What Line To Use?

[BSmith12]

I'm just now really getting into bass fishing so I don't know much to be honest. I need to know what pound, type, and brand of line I should use for my baitcaster.

Thanks All!

[BSmith12]

I'm really only going to bass fish with it for now. And I'm experimenting with all the different kinds of lures too.

[LgMouthGambler]

A good 40# braid is an excellent all around line. You can always tie a leader to it if needed. Braid is better for casting easiness.

[Bud Kennedy]

I'm really only going to bass fish with it for now. And I'm experimenting with all the different kinds of lures too.

Line selection is one of those discussions that often becomes a ford vs chevy conversation.  If you are just starting then you should consider starting with a mono line in the 10 - 12 lb category.  I use Sufix line but everyone has their favorite line.  Once you become more familiar with the style of fishing you want to do and the equipment you want to use then experimenting with braid or other line types would be more appropriate.  Besides mono is cost effective as a learning tool.

[njpaulc]

+1 for mono, 12 lb test unless you're fishing in really stained water or really heavy cover.  You can fish everything with 12 to 17 lb test, so choose according to cover and water color.  When you change line, you only need to change about half the spool (again depending on the reel size and line).  If you're not experienced with a baitcaster, pull offf a little more than a long cast 's worth on line and then wrap the spool with masking tape, it will help controll backlashes.

I'd recomend Berkeley Big Game, a little strecthy, but a lot of line for the money, Stren is also a good all purpose line,  I've also used Suffix and have had no complaints.  Most of the major brands of line are pretty good.

[earldogg]

+2 mono. Trilene.

[Smallie_Stalker]

First, Welcome to the Ultimate Bass family! Pleasure to have you with us.

+3 on the mono. +2 on the Berkley Trilene. XL has less memory and is a little easier to cast than XT but the XT is more abrasion resistant.

Since you are just getting into bass fishing, if you would like to win some free gear from some of the great companies that sponsor our site be sure and put your name in for the New Member's Contest and the Weekly Contests .

In the meantime if I can be of any help with anything please don't hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to seeing you around the boards and to learning from what you share with us.

Once again, Welcome!

[EricPond99]

Line selection is one of those discussions that often becomes a ford vs chevy conversation.

Chevy... Lol
But I would start out with a 30- 50 pound braid, just me. Mainly for its versatility. Depending on the braid you get it might be a lil stiff when you get it it'll just take a few good days to break it in.
It would help if you told us a little bit about your lake conditions, and what lures you will mostly be fishing
Good luck on the water

[Gwamba]

Braid ONLY for Hollow body frogs and pitching HEAVY COVER...nothing else

14-15# Fluoro for Deep-water football jigs and weed edges, deep diving lures
12# fluoro for chatterbaits, heavier spinner baits, swim jigs
14-15# mono for cover spinnerbaits, Spooks, swimbaits, bigger worms
12# fluoro for all my jig/craws under 1/2oz
10-12# mono for most everything else...I still like good old clear blue flo Stren for this 

[tim4081]

Since you're just starting, go with mono as the cost is less and the line more manageable.  As you gain experience you'll develop your own preferences for what type and brand to use for different techniques. I've always had good luck with Trilene XL and Suffix mono.  Trying some Seaguar this year for topwater and so far no complaints.  Never cared for Stren but that is just MHO.

[coldfront]

A good 40# braid is an excellent all around line. You can always tie a leader to it if needed. Braid is better for casting easiness.

only call out:  when learning to use a baitcaster, braid might not be the best choice in dealing with back-lashes...

nothng wrong with using good old fashioned mono.  Trilene XL is not a bad choice for initial learning baitcasting...  14# is light for some applications... but can get you through the worst of the learning curve...

once you get practiced up on picking out backlashes and have a more educated thumb, moving to other lines will probably happen.

[LgMouthGambler]

only call out:  when learning to use a baitcaster, braid might not be the best choice in dealing with back-lashes...

nothng wrong with using good old fashioned mono.  Trilene XL is not a bad choice for initial learning baitcasting...  14# is light for some applications... but can get you through the worst of the learning curve...

once you get practiced up on picking out backlashes and have a more educated thumb, moving to other lines will probably happen.

Yes they are a pain to get out with braid, but the line doesn't get damaged when kinked. With modern reels, you really don't need to use your thumb unless to stop the spool when the bait hits the water. Set the brakes high, then work them down. If you can accomplish that, braid is your best friend as a beginner.

[Down4ttown]

I thought braid was much easier to train on. Throw some 65 on a frog rod and play with it. Taught my wife in a. Couple mins.

[BSmith12]

Yes they are a pain to get out with braid, but the line doesn't get damaged when kinked. With modern reels, you really don't need to use your thumb unless to stop the spool when the bait hits the water. Set the brakes high, then work them down. If you can accomplish that, braid is your best friend as a beginner.

What do you mean by "Set the brakes high". Are you referring to the magnetic knob or tension knob...? I am a beginner with baitcaster

[LgMouthGambler]

The magnets, or centrifugal, which ever the reel is equipr with. The tension knob should only be set so that the spool has no side to side play in it if you try to move it with your thumb.

[Dark3]

If you are getting your blow out in the first half of you cast down wind your brakes more than likely are the contributing factor and tension in the second half. Disclaimer: It is a delicate balance and until you dial in the reel and line you will have issues. No matter how experienced, we all get blow outs from time to time especially with new equipment. Also I will remind you, tge begineer should probly never cast up wind lol.

[MCS]

I am with the braid guys, learned not too long ago with mono. Braid is a lot easier and less damage to the line to get out in my experience. I waited til I was "decent enough" to go to braid because everyone says it is tough to get out. Not true.

I used to love mono. I still sorta prefer it on a spinning reel and in certain crank/treble hook lure situations. But I am straight braid now, even with spinnerbaits. No hook problems, ease to cast, no memory. If you are snagging a lot and loosing tons of line add a leader so it can break off.

Brands I use...sufix elite in 8 pound for top water. Sufix seige in 10 pound for spinning and 12 pound for casting. I used 30 and 40 pound power pro and stren braid.