Line for antique Level wind reel

[Jerry Elam]

Hi, I have an antique level wind, I would have to dig it out to get the brand and model, I would like to use it for sentimental reasons. It reminds me of going fishing with my best friend and his dad when I was a kid.

What kind of line would I use? I remember we used braided line, but the new ones appear way too thin.

Thanks

PS not a specific brand, but type maybe? 

[Lobocito]

If "level wind" is just an older term for "baitcaster".. use whatever you want. Modern braid is awesome stuff and is by far the easiest type of line to handle in my experience. Chart below will probably vary from brand to brand, but basically the modern braid is rated significantly stronger than equivalent diameter mono. I use between 30# and 65# braid on about half of my reels and a bunch of flouro on the other half, but I probably wouldn't try flouro on an older reel unless you have a lot of confidence in it. 

[jimmyjoe]

   Are you talking about something like this?

 

   or these?

 

   If your reel is that old, it was most likely made for cotton line. I'd use very thick (16 to 20 mil.) line.

   I would also try to make sure that the reel is in good condition ...... mechanically, not just cosmetically.

   My dad had one of these when I was a kid. Brings back memories for me, too.    ?   jj

  

[Mobasser]

I say mono in the 15lb class

[frogflogger]

Jason Lucas recommended squidding line for the old baitcasters - but we could never find it in the midwest. We did find some 9# tournament silk that tournament casters used and we used it until we ran out - then we used braided nylon.

I wonder how the spectra braid would work?

[Jerry Elam]

My reel is a Pflueger Trump. It is Trade Mark 1943 so I would assume made after that date. I doubt if I catch anything that could damage it

I think I knew 1943 was not the date, just the model #

[Alex from GA]

Like Mobasser said shove some 15lb mono on it and go fishing.