Question: New to baitcasters-copolymer line vs mono

[Ycerides614]

Hey everyone. I haven't seen too much info about this so please excuse me if this topic has already been discussed. I'm new to baitcasters and am using Berkley Big Game 15lbs without any issue. I understand that fluorocarbon is quite difficult to use, especially for beginners, on baitcasters, but would a copolymer behave better? I'm looking at P-Line CXX Fluorescent Green (will tie a couple feet of fluoro on as a leader). Would this line behave much like my standard Big Game mono line? I'm worried about backlashes and such. I'd appreciate any advice you could give!

[Troy85]

Would you consider braid?  If you plan on using a fluro leader anyway, you could spool braid.  I find braid is the easiest to cast on a bait caster, and it doesn't have any memory.

[Ycerides614]

3 minutes ago, Troy1985s said:

Would you consider braid?  If you plan on using a fluro leader anyway, you could spool braid.  I find braid is the easiest to cast on a bait caster, and it doesn't have any memory.

Definetely would consider it. I've read a lot of conflicting reports on it for beginners, though. It backlashes/digs in easy on snags/etc. I would worry about having to replace it or re-spool and the waste of money as a beginner with the baitcasting. You say it's easier, however? 50lbs, to match the line diameter of the thicker mono?

 

EDIT-Also looking at the Suffix 832-any opinions?

[Troy85]

It can dig in on snags, but its usually easily fixed by doing a long cast.  I find its easier to cast, but it can be less forgiving if you do get a bad birds nest. I'm sure you will find others on these forums that swear the complete opposite.  I use braid on 5 of my bait casters, and straight fluro on 1.  I've noticed that my fluro will bird nest easier than my braid, especially casting into the wind. 

 

If you set your brake system and spool tension correctly, it shouldn't be to bad of a learning curve.  If your worried about birds nests set your brake and spool tension high, you won't be able to cast near as far, but it will help prevent over spin while you're still learning.

 

I use Suffix 832, I have no complaints.  I generally use 40lb(10lb mono equiv), but you can use 50lb.  I use 40lb because its more than enough strength for where I fish, and I like being able to have more on the spool, means I have to re-spool less often.

[papajoe222]

  Just wondering why you'd use a leader with Big Game? My guess is that you've bought into the visibility issue and you're using soft plastics.  I'm not knocking your choice, just my opinion on mono vs. fluoro visibility.

   To answer your question, Yes CoPoly lines are a good choice over mono (a co-poly itself), as they offer the characteristics of both lines, but they do sacrifice a little of those to achieve the end product. 

I'm not a big fan of fluoro, but most 12lb. fluoro has a breaking strength higher that 15lb. Big Game and a smaller diameter, better sensitivity and abrasion resistance than the same lb. test mono. No need for a leader and a quality fluoro, although still stiffer than mono, addresses manageablility issues. Add some KVD line conditioner along with some shorter casts to begin with and its benefits outweigh the minor 'issues'.

[Ycerides614]

6 hours ago, Troy1985s said:

It can dig in on snags, but its usually easily fixed by doing a long cast.  I find its easier to cast, but it can be less forgiving if you do get a bad birds nest. I'm sure you will find others on these forums that swear the complete opposite.  I use braid on 5 of my bait casters, and straight fluro on 1.  I've noticed that my fluro will bird nest easier than my braid, especially casting into the wind. 

 

If you set your brake system and spool tension correctly, it shouldn't be to bad of a learning curve.  If your worried about birds nests set your brake and spool tension high, you won't be able to cast near as far, but it will help prevent over spin while you're still learning.

 

I use Suffix 832, I have no complaints.  I generally use 40lb(10lb mono equiv), but you can use 50lb.  I use 40lb because its more than enough strength for where I fish, and I like being able to have more on the spool, means I have to re-spool less often.

Thanks for the help! Will definitely. try out the braid

22 minutes ago, papajoe222 said:

  Just wondering why you'd use a leader with Big Game? My guess is that you've bought into the visibility issue and you're using soft plastics.  I'm not knocking your choice, just my opinion on mono vs. fluoro visibility.

   To answer your question, Yes CoPoly lines are a good choice over mono (a co-poly itself), as they offer the characteristics of both lines, but they do sacrifice a little of those to achieve the end product. 

I'm not a big fan of fluoro, but most 12lb. fluoro has a breaking strength higher that 15lb. Big Game and a smaller diameter, better sensitivity and abrasion resistance than the same lb. test mono. No need for a leader and a quality fluoro, although still stiffer than mono, addresses manageablility issues. Add some KVD line conditioner along with some shorter casts to begin with and its benefits outweigh the minor 'issues'.

Hey there. The leader for big game is because I like the Solar Green color and am worried about the visibility of the line. You're right, I primarily fish soft plastics & jig w/ craw trailer or Zoom super chunk. I wish I felt more confident in not using one, as I'm not a fan of fluoro line at all. Do you think it's unnecessary, even with what's essentially a neon green line? I suppose I could give it a try. Thanks for the response, definitely looking at the KVD conditioner, really want it. Again, thanks!