

Lastly, based on my specific spinning setup and lure selection, what lb Seaguar Invizx should I go with for my main line, 6lb or 8lb and why? Or should I really consider going back to my initially thought with braid and fluorocarbon leader? If I go w braid and fluorocarbon leader, could I take off my leader and just use braid for top water lures with my current rod and reel set up? For the time being I'd like to just stick with one rod and reel set up ATM and I'm perfectly fine with using my current lures.

[NHBull]

For what you described anything more than 6 would ruin the action.

When I was using FC, I used Tatsu

[P32]

11 minutes ago, NHBull said:

For what you described anything more than 6 would ruin the action.

When I was using FC, I used Tatsu

I know based on several reviews the best fluorocarbon is Tatsu but I've spent a lot of money already on my first ever set up and Tatsu is out of my budget ATM...Isn't Seaguar Invizx good as well?

[NHBull]

5 minutes ago, P32 said:

I know based on several reviews the best fluorocarbon is Tatsu but I've spent a lot of money already on my first ever set up and Tatsu is out of my budget ATM...Isn't Seaguar Invizx good as well?

Please don't misunderstand, I used tatsu, but there are many good options out there and inviszx is a good one

[Fishingmickey]

P32 (aka John Wayne ala USMC),

     The reason there is problems with using fluorocarbon on a spinning reel is because the stiffness of the line. The stiffness causes it to come (fly) off the spool and not stop coming off when the cast is finished (lure hitting the water hopefully). Tatsu and Invisx are two of the more "limper" fluoro's. But they will stiffen with age and you can try to extend the life by using line conditioner. You can help eliminate some of the problem by feathering the line as it reaches the end of the cast with your fingers. Then close the bail with your palm as the cast finishes. If you go with the higher lb test lines (above 8-10 lb) it is so stiff the line doesn't want to feed through your first guide easily. The line slaps against the rod between the first guide and the reel.

      So my recommendation is to use mono. Berkley XL 8,10 or at most 12lb. If you want to go with the braid and fluorocarbon leader route you have to learn the knots. Albert or FG knot I think is the most preferred.

Best Regards,

FIshingmickey

[WRB]

 The OP is obviously a Seaguar line fan and that is OK, good line mfr.

No FC line, including Tatsu, can over come it's the fact it's FC with all the performance and cost issues associated with it. 

The Op's rod is marginal for a few of the lures he plans to use it for like the 3/8 oz Chatterbait. I would recommend consideration be given to Seaguar Rippin mono line to increase knot strength and changing the braid to leader often, if braid is the goal and a good choice considering the rod. By going with mono top water lures come into play.

Tom

[P32]

Thanks everyone for their feedback. First time on this forum and feeling welcomed already. I'm leaning towards 6lb Seaguar Invizx now. Let's say I end up not liking Seaguar Invizx fluorocarbon as my main line, can I just get 15lb Power Pro and then use the Seaguar Invizx as my leader?

 

Does my rod length and lure weight work fine together or am I loosing action from my lures because either my rod length is too short or my lure weight is too heavy?

[WRB]

You will get mixed replies based on various experience levels from spinning rod/reel users.

Up front I am not a fan of FC line for bass fishing*.

6 lb FC has at best 5 lb knot strength when the knot is properly tied and degrades quickly.

Lures with light wire hooks like finesse presentations using size 4 to size 1/0 drop shot style hooks are compatible to 6 lb FC line. Larger wire hooks like the 3/8 Chatter bait isn't a good match for the line or rod.

I would start off using a good premium mono like Seaguar Rippin mono 8 lb test as your main line and no FC leader or braid for the lures you plan to use and make any changes after using your tackle.

Tom

* read FC freind or Foe

[P32]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

You will get mixed replies based on various experience levels from spinning rod/reel users.

Up front I am not a fan of FC line for bass fishing*.

6 lb FC has at best 5 lb knot strength when the knot is properly tied and degrades quickly.

Lures with light wire hooks like finesse presentations using size 4 to size 1/0 drop shot style hooks are compatible to 6 lb FC line. Larger wire hooks like the 3/8 Chatter bait isn't a good match for the line or rod.

