Skipping wacky rigs with light line?

[PondHoppinPete]

Wanted to learn how to skip lures (specifically wacky rig) under docks. Watched a video and he suggested practicing with 6-8lb line. Top comment  mentioned that skipping with light line will lose a lot of fish. Why would skipping with light line be a problem? Ive caught plenty with 8lb test on a wacky and Ive only ever snapped my line off 3 times. I currently use 8lb trilene big game mono, so I was planning on keeping that rigged up when I practice. Will this be a mistake? 

[J.Bass]

I use 10lb to 12lb I have no problem. I’ve used 8lb before and done fine. I think it’s more of a personal preference. I prefer 10 to 12 lb over 8 that’s just me. Some prefer 18 lb over 12 lb it’s all a personal preference.

[PondHoppinPete]

2 minutes ago, J.Bass said:

I use 10lb to 12lb I have no problem. I’ve used 8lb before and done fine. I think it’s more of a personal preference. I prefer 10 to 12 lb over 8 that’s just me. Some prefer 18 lb over 12 lb it’s all a personal preference.

Thanks for your input J.Bass, 18lb test tho huh? Are you a big believer in line weight vs the action of the lure? I've heard lighter line in lures like wacky rig are better because it "falls more naturally" and that heavier line impedes the action a bit. Never really tested it out myself tho 

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, PondHoppinPete said:

Top comment  mentioned that skipping with light line will lose a lot of fish. Why would skipping with light line be a problem?

When you skip far enough under a dock then get bit there's a good chance the fish will either wrap you around something or get close to it. Heavier line deals with abrasion better when pulling fish out or away from pilings and cables. If you can stay away from pilings, then sure, stick with light line.

[GRiver]

I use braid on my dock rig, tied direct. I know a lot of people don’t like to tied direct to the hook with braid but, I have less break offs this way. Might not get as many bites but the ones I do get I don’t loose as many

[gim]

10 hours ago, PhishLI said:

When you skip far enough under a dock then get bit there's a good chance the fish will either wrap you around something or get close to it. Heavier line deals with abrasion better when pulling fish out or away from pilings and cables. If you can stay away from pilings, then sure, stick with light line.

I would never skip docks with a light line mono. There’s so many sharp edges down there around docks. Straight braid for me in at least a 20 or 30 pound test. Horse em out quick and fight em in more open water.  The less likely they can wrap around something down there, the better.

[RDB]

22 hours ago, PondHoppinPete said:

I currently use 8lb trilene big game mono, so I was planning on keeping that rigged up when I practice. Will this be a mistake? 

No…I skip docks a lot and quite often use a spinning rod with 8lb test to braid for wacky rigs.  There may be occasions where you have to work the fish a little different but you will be fine if you stay patient if you get wrapped.  Sure the likelihood of breaking off is higher v. 40lb braid but I have caught a lot of big fish on small test with few problems.  Obviously the more hazards, the more potential problems.

 

Edit:  I don’t have any baitcasters rigged with less than 10lb test.  I skip with most of my rods, so I don’t have a special skipping setup, I just skip with whatever I have rigged up.

[N Florida Mike]

I skip T rigs a lot , and don’t use under 10 lb. mono,  usually settle with 12. I’ve had one fish break me off on a dock this year.

If I fished more stained water, I’d use 40 lb braid.