First time using fluorocarbon for wormin, setup recommendations?

[RipHair]

I've had so much success using wacky rigs, weightless senkos, texas rigs last summer on the lake I grew up on when all I my life I always used rapalas, jitterbugs, moss bosses, etc... that I want to dedicate 2 of my rigs to this type of fishing.

 

My weightless/finesse setup will be Shimano Scorpion DC 2021 with either Orochi XXX 4p M for weightless. I'm thinking 12# Tatsu FC for this.

 

Other MH will be Abu Revo STX w/ a St Croix Triumph MH 6'6 (trying to get Orochi XXX 4p MH but all out of stock). This will be more for the texas rigs and general use. Already have some Assassin 12# I plan to throw on.

 

I've been fishing 20# braid w/ 4' 15# FC leader up to this point on all my rigs. When wormin' I was trying to be extra careful to always have contact with the worm but I did miss a few bites also had a couple deep sets. I'm happy to move to pure FC if I get any extra sensitivity which from this forum I read to be the case.

 

The bass I target avg around 3lbs but I guess trips down to Florida I could be getting some up to 10lbs but I definitely won't be punchin' mats seeking them out, mostly swimbaits, senkos, etc...

 

A few questions for you fine folks:

 

1) Can I try to go down to 8# or less for the finesse setup? I don't think I've fished that low since I was a kid and using mono and I think it should work.

2) Should I use a backing at all? I guess it'll save on cost a bit but I really don't like the idea of an alberto knot going through my guides each long cast so happy to not do this unless there's a stronger reason to do it other than some cost savings?

3) If I go with 12# main should I aim for 10# leader or 8# leader? I like the idea of snapping the line at the leader and not somewhere along the main but I'm a bit tired of knots flying through the guides each cast if I can help it. Maybe the knot will be much smaller with smaller FC though so perhaps not so bad (thinking of my 20# braid + 15# FC knots being fairly small but not nothing).

 

 

[islandbass]

1) If that’s the lowest you can get away with, then yes. I can get away with 6# for just drop shot. Depending on the brand 8# would likely be my limit if the fc is “stiff” for spinning gear. If casting, no problems. I don’t think I’d have an issue using 8# if it were invisx or the renowned tatsu. 
 

2) I prefer all main line when possible but using a backing is always an economical approach. I would just make sure that the backing is way down in the spool like at least 1/4-1/2 from the start of the spool. You’ll need to fiddle diddle with the ratio you think is best. Having the joining knot this deep will stave off the joining knot becoming an issue for some time. For easy purposes, choosing a mono of the same diameter will make this calculation easier. 
 

3) I don’t see why I would consider a leader if FC is my main line. If I needed to add a 10# leader, then I’d just start with 10#. No need to add such complications to the set up. Winter hasn’t arrived yet where such thoughts would be legal to ponder. ??

[GetFishorDieTryin]

8lb should work fine

 

I use backing on just about everything.  There's no sense in putting 120 or 140 yds when half of the line never sees the light of day.  I can see wanting to have a full spool of braid because of the lighter weight, but even then you can use old braid as backing and fresh braid for the last 60 or 80 yards.  With the knot being that far in the spool you not going to have to worry about it going through teh guides.

 

12lb braid has a much higher breaking strength then 12lb mono or FC.  Unless the braid is frayed or damaged, either the leader or one of the knots is far more likely to break then the main line.  

Alberto knots with 12 FC and light braid are really small.  You shouldn't have any issues with casting.  

[new2BC4bass]

1) 8# should be fine.  I wouldn't be afraid to go less on a finesse set-up in open water.

2) If the Alberto Knot is going through the guides on long casts, then you have too much backing spooled on.

3) Fluoro is expensive.  I use backing for it just like I do for braid.  Heck, on reels that hold a fair amount of line I will lay down some backing before spooling on lighter mono.  I see no need to waste 250 yards of line when 100 yards is plenty.  I'll spool on cheap backing for half or so of the spool before going to my 8# mono.  Never got to the splice yet.

 

Waste not, want not.  I'm not cheap.  Just frugal.