Line questions for a baitcasting reel...

[nralover]

Generally speaking, what pound test mono should you use when fishing heavy cover with a baitcaster and medium heavy rod? I have been told as light as 12, and as heavy as 20#.....

[Raul]

Spool in the line test you will fish the most with, if your everyday lake asks for 20 lb test because of the ammount of cover then spool in 20 pound test, there 's no point in spooling in 12 lb test if it 's not going to cut it.

Guess how I came to have so many reels ?

In most of the lakes I fish I can get along real well with 10-12 pound test, in the others 17-20 lb test is what is spooled in the reel, in others I can go as low as 6 lb test.

[Wayne P.]

Since you have "heavy cover" as the criteria of line size, a good "rule of thumb" is to match the pound test to the length of the fish you may catch. Example 12" fish= 12# line, 20" fish= 20# line. If there is no pound test to match the fish size, choose the next largest pound test.

[roadwarrior]

Since you have "heavy cover" as the criteria of line size, a good "rule of thumb" is to match the pound test to the length of the fish you may catch. Example 12" fish= 12# line, 20" fish= 20# line. If there is no pound test to match the fish size, choose the next largest pound test.

Wow!

Wayne P.,

I have never heard that one before.

Man, unless we switch to braid, that

would just about rule out spinning

tackle for some of us. I don't think

that formula will work for me.

[coolhandlala]

If that is the case I will put the heaviest line possible because I am fishing for the biggest fish possible-HAHAHAHA ;D

[Wayne P.]

You are correct roadwarrior, nralover did only ask about MONO line size for HEAVY COVER with BAITCASTING equipment. I call heavy cover, hydrilla, milfoil, timber, docks, and lilly pads. I prefer braids for both spinning and baitcasting gear so I am covered as far a line strength in all conditions. I certainly wouldn't use or recommend 12# or less mono at Lake Fork on any equipment.

I answered within the criteria of the question and didn't interject my opinion concerning any other tackle or line choices.

[nralover]

So I guess it is better to be overgunned than under. By that I mean, if in doubt perhaps 17# line would be the way to go so there is less risk of losing fish?

[Wayne P.]

nralover, basically I was using the same ole saying most would recommend, "use the lighest line you can get away with". Not knowing what level of expertise you have, I was just giving you a formula to determine what you could get away with.

[nralover]

Thanks for the help guys:)