what line for swimbaits

[.ghoti.]

Well, I just got a new swimbait rod. At Bass U. in Nashville, Byron Velvick did a nice presentation on swimbaiting, and raffled off three Duckett Micro Magic swimbait rods.

Kent won one, and since it didn't say G Loomis on it, I bought it from him. It's a 7'6" extra heavy power rod. Velvick described these rods as mod-fast action. After doing some flex testing at home, I'd have to agree with that. I have no idea what the line/lure ratings are for this rod. No ratings on the rod, and none on the website. This is apparently information that Duckett feels none of us need.

I have the reel; a St Croix Avid 250. This is a re-branded Daiwa Millionaire CV-X253. I was going to sell this reel, but have since done a little upgrading and tuning. It holds 200+ yards of #14 mono if memory serves.

I have a few Brody swimbaits, a Japanese Pure Fishing bait I bought from FFO on clearance to use for muskie. They did not turn out to be good muskie baits, but I did get a few nice bass on them while fishing for muskie.

Also ordered some Huds, Mattlures, and some Talon inlines. I'm staying with plastic baits in the 2 - 4 ounce range to start with.

So, what line? I'm not a fan of braid, and do not use it for any application; but that's what Velvick recommends.

[jacobhookem]

Most guys throwing swimbaits use a co polymer line like 15-25 pound test. Personally I like 100% flouro because when I set the hook (especially on hudds and ospreys) I want to be directly at the bait rather then have co polymer and get stretch in the line. I like to use 25 pound berkley 100% flourocarbon. It also depend on your rod if it has a fast tip (like mine) then you want to use flouro, if your rod is moderate fast either flouro or co polymer. Personally I hate braid for swimbaits especially the heavier ones, because I have had it when you cast the braid catches up in your reel and the braid has no stretch so "SNAP!" there goes a 15-30 dollar bait....     

Hope this helps, Jacob

[fourbizz]

It also depend on your rod if it has a fast tip (like mine) then you want to use flouro, if your rod is moderate fast either flouro or co polymer.

...what?

Use 20 or 25lb Pline CXX. If the majority of your baits are under about 4ozs, use the 20, if you are gonna throw a lot of the 8" hudd use 25.

My dedicated 8" Hudd rod runs 30lb CXX, but that will be too much line for the smaller baits like the Matts.

I have used a dozen lines on my swimbait rod over the years. I have realized that CXX is by far the best. Big Game is a distant second.

[webertime]

20lb P-Line CXX here on baits up to just over 4oz.

[jacobhookem]

It also depend on your rod if it has a fast tip (like mine) then you want to use flouro, if your rod is moderate fast either flouro or co polymer.

...what?

Use 20 or 25lb Pline CXX. If the majority of your baits are under about 4ozs, use the 20, if you are gonna throw a lot of the 8" hudd use 25.

My dedicated 8" Hudd rod runs 30lb CXX, but that will be too much line for the smaller baits like the Matts.

I have used a dozen lines on my swimbait rod over the years. I have realized that CXX is by far the best. Big Game is a distant second.

If your swimbait rod has more bend then you want to use flouro, but if its a stiff board then you will wanna use a line with more stretch (like the co polymer)

[J Francho]

I'm curious about that logic.....they both stretch about the same. CXX is far tougher comparing similar diameters.

Anyway, 20# works for me.  Most of my baits are < 5 oz.

[Craiger12]

I'm curious about that logic.....they both stretch about the same. CXX is far tougher comparing similar diameters.

Anyway, 20# works for me. Most of my baits are < 5 oz.

Agreed. I thought the "less stretch with flouro" myth had been put to rest, but it appears there are many people who still think this way.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I'm curious about that logic.....they both stretch about the same. CXX is far tougher comparing similar diameters.

Anyway, 20# works for me. Most of my baits are < 5 oz.

Agreed. I thought the "less stretch with flouro" myth had been put to rest, but it appears there are many people who still think this way.

I agree with you guys.

I also say use the CXX.  I started using it because Fourbizz is my hero.

I haven't found a reason to change yet.

[fourbizz]

It also depend on your rod if it has a fast tip (like mine) then you want to use flouro, if your rod is moderate fast either flouro or co polymer.

...what?

Use 20 or 25lb Pline CXX. If the majority of your baits are under about 4ozs, use the 20, if you are gonna throw a lot of the 8" hudd use 25.

My dedicated 8" Hudd rod runs 30lb CXX, but that will be too much line for the smaller baits like the Matts.

I have used a dozen lines on my swimbait rod over the years. I have realized that CXX is by far the best. Big Game is a distant second.

If your swimbait rod has more bend then you want to use flouro, but if its a stiff board then you will wanna use a line with more stretch (like the co polymer)

Fast action rods have less tip flex than moderate action rods.