Good line for 1st time baitcaster

[Powerstroke]

I'm trying to get some ideas of a good all around line for a first time baitcaster. I've never even tried before but know I need to use one with the amount of flipping and casting I do for bass and pike.

I'm thinking 12-14lb test. Is it possible to get a line that casts well and helps the learning process with baitcasters?

Any comments or suggestions for the first timer would be greatly appreciated.

[Powerstroke]

Just a note, I do have the rod and reel already but in all the excitement of getting my 3yr old daughter her first rod and reel, I forgot to pick up some line.

SO.....I figured who better to ask then all of you. With your help her and I will be fishing this weekend.

[Paul Waldowski]

Moving this to the Equipment forum

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Paul
Drake Motel

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Marcum
Otter Outdoors
JR's Tackle
Lakemaster Lake Maps

[Thomas]

I would go with 40# power pro.

[Granny]

Powerstroke,

I am just getting into the baitcasting also. I went with 30lb Power Pro and I like it better than 14lb Mono. I am still spending a lot of time with backlashes. Not sure if I like the waste of time. I might go back to spinning reels since I don't do a lot of flipping.

Granny

[Rost]

Line for your first baitcaster huh?? Here is my advise... get the cheapest stuff money will buy!

Then tie a jig on, cut the hook off, and practice in your yard. Once you get good, then spool it up with the good stuff.

[Guest]

I use Hybrid and it casts great.
Bait casters take some getting used to, I found with mine that the spool tension needs to be adjusted to each bait being tossed, and weight of line. Once you get it dialed in, the squirrel's nests get farther in between.

[taxmancommeth]

What to do do with the knots (squirrel nests)?

Get two (or in my case three) baitcasters rod & reels. Once you get a nest toss it down and grab the others...

Respool when you get home!!!

Later all

[LocalGuide]

I'd also go with power pro. I would only put on a 30lb test though, that my preference.
Any superline is much easier to get a backlash out than mono. That is b/c mono has so much memory and powerpro doesn't. Trust me you wont be disappointed.

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And keep those hooks sharp!

[kwkfsh]

Buy yourself a 1/4 spool of some cheap mono and spool up with that. Since you are a first timer and just learning chances are you will get some mega backlashes during the learning curve.

When you get yourself the mother of all backlashes you can simply cut it out rather than spending hours picking it out. After you run low simply tie on and add some more and get back to practicing.

I would save the expensive super lines until you become proficient with the reel. Practicing with a heavier rather than a lighter weight (1/2-3/4 vs. 1/4-3/8) will be more forgiving as you learn. This will allow you to practice with a smoother cast and lower spool speeds than with a lighter weight. Lower spool speeds equal less severe backlashes.

[Trailblazin]

I agree with the last post. Since your new, save the money on Power Pro or any other braid. Work your way up to that.

Just go to your local store and have them spool up 12 or 14 Trilene XT. I like the 14lb personally.

[CRAPPIEBAIT]

50# tuf line has always been good to me.My 4yr old has an abu garcia morum(I'm letting him borrow),he gets it out there pretty good.
It's a strong line and feeds smothly.He still has a mess everynow and again,but it comes out real easy.Yes,it is spendy,but my thought is "learn on what your going to use the most".

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Greg

[psegriz]

I grew up w/baitcaster and it's easy for me. then I know how long it took me to cast decent like grandpa. I would say go w/mono til you get the feeel for it. Like someone in previous post said practice in your lawn 1st, til ya get the hang of it and feel comfortable. There will be a big difference in casting depending on weather you make a long sweeoing cast or try to wrist it. I've found that by wristing it I'll usually have to feather it a little more w/my thumb. It'll just take a little practice. LOL

GRIZ

[slick2526]

Just depends on your preference of likeing mono or braid. If it was mono you wanted to use I would got with 14-18lb test maxima chamelon or ultra green. The best mono on the market in my opinion. Braid I would have to say 20lb powerpro. Best stuff i have had my hands on. If your planing on casting for muskie/pike i would say 40lb. other wise that 20lb will handle any largemouth or walter. Know from experience.

I would also say one the main things to casting a baitcaster without getting horrible backlashes is setting the magnet right on your reel. you want it for it peels out line when you jiggle the rod. but not when you hold it still. Or just barely falls out when holding it still. As soon as you get the magnet down, and learn to click out the free spooling b4 your lure hits the water you will cast like a pro.

[This message has been edited by slick2526 (edited 06-03-2004).]

[Lost]

I picked up my first baitcaster this year. I originally had 12 pound mono put on bit didn't like it. I now have 50 pound PowerPro and love it! I do have backlash problems once in a long while but I really haven't had any. Just gotta remember to keep your thumb over the spool as your lure/bait is flying through the air and be ready to slow or stop the spool as the lure/bait nears and enters the water.

[Guest]

I would think that you would get less backlashes if you set all the spool brakes to the ON position, that way your spool will not spin out of control and then just set the tension on the side by the crank. When you get good with no backlashes with all the brakes ON, then take one brake off and practice with that, and then whenever you get comfortable with that, you set. Like me, I've been using a baitcaster since last year and when I started, I wanted to sell the stupid thing instantly, I couldn't even use it, because every cast had a huge nest in it. I didn't know anything about the braking system, SHIMANO CASTIAC, (spelling) but once I found out how that braking system worked, I was money. Now I have 2 brakes ON out of I think 6. Good Luck!

[Powerstroke]

I totally forget to pick up line for it till I was up north and got some 14lb mono Trilene XL just to spool up with. It only cost me $3.59.

Lots of backlashes this weekend, but I think its mostly the fault of learning the action of a new rod. Even with heavy lures I was getting a backlash before my lure hit the water cause the slack created by a poor cast. My timing was off with a stiffer rod.

Anyway, I did well and only had 3 'lashes today, which was far fewer than the fish we caught. I love my new rod and reel. I can't wait to switch to the stong lines.