Recommended Line For First Baitcaster

[VikingsFan]

Hello everyone. I've been thinking about purchasing my first baitcasting rod and reel. Now since this will be my first and only one for now I will be using it for pretty much everything. Topwaters, crankbaits, and soft plastics is what I mostly use. However I would still like to experiment with other lures.

My question: What type of line would be best? Mono, Fluorocarbon, Braid? Also what pound test would be good?

Any help you can offer me would be much appreciated.

[Micro]

You mentioned mono, fluoro and braid. Another choice is copolymer. Copoly line is a hybrid line - nylon and fluoro. It has attributes of both: a little stretch and good abrasion resistance.

For an all around line, Yo-Zuri Hybrid in 12# test would be perfect. It's got a little stretch, but not too much. It's extremely tough. It has good knot strenght. It transmits sensations very well. It's a wee bit stiffer than mono, but no where near as stiff as pure fluoro.

It's the perfect all-purpose line.

[SimonSays]

Personally, when I learned I tried mono, fluoro and braid (not co-poly though) and I liked braid.  It didn't jump of the spool like mono or fluoro and if you get a bad backlash it can be taken out easily if you work it GENTLY without damaging the line.  Tug at it too hard and it could dig down too far.

[Catt]

Berkley Big Game 15#, strong, abrasion resistant, & inexpensive  

[kikstand454]

i agree with the yozuri.  mayb go too 15# so its easier to manage/ pick out a backlash. that stuff is great.

[Stasher1]

Personally, I'd spool it with something smooth casting but inexpensive like Trilene XL in 12#. You're going to have several backlashes and may wind up cutting out whatever line you put on there to start with, so why waste the extra money on Yo-Zuri? When you get the hang of casting with your new reel, switch to something else if you feel the need.

[Sam]

No matter what line you purchaes, other than braid, be sure to pick up a bottle of Kevin VanDam's Lure and Line Conditioner.

Spray a wet spot on a wash cloth and run your line through it while spooling your reel.

Spray the line on the reel as you go along to make sure all line is coated with the Lure and Line Conditioner.

This will help make the line easier to cast and help remove the memory.

I like a 12 pound test on my baitcasters, be it flouro, mono or copoly.

You can cast 12 pound test easily and it is strong enough to land any fish you will hook.

Be sure to always check and set your drag on your baitcaster, too.  

[VikingsFan]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I understand what your all saying about using inexpensive line to start with. Than upgrading to better line once I get the hang of it.

Sam about the Line Conditioner. After I've used it while spooling on the line do you have to reapply it at any time after that?

[siiilent]

I've tried mono and braid.  Im still learning how to use a baitcaster so hopefully my answer helps you out.

Braid: Great line, a bit easier to cast as it doesn't want to lift off the spool as easily, but when you do get a backlast be very careful as its hard to take out, and if you pull to hard on it, you'll get stuck even wrose from it digging down to far.

Mono: I've used alot of different once,  but I've found trylene Smooth Casting to be the best, 12 pound test.   Great line, easy to cast and cheap. Cheap is a must right now as you may have to change lines a few times when first learning to use a bait caster.  Try the trylene you'll like it.

[Raul]

Then upgrading to better line  

I 've fished with Trilene Big Game for a couple of decades, never needed to "upgrade to better line".

[fishinfiend]

I 'm sure a lot of folks will disagree with me but my favorite line to use is Trilene XL in 12# test. I use it on all my bait casters whether topwater, crank, jig, worm, or frog. I  very rarely break off. The line casts great and is cheap enough to replace if it gets knicked up badly.

I use this line in saltwater as well with great results.

[Sam]

Regarding the KVD Lure and Line Conditioner, I usually spray the line on the reel's spool before I go out a second or third time.

I try to hit the spool from three different directions with the spray.

If I ever get an electric spooling machine I may take the line off the spool and respool in going through the Line and Lure Conditioner but for now I just spray the line.

Hope this helps.  

[Sam]

Hey Fishinfriend,

I also use the same Trileen XL and it works well.

For tournaments I move up to the Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft in 10 or 12 pound test.

I have caught some beautiful ladies in local ponds with the Trileen XL in 6, 8, 10 and 12 pound test.

I use the same stuff in 4 pound for my ultra light and it works great.  

[Raul]

I 'm sure a lot of folks will disagree with me but my favorite line to use is Trilene XL in 12# test. I use it on all my bait casters whether topwater, crank, jig, worm, or frog. I very rarely break off. The line casts great and is cheap enough to replace if it gets knicked up badly.

I use this line in saltwater as well with great results.

Trilene XL is a very good line but it can 't stand 3 casts in the chunk shaly rock bottom of Zimapán.  

[Catt]

Then upgrading to better line

I 've fished with Trilene Big Game for a couple of decades, never needed to "upgrade to better line".

How does one up grade once you're at the top  

[Raul]

Then upgrading to better line

I 've fished with Trilene Big Game for a couple of decades, never needed to "upgrade to better line".

How does one up grade once you're at the top

[grimlin]

Trilene big game in 12# test....i think this line is the most manageable line out there.And if you screw up you got a whole spool of line to go through.The thicker the line the harder it can be to control.

Right now i have at least 2 spools of big game in 12# and #15 and sometimes i go through all four spools in a year.Considering the cost i think I'm doing pretty good.

My personal favorite line however is trilene XT in 14# test.

[Raul]

Trilene big game in 12# test....i think this line is the most manageable line out there.And if you screw up you got a whole spool of line to go through.The thicker the line the harder it can be to control.

Right now i have at least 2 spools of big game in 12# and #15 and sometimes i go through all four spools in a year.Considering the cost i think I'm doing pretty good.

My personal favorite line however is trilene XT in 14# test.

Trilene XT 6lb test -----> AWSOM !!!

[MALTESE FALCON]

Another vote for Trilene XL 12#.

Falcon

[Stasher1]

I prefer Sufix Elite over Trilene XL, but I use both in 4, 8 and 12 lb test. I think the Sufix is smoother and more consistant, but Trilene XL is cheaper and more readily available. I've never noticed a strength difference between the two.

[Don B.]

Just going to throw this in the mix, I'm surprised I haven't seen this yet. Seagar Invisx.....

[J Francho]

Whatever you use, pull out the typical cast you make, plus 10 or so feet more and tape the spool.  Reel in that line over the tape.  Now your backlash can only go a cast worth of line.

I like the idea of mono in the 12-15# range to learn.