Matching rods and line for different techniques

[Jimmy Driscoll]

Hi guys.

I have a kvd quatnam rod 6'10 medium heavy idk what the action is but if I wack the rod the tip moves around with a lot of flex. I need new line after a back lash from getting stuck in the tree. I really only like to use the baits I'm confident in, I'll branch out later but I prefer to stick with senkos Texas rigged or wacky (even though I never caught one on them) top water and crankbaits.. my question is what is the line i should use for crankbaits and soft plastics, I am confident in my knots and are fine using leaders. I'll use top water on my spinning set up. What line and lb test can I use for crankbaits and soft plastics and that will work for me. The max line rating is 17 pounds 

[CroakHunter]

12-15Lb big game

[NHBull]

Given how you described your rod and what you want to do with it, I would use braid.

My daughter was in a similar situation and going from mono to braid definitely helped her get more fish in the boat.  I would use 10-20 lb and tweaking with FC leaders

[Jimmy Driscoll]

Okay I tried using 15lb braid one time and it kept slipping. Someone was telling me to use a backing.. What is that, how do i do it? Also how long of a leader for general use 

[Angry John]

Backing is just putting a layer of mono to get grip before adding braid.  I just use blue painters tape and have no issues.  I would stick to cheaper line until you get dialed in.  The big game, yhb or cxx are all quality and cheap in bulk.

[islandbass]

7 hours ago, Jimmy Driscoll said:

Okay I tried using 15lb braid one time and it kept slipping. Someone was telling me to use a backing.. What is that, how do i do it? Also how long of a leader for general use 

If you already have braid on your spool, you’ll need to remove it first. 

Next, tie mono to your spool, perhaps just enough to cover the spool with one line of the mono or just a little more. Attach your braid to it. This is the mono to braid way. 

 

Some choose to not to use mono but put a small strip of tape usually painters tape to cover the spool but not allowing the sides of the spool to have tape. Spool on your braid. The tape with will prevent the braid form slipping. 

 

Hope that helps. 

[scaleface]

17 lb test Trilene is .015 inches thick .  Thats what I use for Texas rigs and jigs .

[Jimmy Driscoll]

I just put a mono backing on now, so I tie the braid to the mono and then for a leader use braid to fluro knot ? 

[tracker01]

Your backing first than knot to your braid than knot to leader than knot to your lure.

[Angry John]

It's like a contest to see how many knots you can have...funniest the no leader guys who use backing because they don't like knots.

[tander]

If you just to have one line I would recommend 14# mono. Cast great and would be a good line and test for Texas rig and crankbaits.

[Boomstick]

I would also go with 14lb mono as well. 14lb fluorocarbon would also do fine if you are solid with your knot tying.