New Diawa SV TW Line Choice

[Medic165]

I have a new Diawa SV TW (couldn't pass up the price). I want to put it on a Med Heavy, Mod Fast rod that I have. I want to primarily for top water stuff. I have some Yo-Zuri 40lb braid.  I was going to use that and maybe a 20lb mono leader for top water and some swim jigs (I'm obsessed with jig fishing right now....LOL). Does that seem like a plausible setup? Should I just forget the leader and direct tie for top water? Flouro leader for jigs? I'm probably way over thinking this.

 

 

[NorthernBasser]

Personally I'd drop down to 30# braid. You can use straight braid for topwater, but some like to add a shorter mono leader for walking baits because sometimes the hooks can get tangled with the trebles while walking it. 

 

Swim jigs you can go straight braid, but if fishing really clear water you can add a fluoro leader if you want. 

[casts_by_fly]

You should mostly be fine.  20# mono leader sounds excessive and will give you a big knot to pass.  I don't think it will get through the T-wing, if you make the leader that long.  Some like a mono leader for topwaters for less tangling with treble hooks.  I've not found it to be as much of a problem but YMMV.  I tie straight braid for swimjigs and texas rigs.

 

I'd also go with 30 lb, but that's just me.  I fish 30 lb for swim jigs, lighter texas rigs, and other stuff.  I use 50 for frogs and swimbaits.  If you already have 40 then use it.  

[NorthernBasser]

7 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

  20# mono leader sounds excessive and will give you a big knot to pass. 

Agree with this, too. 12-14# leader would work fine.

[blackrain]

For most topwaters, I use straight 15-20lb mono, no knot to deal with. Like you, I use SV TW reels also. 15lb for longer casts, smaller poppers, and no cover. 20lb for all other situations. Especially since your rod is MH no need to worry about good hooksets. I just find that braid without a leader on treble hooked baits is a pain to deal with (I fish in windy conditions half the time). 

 

But - since you want to use that setup for both, which isn't ideal, braid is the way to go. And add a mono leader for topwaters. I'd also drop to 30lb braid as mentioned. Definitely use a fluoro leader for the swim jigs. If your budget allows, consider adding a separate swim jig setup so you don't need to be tying different leaders.