Which line should I start my son out with his new baitcaster? braid vs mono?

[clemsondds]

Got my 10 year old his first reel...tatula 103 sv. Putting it on a 6'6 expride M.  Man...what I would have given to have that setup when I was a kid ha.  Anyway, looking to put some line on it.  Just curious what you guys think.  I know the initial thought is big game mono...bc it's cheap.  But I have tons of braid around.  So do you think a thicker braid (eg 50lb) might be easier to learn on or stick with mono? This rod will be used for all kinds of presentations since it will be his only bc. Thanks 

[MN Fisher]

Stick with the BG in 10# or 12# to start.

 

Backlashing with braid is a pain in the rumpus - BG is more forgiving and at least cheaper to replace if you have to cut it out.

[dodgeguy]

Go with the braid. Braid backlashes are not harder to remove and the line doesn't get damaged. I learned on braid .

 

[Jrob78]

Mono is also easier to deal with when he makes an errant cast into a tree or gets hung up. 10lb is probably what I would start with.

[garroyo130]

Big game is easier to break off. So big game or get him a dowel and teach him to break off braid vs break the rod

[Woody B]

Does he want a baitcaster?   I wanted one when I was 12, but he might be happier fishing with a spinning reel and no backlashes.   

I hate spinning reels.  Hats off to the kid if he wants a baitcaster.   If he get's frustrated with backlashes get him something easier to learn with.  

[clemsondds]

Just now, Woody B said:

Does he want a baitcaster?   I wanted one when I was 12, but he might be happier fishing with a spinning reel and no backlashes.   

I hate spinning reels.  Hats off to the kid if he wants a baitcaster.   If he get's frustrated with backlashes get him something easier to learn with.  

He already has a spinning setup.  thanks

[GaryH]

If you already have tons of braid go for it with 50lb. And tighten the brakes down till he gets the feel of his thumb on the spool. He’ll be fine making you proud of him.

[clemsondds]

1 minute ago, GaryH said:

If you already have tons of braid go for it with 50lb. And tighten the brakes down till he gets the feel of his thumb on the spool. He’ll be fine making you proud of him.

That's what I was planning. But just thought about one con ...do I use a leader or just go straight braid?    I fish mostly braid to leader or fc...and don't mind tying an fg knot...but obviously I'm not going to be teaching him that anytime soon.  So if I do go braid...should I tie a leader for him each time...or just go straight braid? 

[LonnieP]

I’d just use the braid you have. Let out enough line for a decent cast, then put a piece of electric tape on the spool. That way he won’t have to dig out any blowups until he gets the hang of it.

[wasabi_VA]

Mono. More forgiving. Easier to learn and tie knots.

[T-Billy]

I'm a straight braid fan for a lot of things, but I wouldn't go 50# braid on that combo. I vote, start the kid out on 12# BG or maybe 30# 8 strand braid. 832 would be my first pick with braid.

[GreenPig]

15 lb BG 

[Team9nine]

Mono - BG or something similar, even a little less stiff. Beginners should never start on braid or fluoro, IMHO.

[PressuredFishing]

Nylon. Still use it 95% of the time just because it's so forgiving, plus it's more versatile. Best thing I did when learning to cast is stick with mono, BG or omniflex.

[WRB]

Whichever line you chose adjust the reel like you use it by adjusting the spool tension knob. Show him how so the lure falls with enough resistance that it stops when the lure hits the ground.

Pull off 50 yards of line and tape over the balance of line on the spool using Teflon pipe thread tape with 1 wrap. The tape prevents a deep backlash. Show him a easy casting motion letting the rod launch the lure. Do not whip cast like a spinning reel!

Good luck, keep it fun.

Tom 

 

[T-Billy]

 I started my wife, niece, and grandson out with braid on casting gear and they all did great. All picked up the basics quickly. Modern baitcasters with their great braking systems have shortened the learning curve dramatically.

 Braid is very manageable, not easily damaged by backlashing, has no memory, and backlashes are seldom deep and are easily picked out.

 Big Game handles well, is cheap to replace, has good knot and shock strength and is versatile. Definitely a solid choice for both beginners and advanced anglers.

Fluoro is a terrible line for beginners and advanced anglers alike. I don't recommend it for anyone. ?

4 minutes ago, WRB said:

Whichever line you chose adjust the reel like you use it by adjusting the spool tension knob. Show him how so the lure falls with enough resistance that it stops when the lure hits the ground.

Pull off 50 yards of line and tape over the balance of line on the spool using Teflon pipe thread tape with 1 wrap. The tape prevents a deep backlash. Show him a easy casting motion letting the rod launch the lure. Do not whip cast like a spinning reel!

Good luck, keep it fun.

Tom 

 

I'm out of likes so we'll go with an ATTA BOY!!! This is outstanding advice.

46 minutes ago, GreenPig said:

15 lb BG 

Have you been copying off of @Catt's paper again? ?

[Deleted account]

Mono.

[dodgeguy]

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

That's what I was planning. But just thought about one con ...do I use a leader or just go straight braid?    I fish mostly braid to leader or fc...and don't mind tying an fg knot...but obviously I'm not going to be teaching him that anytime soon.  So if I do go braid...should I tie a leader for him each time...or just go straight braid? 

Straight high vis yellow and color the last 6 feet with a black permanent marker. 

48 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

 I started my wife, niece, and grandson out with braid on casting gear and they all did great. All picked up the basics quickly. Modern baitcasters with their great braking systems have shortened the learning curve dramatically.

 Braid is very manageable, not easily damaged by backlashing, has no memory, and backlashes are seldom deep and are easily picked out.

 Big Game handles well, is cheap to replace, has good knot and shock strength and is versatile. Definitely a solid choice for both beginners and advanced anglers.

Fluoro is a terrible line for beginners and advanced anglers alike. I don't recommend it for anyone. ?

I'm out of likes so we'll go with an ATTA BOY!!! This is outstanding advice.

Have you been copying off of @Catt's paper again? ?

Yes sir !!!!

[Jrob78]

2 hours ago, clemsondds said:

That's what I was planning. But just thought about one con ...do I use a leader or just go straight braid?    I fish mostly braid to leader or fc...and don't mind tying an fg knot...but obviously I'm not going to be teaching him that anytime soon.  So if I do go braid...should I tie a leader for him each time...or just go straight braid? 

Don't overcomplicate things for a 10 year old kid. I don't honestly think leaders are needed with braid most of the time anyway but especially not for a kid learning.

[NYWayfarer]

Another vote for Berkley Big Game.

[haggard]

Keep it simple. Mono is fine. Don't over complicate it by introducing concepts like which leader to use or which knot to join the braid to leader. He'll catch fish on mono and will build confidence.

[GreenPig]

4 hours ago, T-Billy said:

 I started my wife, niece, and grandson out with braid on casting gear and they all did great. All picked up the basics quickly. Modern baitcasters with their great braking systems have shortened the learning curve dramatically.

 Braid is very manageable, not easily damaged by backlashing, has no memory, and backlashes are seldom deep and are easily picked out.

 Big Game handles well, is cheap to replace, has good knot and shock strength and is versatile. Definitely a solid choice for both beginners and advanced anglers.

Fluoro is a terrible line for beginners and advanced anglers alike. I don't recommend it for anyone. ?

I'm out of likes so we'll go with an ATTA BOY!!! This is outstanding advice.

Have you been copying off of @Catt's paper again? ?

If your gonna copy, it's wise to copy an A+ student.

[Revival]

40lb braid 

[Happybeerbuzz]

Mono.  Braid can be next year’s Xmas gift.