Shaky Head : Main Line Size ?

[ChrisD46]

I currently have PP #20 lb. (.009" / 23mm) main line + #8lb. FC leader  on an all - around 3000 series spinning / M/F rod set up . I was thinking of dropping down to #10 lb. or #15 lb. PP braid mainline to target a specific shaky head set up and then re-purpose the #20 lb. braid line onto a  larger 4000 series MH/F spinning set up for larger lure applications ... *For braid to leader spinning set up  users , what size main line are you currently using for your shaky head technique ? **Is #15 lb. braid (PP) as light of a braid mainline I dare go for fishing finesse worms (5" to 6.5") on a shaky head jig head (1/8th oz. ~ 3/16th oz. 3/0 hook size) ? I see #10 lb. braid mainline as more of a Ned Rig main line - your thoughts and experiences with favorite braid main line size  for shaky heads ?

[CrashVector]

I use 10lb sufix ProMix on my spinning setup.  

 

Baitcaster, I use 20lb.

 

No leaders necessary.

[the reel ess]

On my spinning combo I use 20# PP and 15# mono leader. It seems to work fine. 

[MN Fisher]

2500 spinning reel with 20# Sufix 832 to 8# Seaguar InvizX leader for my shakey work

[Jig Man]

I only do shaky on 2 custom 7.5’ rods with Curado X70 reels.  I use 12# fluorocarbon line on both.  My neighbor uses lighter line and has a lot more break offs than I do.

[Bass Rutten]

10# ygk soul sinking braid, 8# fluoro leader. The thinner braid the more sensitive due to less water and wind drag, no need for anything heavier for shakeyhead (on spinning) imo, most braids test between 50-100% higher break strength than their actual rating.

[Munkin]

10lb straight floro

 

Allen

[GreenPig]

My Shakey Head rod has KastKing KastPro 13X Finesse 10 lb in chartreuse braid to 8 or 10 lb FC.

[CrashVector]

1 hour ago, GreenPig said:

My Shakey Head rod has KastKing KastPro 13X Finesse 10 lb in chartreuse braid to 8 or 10 lb FC.

 

How is that stuff compared to sufix 131?

 

Seemed very similar to me.

[papajoe222]

If I were you, I wouldn't change the mainline (braid). I might change the leader to 6lb. but I doubt it would make a difference. If you fish around thick vegetation, that could result in some lost fish.

[Bluebasser86]

I use 8lb Tatsu

[GreenPig]

13 hours ago, CrashVector said:

 

How is that stuff compared to sufix 131?

 

Seemed very similar to me.

I haven't fished the Sufix 131. I've been fishing the KK 13X for 10 - 11 months and have no complaints. 

[waymont]

Try 10lb braid, you will love it.

[Finessegenics]

Imo you have a lot of leeway when using braided line. 20# is already thin and yes, 10# is even thinner. But what would you gain or lose by dropping down?
 

You’ll be using the same leader either way. Thinner line is better in current as it moves more naturally with it and also cuts through it better when dropshotting but in your case I don’t think the diameter of braided line you choose will affect your shakeyhead fishing. Imo you’ll find that the 20# is just as effective as 10# and vice versa. Just curious to know what your reasoning is. 

[Hook2Jaw]

You'll enjoy longer casts and more sensitivity with braid, and most braid will stand up to about 150% of it's breaking strength.  I think you're assuming you need stronger braid to stand up to the fish on your shakyhead setup, but I believe that to be far from the truth.  Sure, your braid can contact cover during the retrieve of your bait or during a fight with a fish and fray, but most of the time your weakest link is your leader line.

 

If you're using 8# leader, I see no reason why you couldn't drop down to 8# braid should your heart desire.

[CrashVector]

6 hours ago, GreenPig said:

I haven't fished the Sufix 131. I've been fishing the KK 13X for 10 - 11 months and have no complaints. 

Thanks for the opinion :). I'm gonna try it out just to see what it's like.

[Team9nine]

Majority of my shakyhead fishing has been 10# Sufix 832 to 8# leader. Will likely bump to 14# YGK SS112 when I finally need to respool that outfit. Sticking with the 8# leader though.

[ChrisD46]

6 hours ago, waymont said:

Try 10lb braid, you will love it.

*I have a mental block / trust issues towards #10 lb. braid to #8 lb. leader for the shaky head (Ned Rig is fine though) ... I have to try it though one day .

[TnRiver46]

It depends on the size of the shakey head. Some guys around here throw 10” worms on 1/2 oz shakey heads with 6/0 hooks. You don’t want to be chucking that on 10 lb anything, especially braid. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Its the very end of the leader and knot that takes a beating when using a SH.  That's where I think spending a few extra $$$ for a good leader material is worth it, especially when you get under 8lb test.

I like 10lb braid on spinning gear for just about everything.  I used to use 15/20 and when I went to 10lb the extra casting distance I gained was immediately apparent, particularly going from 15lb 832 to 10 Smackdown or X9.  The initial fall or glide is really important with a SH.  Obviously the leader being used is a huge factor in how the bait falls, but the mainline plays a role as well.  I think I get better action on the fall with a thinner mainline. 

I have used 15lb X9 for finesse fishing and SHs and it did really well.  I'm not convinced that 15lb X9 is as thin as they claim it is.  It still has excellent casting distance, fishes like a 10lb PE.  So if your unsure about going with a 10lb mainline consider 15lb X9.