baitcaster and braided line

[CyBasser]

Braid works very well on baitcasters but the type of braid can have a major influence on the outcome. I had problems when I initially used braid on baitcasters but the BR forum came to resque! This is my recent experience in the matter (after taking up the advise).

I have tried three different brands of braid on baitcasters. The new "Ultra Braid" from Mustad was given to me for testing out for a local publication. The 20lb dia worked fine on spinning reels. I tried it though on baitcasters and it was a near disaster - continuous backlashes and continuous line digging. The 50lb version was a nightmare. It would not coil evenly and a lot of capacity was lost.

With Fireline Crystal the coiling was better and I had no line-digging problems. But Fireline is not as soft and is rather springy - resulting in (minor) backlashes more frequently than I would like - and if you retrieved a very light lure it would not go on the spool as well as it should.

I solved all problems with Power Pro. The line is smoother than Mustad, softer than Fireline, and it works excellently on baitcasters both in 20lb and 50lb diameters that I use for my applications. These two characteristics (smoothness of braid and springiness) seem to be crucial. Although I'm now using PowerPro only on the baitcasters, I believe that there must be some other brands with similar characteristics that work as well....

[jomatty]

you might not be any reason that you must use a mono backing with braid but there is a very good reason to use a mono backing on every single reel you own.  it saves an incredibly amount of money if you change your line regularly and also makes is so much easier to change the line.  think of all the line you dont have to strip off every time you change your line.  some folks may just spool up and fish all the way until they dont have enough line left to make a cast but i dont want any old line on my reel and i also dont want my reel not fully filled so that i get the full gear ratio for my reel.  i use a cheap mono backign on every one of my reels and have never had a problem.  i change my line a lot and have never not had enough new line to be a problem.

matt

[captbob]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned: If you like to fish deep using a thin braid will add up to 20% to your lure depth due to less water resistance on the line when you retrieve which "lifts" the lure. This is also a benefit where current is present. Braid is a must for dropping a butterfly jig deep on structure, the no stretch feature lets you feel the lightest pick up. For deep work the new Red braid is best.  captbob.

 

[Redlinerobert]

I have pretty much switched over to Sufix from Power Pro.  It casts beautifully and I have less issues with it digging into itself that with PP.  I personally get more birdnests with mono over braid.  

Also consider that long run it is cheaper that mono.  Because it tends to break down, mono needs to be replaced every season.  I've had PP braid on some of my older reels now for ~3 years and have had zero issues.

[flechero]

Also consider that long run it is cheaper that mono. Because it tends to break down, mono needs to be replaced every season.

I attribute mono as the reason I haven't broken a rod while fishing in about 20 years... one rod equals 50+ spools of line or so.  I consider it low cost insurance for my fishing stlye.  

I would never leave mono on for a whole season... rarely do I leave it on a full month.  If it's not worn out, or so nicked up... then I've cut and re-tied to the point that I'm casting to the spool. (usually after 2-3 trips out)

[Bass_junky]

It seems you have plenty of responses regarding braided line spooling.  I totally agree with Avid's reply.  No need to waste money by spooling 100% braid.  I believe everyone focused on the braided line in your question.  The other part of your question regarding drag setting.  Your first option should be a limber tip with a stiff backbone regarding Rod for braid line.  A stiff pole (until you are use to braided line) will cost you fish.  If you do choose to use a stiff pole and adjust the drag, I would loosen the drag (another 20-30% compared to mono) and use my thumb for tension.  Although this may be the cause of a very sore thumb at the end of a good day, it is a good pain!

[grahamb]

When using a mono backing when spooling a baitcaster with braid, are you tying the two line types together, for one continuous line, or are you tying the braid around the mono...as if the mono were part of the reel?

thanks!

-graham