Braided line can be used both on a spinning reel and on a baitcaster.
Compared to fluoro or mono line it has many advantages: it’s stronger, it lasts longer, it’s more sensitive and casts smoother.
There are so many benefits in using it. Let’s see how you can have the best results with a spinning reel or baitcaster.
Is braided line good for spinning reels?
Braided line is superior compared to fluoro or mono on a spinning reel. It can be used in most fishing situations as your main fishing line and even with a leader on the end. You’ll be able to cast it farther and the line doesn’t stretch, meaning that you can feel the fish better. Also, it’ll tangle less than other fishing lines.
Another benefit of braid is that you can fit more line on the reel compared to monofilament. This is particularly useful for those who fish in deep waters.
Something to keep in mind is that braided line floats, so if you want it to sink you may need to attach a weight or a fluorocarbon leader. Another drawback is that braid is visible in clear water and that may cause fish to avoid your offerings.
How many yards of braid to put on a spinning reel?
The amount of braid to put on a reel varies according to the reel size. Because of this, it’s hard to give a general number. However, when putting braided line on a spinning reel you should leave it quite full and there should be a 1/8 – 1/16 inch gap in the spool. You need to leave a small gap to prevent your line to slip off, but not too much, as a full spool will perform better.
How to spool braid on a spinning reel
If you’ve always used monofilament and recently switched to braid, there are a couple things to keep in mind when spooling it on a spinning reel.
First, braided line offers less friction than mono: you can’t tie it directly on the spool like you would do with mono because that will cause problems (such as the entire load of braid spinning uncontrollably and making you lose the fish).
You can overcome this problem by starting with monofilament and then attaching a braid line with a knot (it’s best to leave at least one layer of mono around the spool base). Or you can apply tape on the spool: one or two layers around the bare spool of the reel, so it generates friction.
Also, you need to make sure to pack it tight and keep a firm tension on the braid when spooling it, throughout the whole process. Remember that braid is much thinner than mono, so the reel will hold much more braid.
What most anglers do when spooling a braid line is to put a thin backing layer of mono or fluoro on the spool and wrap it until it’s covered. This way you won’t get any slippage. Then you need to attach the braid by using a Double Uni Knot or any other thin knot, and start spooling the braided line on. Remember to keep the tension for the whole time and stop when you have a 1/8 inch gap left on the spool. If you don’t want it to sink, you can finally attach a 6-8 foot leader of fluorocarbon to the braided line.
What is the best line for a spinning reel?
There’s no easy answer to this question, however, if spooled correctly, braided line is one of the best options to use on a spinning reel for all the benefits we’ve mentioned beforehand.
On spinning reels, it’s recommended to use 10-20 lb braid (with 4-6 lb diameter), and generally not any higher than 30 lb, because otherwise you’ll lose castability. Because of its slipperiness, it’s essential to tie proper knots to make the best use of braid with spinning reels.
When should you use braided line?
Braid line has become increasingly popular in finesse fishing, because it’s very sensitive and has little to no stretch. Braid is also the best choice for bass fishing and has proved helpful in waters with deep vegetation, because of its ability to cut weeds.
What line should I use on my baitcaster?
A baitcaster can be spooled with any fishing line, however braid often performs better and many anglers prefer to use it over monofilament. The main reason is, the line memory of mono will soon start to reduce casting performance.
Baitcasting reels are designed for heavier lures, and they work better with heavier lines. Larger diameters line are less likely to overrun. Also, keep in mind that the conditions you fish in, the weight of the lure and the tension are all aspects that can affect the casting performance.
How do you put braided line on a baitcaster?
To avoid backlash, line twists and other problems, you need to spool line on your baitcaster the right way. The first thing to do is consider the line size: with a thicker line it’ll take less to fill up the spool.
To avoid braided line to slip, you can start with a couple of yards of monofilament and then connect it to the braid with an Albright knot before moving on.
Pass the line through all the rod guides and then through the reel’s level wind guide: this way, you’ll put more tension on the line and prevent the forming of loops. Then, wrap the line around the spool and tie an overhand knot around the line.
Spool the reel until the line fills within 1/8 inch from the top of the spool and then cut the line to end the process.
Is braid or mono better for Baitcasters?
Braid and fluoro are the best options for baitcasters. However, considered that braid does not grip as well as other line types, you’ll need to start spooling with either monofilament or fluoro. Braid is a great option, unless you’re fishing in crystal clear waters as it is more visible and may keep away shy fish.
Do I need backing for braided line?
It’s suggested to have a monofilament backing for braided line, as braid is much narrower and doesn’t fill the spool as intended, but also because if you only use braid, it’ll be too slippery. With braid in direct contact with the spool the whole system is not going to do its job properly. Since braid is also more expensive, a mono backing makes the spooling process easier for your wallet as well.