Line type and test

[Lonewolf]

I was wondering what type and test
of line I should put on my new Lews speed spool. I am a first time user of a baitcasting reel.  The water I will be fishing is considered clear, there is not alot of heavy cover for fish,but there is alot of man made structures for them.

Thanks Tom

[BHenke]

My suggestion would be something in a clear 12 lb mono that you can get in bigger spools. This is because you will want something that won't break the bank if you have to replace the line from a severe backlash. Berkley Big Game clear in 12 lb test fits the bill perfectly if you ask me.

[Lonewolf]

Thanks for the advice Bhenke, will this make a good all around line until I figure out if I like to use these baitcasting setups.

                               Tom

[cbburke]

I second what he said - When I started to learn to throw, I started off with cheap 10 lbs mono to practice and kept throwing until I got the hang of it.  I have to admit, I have 5 casting reels and I am still learning how to skip on it. Im way better with the spinning rod but casting, from time to time, I would I get bird nets

[earldogg]

Yep, 12lb mono, easiest to work with, and cheap.gl

[West6550]

Don't forget the tape trick!!!

Spool up the line. Then pull out line, a few feet longer than you can cast. Then put a piece of tape around the spool. Then reel the line back in! If you get a severe backlash you still have line to fish!

[LgMouthGambler]

If you have YoZuri available where you buy tackle, try that in 12#, its much stronger with less flex. If not, then go with the Big Game.

[Pferox]

Berkeley big game is a good line, another one to try is Ande Back Country, it is strong, and the steal gray kind of color works very well in clear water. Don't know why but it works very well.

12lb is a good line to start with and as time goes on you can adjust the weight for your particular conditions.

[yak-aholic]

I still use Berkeley Big Game 12# when I'm throwing mono. I have switched to braid for most of my fishing, but if it's mono, that's what I throw.

[Lonewolf]

Thanks Fellas looks like I will try berkeley big game, partly because the only place to buy line local is gander and I dont think they have the other 2 that were suggested.  Now one more question as I get better is braided line really needed on a baitcaster.

[Facepunch]

Pline Cxx is good line for the money. Starting out, I would probably throw 14lb as larger lines are a little easier to work with for new users. Just start out with your brakes all on and go from there. When setting your spool, hold your rod tip out and back it off so that your lure slowly falls to the ground. I think a lot of people really nuke the whole line thing. I fish a lot of clear water and last year I caught a lot of big fish throwing cheap Cajun red line. I had it spooled up from teaching my wife how to cast and the. Just never took it off.

Once you get the hang of it, instead of pulling all the line off, pull about half to 2/3 of it and use the rest as backing for some quality flouro. That will keep you from breaking the bank replacing line.

Congrats on the new real and Tight Lines.

[Down4ttown]

I have 20lb Pline CXX and it is terrible in terms of memory.

[LgMouthGambler]

Thanks Fellas looks like I will try berkeley big game, partly because the only place to buy line local is gander and I dont think they have the other 2 that were suggested.  Now one more question as I get better is braided line really needed on a baitcaster.

Only when you get into real heavy cover or flipping/pitching. Down here in FL, I will use braid for frogging through heavy areas, or jigging in heavy areas. You can get away with a good strong line outside of it, but when I do, I go with YoZuri for the quality.

[HunterFB]

I actually recommend learning on braid, like 30# Power Pro.  It has no memory, and the backlashes are easier to get out.  Also, the line not being tight when you reel it up is more forgiving on braid.  I rarely ever have to feather the spool when casting once I set the brakes right on my Curado. I fish it in clear water and catch my share.  Still, if you want to go with mono, 12# is good.

[bassn1]

Guess I am in the minority on this one. I would use a good mono possibly berkley xt in 14 - 17lb. Big Game is a good choice as well. But do go with the larger diameter test until you are more proficient with your new baitcaster. Learning is easy and all it takes is time and practice. Backlashes are inevitable while in the learning curve. Less expensive mono is a good choive for those of us with limited funds. Berkley Xt is great line IMO at a great price. Larger diameters are easier to manage and dig out when the backlashes occur.