Reels vs line weights

[4leaf05]

 


I have a stupid question...  I just purchased two new bait casters (Bass Pro Extreme and Daiwa Tournament something or other) and both recommend #12 line.   What results, negative occurances or such could I expect from using a #8 line?  I didn't know it would make THAT big a difference, but both of them nested to the point that I am going to have to cut the line out and re-spool them both.....  I used Sufix Elite #8 on them.   (And YES, I did adjust the dials first!    )

Suggestions?  My stupidity or the line?

Julie

[Joshawa]

I'm sure the 12# rating is just to tell you how much line it will hold. If you put 8lb test on it it will just hold more line.

[islandbass]

I have a stupid question...  I just purchased two new bait casters (Bass Pro Extreme and Daiwa Tournament something or other) and both recommend #12 line.   What results, negative occurances or such could I expect from using a #8 line?  I didn't know it would make THAT big a difference, but both of them nested to the point that I am going to have to cut the line out and re-spool them both.....  I used Sufix Elite #8 on them.   (And YES, I did adjust the dials first!    )

Suggestions?  My stupidity or the line?

Julie

That is only an indication that the reel's settings were not set to the lure.  The ratings you see on the reel are guidelines of how much line the spool will hold for a given test.  If you use a lighter line (ie, a line with a thinner diameter) the reel will hold more of it.

Also, not all baitcast reels are equal in this department. Some reels will cast lighter lines more easily as some will be better at casting lighter weights than others.

I have used 8# mono without issue on my casting reels, even a 301A Cardiff. What were you tossing (and its weight) that gave you so much trouble? 8# elite should not be a problem to toss on a casting reel. Curious minds want to know!   

[4leaf05]

The first problem occured with the Daiwa and a Rebel Popper (wt unk) and my Mom.... and the second was the BP Extreme with a Rat-L Trap (not the biggest) with myself....  Thought I had the brakes tightened down enough to start testing and adjusting, but I guess not.  I am still learning how to do all this stuff myself.... 

As for the line weights, you confirmed what I thought...  that it only meant I should be able to put more on...  I guess back to the drawing board.....

Julie

[v1per]

Hi Julie, sorry to hear about the reels acting up on you like that, but, there should be some easy fixes to do. I fish with Diawa reels a lot and like them. I have 2 Diawa Tierras and 2 Diawa TD Pros. Your Diawa should have a magnetic cast control(most do) on the left side of it if it is a left handed reel(meaning you hold it in your left hand and crank the handle with your right hand). I usually start with it set at about the 6 mark(some will say 0-10 or it may be a little different) and the cast control knob on the right side under the drag star set a little on the tight side, depending on how the weather is. If it is windy I set it a little tighter or if it is calm I will loosen it up some. Your lure should fall slowly when you push the spool release button and let go with your thumb, off the spool. If it falls to fast then tighten up the side cast control knob a bit. Not to much tho as it won't take much to slow down the lure. When you get the lure falling slowly then you can fine tune it with the mag control on the other side of the reel. The "normal" Rebel Pop R usually weighs about 1/4th of an ounce,if I am not mistaken, and you should be able to throw that on a baitcaster with 8 pound test just fine, just don't over power your casts and you should be fine. Start with short "pitches" and work you way up to longer distances after a while. When you get good at the short pitches or casts then you can loosen the side tension knob a bit, remember you only use the mag cast control to "fine tune" the casting of the reel. As for the Rattle Traps they have several different sizes 1/8th, 1/4th, 1/2, 3/4ths and 1 ounce and even bigger. On 8# test I wouldn't go over the 1/2 ounce size or you may break your line on trying to set the hooks into a basses mouth. I hope this helps you some and if you have any more questions then please ask away, you have found a great site for fishing info and welcome to UB! Happy Fishing  and Tight Lines to ya!

[4leaf05]

Thanks so much for the easy to understand info!!  As soon as I get the bird's nests out of the Daiwa, I will try resetting everything using these tips!  Thanks again!!

Julie

[Pro Reel]

You have some great info here, I just have one tip to add. When you get the nests out or put new line on, try this tip. Pullabout 20 to 25 yds of line off the reel, then wrap the spool of line with a 3 to 4 inch strip of electrical tape. Reel the the 20 to 30 yds of line back on over the tape. You now have enough line on top of the tape to fish with. If and when you get a backlash, it will only go as deep as the tape and will be easy to fix. I f you happen to catch a monster fish that takes line to the tape, just peel the tape off and keep fighting the fish. Good luck.