I would start off using a good premium mono like Seaguar Rippin mono 8 lb test as your main line and no FC leader or braid for the lures you plan to use and make any changes after using your tackle.

Tom

* read FC freind or Foe

I have been using my buddies spinning setup with mono and I'm not a fan of it...would you suggest I use 15lb Power Pro braid with 8lb Seaguar Blue Lable fluorocarbon leader or 8lb Seaguar Invizx? d**n I didn't know 3/8 lures were too heavy for my set up...I want fish all my lures at their full potential.

[Attila]

The lures you're throwing matches quite closely to what I use. I fish my setups with 20lbs and 15lbs braid and match it with a piece of InvizX in 8lbs test used as a leader. I think it's the best option for you as you'll be able to fish through some junk when required with your DT's and also be able to manage the action on your jerkbaits more with the zero stretch of braid.

 

As well, don't be afraid to keep the fluorocarbon on when using lighter sized poppers that weigh in at 3/8oz or less. I routinely throw size 9 Rapala Skitter Pops on that same setup and catch decent fish all the time without any negative impact introduced by the piece of fluorocarbon used. Pictured below is one of the many fish I've caught using this setup.

 

I've been using InvizX for a couple of years now, both as a main line for my finesse and spinnerbait/crankbait setups and also as a leader. While it is a bit on the pricier side, I find that it handles a lot like the mono which I used to use which was a feature I was looking for when I was making the transition. I still put KVD line conditioner on my spools every night before I go out and give it another shot when I start using the combo's the day of just to ensure that I don't have any line memory issues. I use straight 12lbs for my spinnerbaits and crankbaits and straight 6lbs for my finesse outfit.

 

Hope this helps, and have a great day.

[WRB]

6 hours ago, P32 said:

I have been using my buddies spinning setup with mono and I'm not a fan of it...would you suggest I use 15lb Power Pro braid with 8lb Seaguar Blue Lable fluorocarbon leader or 8lb Seaguar Invizx? d**n I didn't know 3/8 lures were too heavy for my set up...I want fish all my lures at their full potential.

Your medium 2 piece Shimano rods power in the upper section may be too weak to perform hook sets with a 3/0 heavy wire hook the Chatterbait has, it's not the weight of the lure.

You can do whatever you choose, it's your choice.

Tom

[Djohn]

I never go heavier than 10 lb FC on a spinning real. It's a little to stiff and affects my casting distance. I would recommend 8 lb for your setup

[P32]

19 hours ago, Attila said:

The lures you're throwing matches quite closely to what I use. I fish my setups with 20lbs and 15lbs braid and match it with a piece of InvizX in 8lbs test used as a leader. I think it's the best option for you as you'll be able to fish through some junk when required with your DT's and also be able to manage the action on your jerkbaits more with the zero stretch of braid.

 

As well, don't be afraid to keep the fluorocarbon on when using lighter sized poppers that weigh in at 3/8oz or less. I routinely throw size 9 Rapala Skitter Pops on that same setup and catch decent fish all the time without any negative impact introduced by the piece of fluorocarbon used. Pictured below is one of the many fish I've caught using this setup.

 

I've been using InvizX for a couple of years now, both as a main line for my finesse and spinnerbait/crankbait setups and also as a leader. While it is a bit on the pricier side, I find that it handles a lot like the mono which I used to use which was a feature I was looking for when I was making the transition. I still put KVD line conditioner on my spools every night before I go out and give it another shot when I start using the combo's the day of just to ensure that I don't have any line memory issues. I use straight 12lbs for my spinnerbaits and crankbaits and straight 6lbs for my finesse outfit.

 

Hope this helps, and have a great day.

My initial thoughts were to go with braid main line and fluorocarbon leader but because this is my first set up I was worried about knot issues like breaking and losing my lures (expensive to me). It does seem like the best route overall especially for my lures I've selected and if i wanted to learn top water lures i could always remove the fluorocarbon lure. Have you had any knot issues and what knot do you prefer (Alberto, FG, double Uni)? Also I've noticed a few people using the Seaguar Invizx fluorocarbon as their leader but isn't it meant for main line spooling? Why aren't you using Seaguar Blue Label leader or Seaguar Premiere leader instead since its made for leader? If its ok to use Seaguar Invizx fluorocarbon as a leader, why do people even buy Seaguar Blue Label/Premiere leaders when it only comes with 25 yards for almost the same price while Seaguar Invizx is 200 yards?

