Braid size for light Texas rig/small jig combo?

[TBAG]

I'm going to put some new line on my light Texas rig/small jig setup and can't decide on diameter. Rod is a Loomis IMX pro 853c and reel is a Daiwa Tatula 100.

 

I mainly use this setup in the creek I frequent while kayak fishing so looking for something that casts well. I will not be using a leader. I mainly throw 1/4 oz jigs and trailer like a bitsy bug and baby rage.

 

I use 50lb on my 854c for heavier jigs but thinking of going 30-40 on this setup. I'll be using Powerpro if that matters.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Junger]

I use 20lb J-Braid Grande x8 on finesse casting rig set ups. The 8 weave stuff is a little thicker in diameter, but smoother. No problems with dig ins at 20lbs.

[Catt]

Why buy more line?

 

I'm throwing 50# with 1/8 oz Texas Rigs & 3/16 oz Jig-n-Craws.

[TBAG]

3 minutes ago, Catt said:

Why buy more line?

 

I'm throwing 50# with 1/8 oz Texas Rigs & 3/16 oz Jig-n-Craws.

 

I have to buy new line regardless as I don't have any more braid in the huge tupperware box in the garage full of line. lol

[Choporoz]

I use 20# PP for that application.

 

I admit, though, that I almost always start with 1/8 weighted swimbait hook with Rage Bug before I switch to light jig on that set up.  Many days I never get to the jig and just stick with the Rage Rig. 

 

20 is plenty for getting them out of the mess and then into the boat.  40 works, but 20 just seems a better to work with...accuracy and distance suffer a little with 40 when using lighter lures

[Junger]

9 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

20 is plenty for getting them out of the mess and then into the boat.  40 works, but 20 just seems a better to work with...accuracy and distance suffer a little with 40 when using lighter lures

The 20lb braid will help with less "belly" as well. I hate big saggy line with light bottom contact lures.

[OkobojiEagle]

8 hours ago, Junger said:

The 20lb braid will help with less "belly" as well. I hate big saggy line with light bottom contact lures.

10lb will fish light weights even better... remember, most braid's breaking point is actually much stronger than advertised.  The thinner the diameter the less visible the line is.

 

oe 

 

 

edit:  re-read this thread after several hours and found I did a p*ss poor job of reading the OP's initial post... 10lb would be too thin for baitcasting, my mind was focused on spinning gear.  I've used 15lb with baitcasting gear, but I agree 20lb is a practical bottom diameter.

[TBAG]

20 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I use 20# PP for that application.

 

I admit, though, that I almost always start with 1/8 weighted swimbait hook with Rage Bug before I switch to light jig on that set up.  Many days I never get to the jig and just stick with the Rage Rig. 

 

20 is plenty for getting them out of the mess and then into the boat.  40 works, but 20 just seems a better to work with...accuracy and distance suffer a little with 40 when using lighter lures

 

9 minutes ago, Junger said:

The 20lb braid will help with less "belly" as well. I hate big saggy line with light bottom contact lures.

 

Nice, thanks fellas. I'll grab some 20lb today.

[Junger]

Just now, OkobojiEagle said:

10lb will fish light weights even better... remember, most braid's breaking point is actually much stronger than advertised.  The thinner the diameter the less visible the line is.

 

oe

I've never tried 10lb....at that point I'll probably get worried about dig ins, but I may try it with a BFS shallow reel one day.

[Choporoz]

Never got comfortable with 10# on baitcasting reel for anything other than jerk baits...wispy, knotty and more important, invisible (I only tried moss green in 10)

[Deleted account]

30

[dodgeguy]

In the past I had problems with less than 50 pound digging in on casting reels. I switched to Lews reels and for some reason it doesn't happen with 20 lb suffix braid. I would get rid of the powerpro.

[TBAG]

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

In the past I had problems with less than 50 pound digging in on casting reels. I switched to Lews reels and for some reason it doesn't happen with 20 lb suffix braid. I would get rid of the powerpro.

Did you use backing? I'll be backing the reel with Big Game.

[dodgeguy]

I never use backing. I always the straight to the holes in the spool.i stopped using backing because the knot joining the lines put a high spot in the spool. I don't care what anyone says that causes it to spool less flat and even than if the knot wasn't there.