FS Digest

Hello all, very new fisherman here. I just got back from a trip to the Gulf where I did some surf fishing. This was my first time spooling/rigging everything up on my own, so it was a bit of a learning experience. After breaking the line that came pre-spooled on my reel a few times, I eventually bought some 20 lb braided line and had better luck (caught mostly hardhead catfish, but ended up snagging some whiting and a blacktip shark on the final day).

Anyways, I am now looking at doing some bass fishing near my area. I was reading some guides on recommended line+tackle, and found someone recommending lighter line than what I used for surf fishing (the guide I read recommended 8 lb flourocarbon). So my question is, is it worth unspooling the 20 lb braided line and replacing it with something lighter? Or is it okay to have stronger line than what is recommended for what you are planning to target? Also, does anyone have a recommended way to unspool and save line (and is this a normal thing to do)?

Thanks in advance! Like I said, I am very new to this so any advice would be very welcome.

--
by samfromshire

FS Digest

I don't fish bass a lot, but I hear some people like the heavier braid for it. Something about being able to set the hook more aggressively while cranking, idk..

--
by Titillater

FS Digest

You can always put a "leader" on your braid of whatever kind of line you want. Just a piece of different line tied to the end of your braid.

It's not that the line is too strong, it's that it's too visible and fish will see it and spook away.

--
by GoToeless

FS Digest

I target bass exclusively and use 30lb braid. But a lot of my spots are filled with heavy vegetation so I need the stronger line to get the fish out of all that.

--
by lettercarrier86

FS Digest

Always go overkill. The people recommending downsizing are setting you up for failure whether its breaking off easier, making fights last longer than needed because you can't out-muscle a fish(which can kill fish that can't recover easily), or running into line issues like birdsnets/line twisting. Always use line based on the structure/vegetation you're fishing in before the weight of the fish.

--
by slimshifty00

FS Digest

UL is a way of life....some folks don't get it, it's okay

--
by LilPuuuma

FS Digest

You're speaking to the choir, and is understandable inland, but surf fishing UL knowing what's out there? I guess to each his own, but it's not good advice to OP who is clearly not there yet. But I don't expect you to get that since needing to feel superior over a fishing tactic is at the forefront of your worries...

--
by slimshifty00

FS Digest

You've exposed me! Good work buddy 👍

--
by LilPuuuma

FS Digest

Trust me, you're doing just fine yourself

--
by slimshifty00

FS Digest

Some people like things overkill, I don't. It's kinda like buying a new car after the old one runs out of gas.

--
by Dogcooker

FS Digest

Thanks everyone for the very helpful replies! I'm not sure of the vegetation in the area I'll be fishing (Lake Conroe, TX), but it sounds like starting with the 20 lb braided isn't a terrible idea for now. I'll see how that goes and then reconsider changing it out.

--
by samfromshire

MadPole Loc: Woodstock Ga

You are good with 20 lb braid. Just tie on a 3 foot piece of 8/10 lb fluoro as a leader. Fish can't see your line at the bait and it helps to land a fish by simply lifting it up (no net needed). No net offers a safer way to release the fish unharmed.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Samfromshire: Remember, braided line is about 1/3 to 1/4 the diameter of the same strength of monofilament, so you decide on braid, keep that in mind. Otherwise, you will be borrowing trouble. The trick is at the end of your braided line, you can attach any level of mono or other leader of any strength you wish. Just Sayin...RJS

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Yes you can remove line and keep it to put on another day. Google "diy fishing line despooler". Lots of great ideas for simple set-ups using a power drill and other ideas.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

20# braid is about the diameter of 6# mono. You are fine with 2-3ft of your mono tied onto the braid. Enjoy.