 

I've decided to go with 15lb Power Pro braid and 8lb Seaguar fluorocarbon as it was my initial thought at first. I'm just going to have to learn how to tie good knots.

 

18 hours ago, WRB said:

Your medium 2 piece Shimano rods power in the upper section may be too weak to perform hook sets with a 3/0 heavy wire hook the Chatterbait has, it's not the weight of the lure.

You can do whatever you choose, it's your choice.

Tom

Would going braid with fluorocarbon leader solve that problem? or 8lb fluorocarbon instead of 6lb?

 

Something I forgot to mention but is worth noting is the hook size I will be using for each lure. I've updated my original post! Thanks WRB!

[Attila]

10 hours ago, P32 said:

My initial thoughts were to go with braid main line and fluorocarbon leader but because this is my first set up I was worried about knot issues like breaking and losing my lures (expensive to me). It does seem like the best route overall especially for my lures I've selected and if i wanted to learn top water lures i could always remove the fluorocarbon lure. Have you had any knot issues and what knot do you prefer (Alberto, FG, double Uni)? Also I've noticed a few people using the Seaguar Invizx fluorocarbon as their leader but isn't it meant for main line spooling? Why aren't you using Seaguar Blue Label leader or Seaguar Premiere leader instead since its made for leader? If its ok to use Seaguar Invizx fluorocarbon as a leader, why do people even buy Seaguar Blue Label/Premiere leaders when it only comes with 25 yards for almost the same price while Seaguar Invizx is 200 yards?

 

I've decided to go with 15lb Power Pro braid and 8lb Seaguar fluorocarbon as it was my initial thought at first. I'm just going to have to learn how to tie good knots.

 

I think you’ve made the right choice with the line selection you decided on.

 

That said, again, I don’t see a need to remove the fluorocarbon when fishing topwater lures. As well, since you mentioned a budget, I’ll say this. The InvizX I use as a “leader” is what is left over from spooling a baitcaster and a spinning setup fully as I mentioned in a previous post. There is no reason to go spend extra money on another “leader” line when the line that you’ve spooled with can and will hold up to the various conditions that you’ll fish.

 

The first time I went with a braid and fluorocarbon line selection I was apprehensive. I had fished straight mono before and had really good success and was worried that my uni to uni knot wasn’t tied properly. I got my first fish within 10 minutes on a popper and didn’t have any issues. Then the fish got bigger and eventually I nailed the 5lbs smallmouth pictured below. The knot held and the line didn’t fray at all even though the fish ran over rocks, through weeds, and probably a few zebra mussels along the way.

 

I realized then that I had found a line setup that would work for many presentations in various conditions, so I stuck with it.

 

 

[P32]

5 hours ago, Attila said:

 

I think you’ve made the right choice with the line selection you decided on.

 

That said, again, I don’t see a need to remove the fluorocarbon when fishing topwater lures. As well, since you mentioned a budget, I’ll say this. The InvizX I use as a “leader” is what is left over from spooling a baitcaster and a spinning setup fully as I mentioned in a previous post. There is no reason to go spend extra money on another “leader” line when the line that you’ve spooled with can and will hold up to the various conditions that you’ll fish.

 

The first time I went with a braid and fluorocarbon line selection I was apprehensive. I had fished straight mono before and had really good success and was worried that my uni to uni knot wasn’t tied properly. I got my first fish within 10 minutes on a popper and didn’t have any issues. Then the fish got bigger and eventually I nailed the 5lbs smallmouth pictured below. The knot held and the line didn’t fray at all even though the fish ran over rocks, through weeds, and probably a few zebra mussels along the way.

 

I realized then that I had found a line setup that would work for many presentations in various conditions, so I stuck with it.

Do you have a link or video that you followed to learn the double unit knot? I'd like to follow it as well. Also how long of a leader should I tie on?