Line for Newbie Baitasting Practice?

[LAO162]

I'm new to baitcasting and I'm looking for suggestions on what line I should use for practice line.

By practice line, I'm thinking one that is less frustrating. It will be going on a Curado 200B. Eventually, most of the lures I throw will probably be in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz. range.

Also, how much practice does it typically take to become proficient with a baitcasting reel, i.e. 5 30 minute sessions or 20 2 hour sessions...?

Thanks

Leon

[burleytog]

Trilene XL 10 or 12 lb. test.  Almost as limp as braid.

How long?  Depends on your learning curve.  I started when I was around 12 and it took me almost a year.  But I didn't have the wonderful resource of the internet.

[Munkin]

Get some cheap 10lb mono because you will have to cut out a couple birdsnests. Another recommendation is to only fill the spool between 1/2 and 3/4th full. This will cut down on your casting distance but it will definately cut down on the number of backlashes! Like Burley I learned to fish a baitcaster when I was 12 but like everyone else I still get backlashes.

Allen

[FishTank]

I'd go with Trilene XL 12lb or Berkley Big Game 15lb.  When I was learning to use a baitcaster, I tried both and I think I went trough one 300yard refill of each.  Try to remember it's just practice  ;D.

[Michael H]

I would get big game in 12lb it is a decent line and at bass pro you can get over a thousand yards for under $10. And it depends on the person on how fast you learn to use a baitcaster. I always see people saying it takes along time and is hard but i didn't think it was hard at all. But i have a friend who is starting to learn to baitcast and has had to respool 3 times in and around 2 hrs of practise.  And to help with your backlashes make a long cast strip off some extra line and put a strip of tape around the spool and the backlash wont be able to go any farther down then the tape, It is a real time and money saver.

[LAO162]

Thanks for the suggestions