FS Digest

Hello, I'm new here. I'm trying to set up my first fishing rod. I'm thinking of using the 10lb fluorokote as my main line and 6 pound fluorocarbon leader line (attached by a swivel) to catch trout at a stocked lake. Is this setup okay?

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by frankyplays

FS Digest

What's your reasoning for wanting the 10lb main line? Are you fishing in situations where you need/want 10lb line and so you can change between 6lb and 10lb?

I recommend using braid as your main line, with fluoro leader joined with an improved Albright knot. It's thinner, stronger, and doesn't stretch, and the leader gives it a bit of shock absorption and abrasion resistance.

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by Montythedraincat

FS Digest

Hi, thanks for the response. I'm pretty new here so I don't really know much about lines. You're exactly right. I wanted the versatility of being able to catch bigger fish. I know trout are very line sensitive so the 6lb fluoro would hide itself well I think. Is my setup something that people do?
I'm trying to go for a Carolina rig.
What type of braid do you recommend? I'm a complete beginner so any advice is welcomed. I'm going to get a ugly stik elite 6'6" medium and a Penn pursuit 2500 reel.

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by frankyplays

FS Digest

I'm not a trout fisherman, so I don't know specifics for trout (and the trout here in Australia seems to be a fraction of the size I see on here). I've done a lot of bream fishing, which is very light, with soft plastics on lightly weighted jig heads.

I like Berkley nanofil, it's incredibly thin, strong, casts well, and I had no drama tying knots with it.

I don't know much about ugly stik, they were popular in Australia when I was younger but I haven't heard much since then. Most of the rods are pretty good these days, and there's a point that spending hundreds extra only gives a few percent improvement. For flicking plastics you really just want a nice flexible rod of the correct line weight, in the 6'6" to 7" range. I also recommend a 2 or 3 piece rather than single piece rod for the convenience.

I use a 1000 reel for that weight fishing. Penn is mainly known for entry level reels, and I prefer shimano, but most of the reels at that price point have similar drags and gear ratios, so you probably won't notice too much difference in reel. More expensive reels will get you smoother actions and drag.

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by Montythedraincat

FS Digest

I chose this reel since it comes with great drag for the price.

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by frankyplays

FS Digest

Stocked trout are not usually super line shy, or at least the ones around here must not be as I see guys catching them with like 30lb neon mono all the time.

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by 5uper5kunk

FS Digest

I would definitely go for the braided main line. Get something you can see easily and then put at least a 10 foot leader of the Floro no need for the swivel. There are a lot of good knots for line to line which you need with that long leader. Should give give you the strength and versatility you’re after and also greatly improve your casting distance.

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by flyrod_junky

FS Digest

What type of braided do you recommend?

Would it be okay to go with 10 pound braided main line and 6lb fluoro leader?

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by frankyplays

river1952spin

A lot depends on the situation. Is the lake clean or is there heavy weeds in the way of bringing the trout to the bank. the lighter the line that the bait is on, the more and bigger fish you'll catch. People do catch fish on big line, but it's been my experience that trout do learn, and the smaller the line you use, the more likely you are to catch not only more trout but the smarter bigger ones. Unless they starving.