LONG CASTS

[JSP28]

Setting up a rod and reel for big walking baits. I need to bomb these things for more bites. What is the best braid to use I just bought some 50 pound Power Pro but my reel capacity says it will only hold 80 yards of that. Should I go down to 40 pound or even 30. I’m afraid if I go down to 30 it may not be enough for the bigger baits….but I need maximum casting distance. Last year I would spool off empty using a Shimano chrinarch MGL or curado Dc so I picked up a Diawa Tatula elite 100 and it hold a little bit more line. Thanks for your input. 

[Finessegenics]

I’m not sure about reel or what exact line would give you the lost distance but I think you can definitely go down in strength on the line. Nothing wrong with 50# but I have no doubt 30# would be up for the task as well. Tie a good knot and that bait won’t go anywhere. I’ve had my bait go into orbit a few times after a slipped knot with straight braid.

[Hammer 4]

Define " big ".

[JSP28]

1 minute ago, Hammer 4 said:

Define " big ".

3/4 ounce being the smallest………Like a Rover 128 but also a SUPER spook…

[Hammer 4]

You could use 30# braid for the super spook. I've thrown 2.5 oz baits on 30# braid in the past without any issues.

[casts_by_fly]

You won’t break 30# braid casting it. Guys use it in the surf with 8-12 oz and casting 100+ yards. Only concern is if you get a wrap around the tip of the rod or a really deep spool dig that you don’t notice before the cast.

 

suffix 832 30# will be a good starting point. I was bombing red eye Shad’s yesterday with it on a mh rod.  40-50yd is no problem. I can’t imagine what a 110 whopper plopper or a big pencil plug would be on the right rod. 

[JSP28]

My main concern is casting distance due to how much line I can spool up. Like….if I spool my reel up with 30 pound and it holds more of it I’m wondering if casting distance will be significantly further than if I was using 50………. I’m pretty sure 80 yards of 50 pound…I will come closer to running out of line more so compared to 30 pound but I’m wondering if it would be enough to go down to 30 because I really like the buoyancy of 50 better. 

[WRB]

Casting isn’t the issue, keeping the braid tight as you retrieve walking lures is. If the braid is loose before the next cast a day ending black lash can result. 1/2 empty reel spool after making the long reduces the IPT about 40% makes hard to work a walking lure.

Tom

[cyclops2]

It has been a industry standard the any / ALL ratings WILL BREAK at about 2 X the test rating. 

Do you really cast a lure + 200' ? Have you measured it on a field ?  I am happy at120 to 150 with bigger lures

[JSP28]

Another reason I want plenty of line. 

[A-Jay]

 

[bulldog1935]

Japan X-braids fit the bill here. 

35-lb YGK and Duel x-braids are the same diameter as 15-lb Sufix 832. 

Even 45-lb is 0.265 mm diameter (0.010 inch)

 

Here's the diameter-based spool capacity calculator. 

https://www.pattayafishing.net/fishing-reel-line-capacity-estimator/

[WRB]

Fins Sling Braid is a USA product and small diameter.

15# is .007

20# is .008

30# is .009

50# is .012

Tom

PS, Power Pro and Suffix 832 average .001-.002 larger diameter.

[DINK WHISPERER]

30lb braid is the highest I go for topwater. I've never ran into a situation where I needed more and I fish some nasty cover here in FL. 

Also, I've never had to spool a reel on a cast to get a bite. Even in crystal clear water it's not an issue. 

[Trox]

I have all these high dollar shimano reels (metaniums, chronarch, etc) but absolutely nothing bombs as hard as my Lews LFS reels (I barely, if at all, have to thumb them), and for the life of me I can't figure out why. That being said, I have two DEDICATED top water set ups, both with Lews LFS, both with 50lb straight braid, and you would think I casted my lures off the line with how far they fly sometimes...

But consider this... you also wanna make sure that you can set the hook properly on a fish, and the typical Medium rods that are used for walking baits just aren't going to get it done for you when your bait is sitting 60+ yards or so away. ESPECIALLY if there is any chop in the water to catch your line while your working it... Just be sure that you are not setting yourself up for failure here... I've seen people set the hook in these situations and their rod is all loaded up already from just the drag created from the 60 yards of braid sitting on the water, then once they finally make contact with the fish in that situation, there's nowhere else to go to actually set the hook. May need a super long rod to help pick up that extra line...

[JSP28]

Yes ! I just got the Diawa 7’4 BIG TOPWATER rod and omg I LOVE it. And I also love 50 pound braid. I tried it out with the Tatula Elite and it will get OUT there. Very satisfied. 

[Dumbbassanglr]

I use 20lb and bomb them and catchem no problems at all. A lot of inshore fisherman use 20lb all the time (just watch salt strong) it’s plenty strong enough and casts a lot better and is easy to work also. I’m not making huge hooksets on topwater so I have no breakage issues and with sufix 832 I never have backlashes with heavier baits like top waters.

[akmac]

The sweet spot for me is 40lb power pro.  50lb cuts down on distance too much for my liking.  30lb will fail at times with it having a smaller diameter.  It can dig into the spool on snags, and backlashes .  Nothing like hearing a snap on a cast, and watching your 10+dollar lure sail into the abys.  Never had that happen with 40lb.