FS Digest

So I just started freshwater fishing (mainly for bass) about 2 days ago and am not sure what line to use...

I have a spinning reel with 20lb mono line and the problem is that when I throw very tiny and light lures like the Storm hopper popper and Rapala F9, the lure barely travels any distance (barely 3-4 feet) and instead tangles my line.

It works fine for bigger lures 1/4oz and heavier. Is the problem that I have too heavy of line or that it’s mono?

Should I make the switch to braid? If so, will it be able to throw the hopper popper farther and actually work?

Also, what lb braid should I use? Do I match the color of the water? (Ex: dark green braid?) Best braid company that won’t destroy my wallet?

Ive heard of people using fluoro for leaders but does that even make a difference? I feel like it’s too much work switching out every time.

I use wacky rig, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwaters I’m mostly experimenting with everything and seeing what works and whatnot.

I’m catching 1-5lb largemouth bass but I’d like to try the smaller lures without my line tangling and then having the mono stay tangled resulting in loss of cast distance.

Any help is much appreciated! Thank you! (Sorry for the long and unorganized post).

--
by CarsonMcMillian

FS Digest

Pretty sure you need to come down about 12-14 lbs on line weight. Check online to see if anyone sells spare spools for your reel and pick up a couple. Load those with lighter line and swap then out as needed (if you want to be frugal. Otherwise, buy a whole light setup). Good luck. P.s. braid is awesome.

--
by Woltrap73

FS Digest

Thank you! I really want to make the switch to braid so I’m thinking about getting it tomorrow.

What brand do you recommend?

--
by CarsonMcMillian

FS Digest

Power-pro braid, I like it because they only make braid.

--
by fishaddict420

FS Digest

I've never gone wrong with Fireline. Usually 8lbs.

--
by Woltrap73

FS Digest

I use 15-20# braid with a 12# fluorocarbon leader for bass. Works great.

--
by ca20198

FS Digest

That’s what I was reading on other posts! However, other people mentioned 30lb braid? Is that too much?

2 questions:

does it cast farther? (Especially for lighter lures) What brand braid and fluoro do you suggest?

--
by CarsonMcMillian

FS Digest

I have some 30lb for pike and I wouldn't go smaller than that(just personal opinion). If you use a leader, your main line does not matter, and really thin braid sucks to handle (even a small fish will cut your hands if you hold its weight by the line)

The thinner the line, the further it will cast, but braid is more visable to the fish(even though it's thinner)(that's why you need a flouro or mono leader).

--
by SubligarSam

FS Digest

Did you mean to say you wouldn’t go bigger than that?

So I think I’m going to get 20lb powerbraid dark green and 12lb fluoro leader. Hoping this can help me cast farther for smaller lures!! Appreciate all the help!

--
by CarsonMcMillian

FS Digest

I wouldn't go smaller, 15lb would be fine for me, but dealing with a 10lb pike on a line that will cut you up is no fun (with no net).

I would say 20lb for bass would not be a problem though.

Wish I could use a light(clear) leader, I have to use steel! I don't know if you need a leader for bass, pike don't care, but trout can see it..

--
by SubligarSam

FS Digest

Also, how long should the leader be? Thank you.

--
by CarsonMcMillian

FS Digest

You need to pick a lure size that you're mostly going to fish with and start there. Either way 20 lb mono is too much for bass unless you're fishing in really tight cover. I'd drop down to 10 lb. You should be able to still toss 1/8 oz lures, just not super far. 12-14 lb braid will even better but if you're new to fishing I think mono is easier to work with.

--
by bassjam1

FS Digest

Yeah that’s what I was thinking... I only had the 20lb on because I usually saltwater fish and had nothing else to use haha.

You think I could just use straight braid and no leader or is there a difference?

Thank you for the help btw!

--
by CarsonMcMillian

FS Digest

If the water is super clear a leader will help. But I've been fishing with fireline for years with no leader, both smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as native trout and I still catch plenty of fish.

--
by bassjam1

FS Digest

Hey, I use fireline for bass and was thinking of trying it for trout. What pound test would you use?

--
by thepibbs