Rod rating for line??

[Saladmander]

I saw a thread asking about using line that was heavier than the recommended range for the rod.  I was tempted to hi-jack the thread  8-) but wondered the opposite.  For example, using 8 lb. mono or 30 lb. braid on a rod that's rated for lines from 10-20 lbs.  I can see the negative effects of using too big a line, but what about the opposite?

I never really looked at the ratings on the rods that I used... I kinda just matched the line size to the usage of the rod based on power and action.  I guess that would usually put you in the range of what's recommended, but with the braided line you could really get away with using a much smaller diameter line for a particular rod if you considered breaking stregth as the deciding factor.

For example, I have been using a H,Fast for a pitching stick rated for like 14-20 lb. line.  I've been using 30 lb. PP (no complaints).  I know I could use something like 65 so that the diameter of the line is matched better to the rod, but I never felt that I needed that breaking stregth up here in Mass.  Any thoughts about the smaller line on a rod like that?  Or, even on a rod used for casting lures... any negative effects?

[Guest avid]

the ratings on rods for line and lure weight are guidelines.  You have to get out on the water and test the rod's limits yourself.  Braid changes the entire equation.

[sal669]

What Avid said !

[SpringCantComeSoonEnough]

Just something to think about. If you exceed the line rating on a St. Croix, you have technically voided your warranty.

[GatorBK]

Here are the negative affects of using too heavy of line . I put 200 lb braid on a rod rated for 50 lb test an 8 ft gator snapped my rod and permenantly bent it near the handle. I almost got shrapnel in my face when the rod splintered

When going the opposite with too light of line on a heavy action rod I tend to break my line on the hookset

[roadwarrior]

If you are fishing for bass instead of alligators, the proper drag setting

will eliminate all potential problems, whether the line is light or heavy.

To prevent breaking your line or rod you MUST set your drag within

the parameters of BOTH rod and line. This means NO MORE than 75%

of a rod's maximum rating or 25-30% of line rating. As a ballpark, 3-4

pounds is what I find works for everything I fish with!

Put a free weight in a plastic grocery bag and tie it to your line.

GENTLY lift the bag and pay attention to the flex in your rod.

You will see how much stress a given weight puts on your rig.

8-)

[.RM.]

The ratings on a rod are like Avid stated starting points. The trouble with your think is that your not looking at the lines tinsel strength. If your rod is rated for 10 -25 lb line, using mono in that suggested rating is not going to cause you any problems. Ok so now you intend on using a 30lb braid, but your thinking is in the braided lines diameter. So running 30lb braid on a rod that is rated for 10 -20 is over lined and would have some explaining to do if it snapped.

Of course there have been plenty of threads on how to properly set up a system to handle braided lines...

JMO.02¢

GatorBK,

When I was building for the bluewater guys on the west coast I saw a lot of boat rods do that, with just over line using mono and steel.

Tight Lines!!!!!

[Tin]

As said before drag setting is huge. I throw an unweighted finesse worm up under cover on a local lake, It is a nasty situation because of the heavy cover and because the bait is so light.  I usually have the bait on a 6'6" ML rod that is meant for up to 8 pound test, but I use 15 pound braid on it for the strength and abrasion resistance. I skip the bait and when I get bit I have my drag set a little heavier then normal, usually just the hook set will get the fish out and moving away from the overhangs for deadfalls. So then I loosen it up and there is only a good amount of stress on the rod for a very short time. Works for me anyway, : and thats why I loved the Stamina center drag system.

[sal669]

Well, the guidelines apply for FISHING.

We should suggest the manufacturers to set  new guidelines for "ALIGATORING" !!!

[Saladmander]

Maybe my question was too wordy...

I agree with all of you as far as matching the drag setting for the line used and taking into account the rods build to prevent breakage. I have no doubt that too big a line can tax your equipment if the drag is set incorrectly or the rod isn't used correctly. I've actually been taught to use my thumb and set the drag light on my baitcasters, so I don't worry too much about breaking anything. I personnally tend to use the lightest line possible to get the job done.

I was actually asking about the opposite. Am I hurting rod performance in any way by using too light a line (under the low side of line range) on some of my rods? Say using 8 lb. mono on a rod that's rated for, say, 10-17 lb. line...? I have a dropshot rod that is rated for 8-14 lb. line, but I like to use 6 on it, especially for smallies.

I have been using 30 lb. PP on that rod (14-20 lb.). I just hear of guys using 65 lb. braid on a rod like that BECAUSE the line diameter of that braid is more along the lines of mono in the 14-20 lb. range. That doesn't make sense to me unless I'm missing something.

I definitely understand that the ratings are guidelines. It just seems that some people are saying that the rod should be matched to the line diameter range for performance, and I'm thinking that the line used should be based on technique and breaking strength. :-/

Thanks.