braid help needed?

[soccplayer07]

Hello all. I tried searching but did not really find the information I needed.

What is the best braid available? Is 50-55lbs ideal for most bait casting uses? Is backing needed? If so, how much?

I'm currently using fireline with no complaints but have read great reviews on the Samurai braid. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

[Glenn]

Depends on what you want to use it for. The same rules apply for all lines: use a heavier line for flipping/pitching, a lighter line for crankbait/finesse.

Backing is not required, but some people do it in order to conserve the amount of line they use.

I use braid line only for flipping/pitching, and use PowerPro.  I've been happy with it, so really haven't tried others.

[Aluma-Bass]

i put a lil backing on mine to keep braid from slipping on spool...i use just enough backing to just cover spool.

I also use powerpro for flippin/ pitchn 30 or 40 lbs test and love it so far!

[Jig Man]

I only use Power Pro and have for several years.  I use a bunch of backing and only enough braid to go 20 yds or so beyond my casts.

[Marty]

If you tied braid directly to your spool, the spool can slip and have you thinking that your drag is malfunctioning.

I'm a fan of backing on any type of reel and spool on 50-60 yards of good line over the backing. That's all you need for bass fishing and I think it's a waste of money to put more good line on just so you can throw away more line when you need to respool.

Your choice, not everyone agrees with that position.

[Hammer 4]

I use 55 lb Diawa Samuri braid..this stuff is so limp..not waxey like some lines. The only other line I tried was the Spiderwire Ultracast. I don't use any backing, the rig I haver braid on is my swimbait set up, so I need long cast's..so far I haven't had any issues at all. Look at the Samuri, good stuff..

[SirSnookalot]

I only use light spinning and 10# braid for freshwater, PP only because it's so available and gives me no problems.  I never top shot and never have any slippage, just tape and go, I don't even tie.

Some reels like an Abu Soron have an o-ring setup for braid but I prefer the tape method.

[NewKidInTown]

Hello all. I tried searching but did not really find the information I needed.

What is the best braid available? Is 50-55lbs ideal for most bait casting uses? Is backing needed? If so, how much?

I'm currently using fireline with no complaints but have read great reviews on the Samurai braid. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

There is no best for everyone. I personally do not like Power Pro,but its the most popular. Ive been using Spiderwire  Invisibraid,for the last 2 seasons and see no reason to look further. The Invisibraid runs a bit thicker than Power pro so I use 30lb on my baitcasters instead of 50,but 50 is the right size to use. Yes, you need backing,but just a foot of it is fine,just to stop the braid from slipping. For every brand of braid,you will find as many people who dislike it,as do like it. All personal preference.

[soccplayer07]

any other recommendations?

[Fat-G]

any other recommendations?

Yes, like Jig man said, fill your spool about 1/4-1/2 of the way with cheap mono. Your spool of braid will last 4x longer.

Also, if you're going to use it for contact baits, get a chartruese marker and mark several marks at different line lengths. One for pitching, long casts, etc. It will help you see the lightest, lightest little bites. Good luck.

[5151]

I have been using PP for probably 8 yrs or so. I use 15 lb on spinning setups and 30lb on BC. Just bought some Suffix and like it , it feels like PP after it has its break in period (GETS SOFTER). I use a about 1/3 of backing then the braid then about 10-20 ft of Fluoro leader (use mono leader on top waters)using a uni on the leader side to improved cinch on the braid side nice small secure knot. I feel this gives me the best of all worlds as far as casting, sensitivity and abrasion resistance. Loosen your drag a lil bit more than normal and just a light wrist set of the hook. It does have a learning curve but IMHO it is worth it in the long run. I do use the yellow color on my finesse set ups as I have gotten older and it is easier to see plus the length of the leader keeps the fish from seeing it.

[NewAngler]

Aaron, I've got on 30 lb Power Pro on for my BC and 15 for my spinning. For the reason of saving some dough I use backing, Trilene Big Game I think it is, Wally world has it, But i could even go cheaper than that, I've never had a fish run with it long enough for the backing to show. Granted, my PB is 3 pounds, but.... that sucker didn't run.  Good luck on your Samurai quest, grasshoppa.

[Hammer 4]

Samuri has NO break in period...there's a reason it cost's more...you guys really should try it..

[Marty]

Granted, my PB is 3 pounds, but.... that sucker didn't run.

Good luck in getting a new PB, but when you do your line still won't get down to the backing.

[repper]

i have not tried Samurai, but i like Sufix braid so much i don't see a reason to switch. i use 50 lb for thr frog rig. and either 40 or 50 pound for fishing jigs, using fluro leaders, and the exact same knot that was stated earlier, uni and clinch knot combo, which was shown to me by a guide at Clearlake. tied perfectly that know is dynamite. for the two spinning outfits i use 20lb sufix with fluro leaders. i'm sure you will be hapy with Sufix braid. and you wil love the sensitivity of fishing with braid when fishing jigs, or t-rigs. and if i want to flip or pitch with no leader i just use my frog outfit. i'm always changing something though, it keeps me enthused

[Gangley]

30lb braid is great on baitcasters.  I always have two BC's spooled with 30lb and have NEVER broken off a fish with it.  I have pulled up 6 foot trees with it, broke off the tree, then continued fishing the rest of the day with it.  the ONLY reason I would go to 50lb braid is if I am fishing some seriously gnarly stuff.  As it is, I fish pretty substantial structure and have never had a problem with it.  This is not to say that nobody has ever had problems with it because im sure somebody somewhere has and I can't speak for them.  However, 30lb fishing line is seriously tough stuff and I dont feel like there is any bass around that will break it.  Just my opinion though

[Arnoldo]

I'm using tuf-line 50 lb and 65 lb. I have problems with power-pro. Power-pro have much tint

[I.rar]

kinda OT , but has anyone had issues running braid on a shimano clarus rod? iirc , they have the fuji concept guides...

[Wayne P.]

sqhertz, I have a couple dozen rods with the Fuji concept guide set-up and don't see any difference between using mono or braid. It's an non-issue whether by rod brand or guide system (excluding the recoil guides though---too noisy)

[midnighthrasher]

30LB POWER PRO ON BC

20LB POWER PRO ON SPINNING

ITS AS EASY AS THAT!

[I.rar]

sqhertz, I have a couple dozen rods with the Fuji concept guide set-up and don't see any difference between using mono or braid. It's an non-issue whether by rod brand or guide system (excluding the recoil guides though---too noisy)

excellent. ive seen a few pics of guides getting wrecked from braid and have always been hesitant to give it a try. ill only be using it on my spinning rig since im still not consistant enough with a BC and im scared to get a backlash from hell with braid.

[brushhoggin]

Depends on what you want to use it for. The same rules apply for all lines: use a heavier line for flipping/pitching, a lighter line for crankbait/finesse.

Backing is not required, but some people do it in order to conserve the amount of line they use.

I use braid line only for flipping/pitching, and use PowerPro. I've been happy with it, so really haven't tried others.

glenn for punchin and flipping with braid do you use a leader?