What size Braid for Baitcaster

[Steve S]

 what is the smallest lb braid you would recommend going on a baitcaster reel. I’ve heard you shouldn’t go to small of a diameter. What lb test would you recommend of seaguar smackdown as I know it’s thinner than other brands or what size in general would you not go under to prevent having issues with digging birds nests etc? Thanks 

[Born 2 fish]

5 minutes ago, Steve S said:

 what is the smallest lb braid you would recommend going on a baitcaster reel. I’ve heard you shouldn’t go to small of a diameter. What lb test would you recommend of seaguar smackdown as I know it’s thinner than other brands or what size in general would you not go under to prevent having issues with digging birds nests etc? Thanks 

What do you plan on throwing? 30-40 should cover most. I use 50-65 for frogs 

[Dens228]

I use 20 lb braid for certain applications but 30 would probably be the best all around if you're new to it. 

My personal arsenal goes from 20 lb up to 65 lb.

[jimmyjoe]

   I don't use braid any more, but it has nothing to do with bird's nests. I found 12 mil (.012") line to be the thinnest I'd use. There are other people here that use much thinner, but I'm a shorecaster. Sometimes I have to give the cast all the "oomph" that I can. I found that generally, that was when you get problems with braid. Let off a little on the cast and you'll do a lot better.

   You need to feel the braid, too. Some braid kinda compresses into a flat "ribbon" (for lack of a better word) and that's the kind that I found really gave me troubles.

   Good luck, whatever you decide.    jj

  

[NittyGrittyBoy]

No less than 30lb on casting. If lower you usually start running into issues 

[Boomstick]

Personally, I don't use anything less than 30lbs on a baitcaster, more out of necessity but you can go as low as 20lbs for things like crankbaits.  I have seen some people who use 15lb line on a baitcaster, but I wouldn't attempt that.

 

As far as smackdown goes, I would use nothing less than 30lb which is basically 20lbs of most standard braid.

[waymont]

I don't go below 30lb braid. I use Power Pro which is pretty thin, but never have any issues at all.

[Bluebasser86]

I have 20lb on one or two baitcasters that I use for making long cast with topwaters. I wouldn't go that light if you're using Smackdown though, that stuff is super thin.

[MN Fisher]

I run 20# Power Pro on my President - my main single-hook, moving bait rig...spinners/chatters/buzz. If you do go that low, be sure to spool it on relatively tight...loose coils on the spool will allow dig-in.

[Hammer 4]

With Smackdown, 30 min..40 would be better.

[new2BC4bass]

I wouldn't go below 40# to learn.  It is what I used, and I never had a problem with dig ins.  Have mentioned this a few times before.  Purchased a used reel that came with 30# braid.  Spent the first 15-20 minutes casting and removing tight spots.  Haven't had a problem since.  Keep the line spooled tight.  The thinner the braid the more important that is.  Makes it harder for the braid to dig in.  Been snagged on lily pads a few times with that 30# braid and haven't had it dig in yet.

[dodgeguy]

Best is 50 and up.

[FishTank]

30lb is the lowest I have tried with braid.  But in Smackdown, 40lb would be it for me and 50lb would be what I would purchase for general purpose use. 

[rcjoutdoors]

I like 50 which is about the same diameter of 12lb mono

[J Francho]

50, 65, and 80 cover all my bass fishing bases.

[FrankN209]

Like most have said, i wouldn't go below 30lb. 

[Angry John]

Size matters.  On an alphas I have run 20 suffix 832 and it was a good fit.  If your using a normal full size reel 30 is good and 40 is better.  

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I use 10 to 60 on baitcaster

[Shimano_1]

I never go below 40 on casting gear. Usually use 50. I see no reason or techniques that would require anything smaller and casting reels just dont act right or suitable for thin braid. All I use braid for is frog/buzzbaits and for punching nasty cover. Everything else is fluoro or mono