What Size Braid For Baitcaster For Bass Fishing?

John Hunt
Owner at - FishingMet

John Hunt is a professional angler! He has been fishing for the last 12 years, he loves to participate in fishing tournaments everywhere with his...Read more

Life underwater has always fascinated me. Hence, I started angling as a hobby. And anyone who knows to angle knows what size braid for baitcaster. Baitcasting reels tend to pull more reaction strike applications. 30 to 80 lb braid can be used. Baitcasting reels were made for heavy applications.

Moreover, it will last longer if spent well on. Due to its strength and durability, it is more sensitive than monofilament and fluorocarbon. It will also make casting easier.

It is better to use 20 lb. lines for the main fishing line. But there will be times when 40 lbs. will be necessary. For example, a 6lb mono has equivalent thickness compared to a 20lb braid.

What Size Braid For Baitcaster

Pros of Using Braided Lines:

  • Braided lines have a good pound test rating. Their breaking strength may even exceed the test. One of the main reasons for this is its synthetic material.
  • It also tends to maintain a small diameter. It is easy to cast with less stretch and increased sensitivity. Some are so hard to break, they end up straightening hooks.
  • They work amazing in heavy covers. During flipping or casting, it eliminates all chances of breakage.
  • It settles the hook and retrieves the fish from different areas. They are an excellent choice for use in thick aquatic weed mats.
  • Braided lines allow anglers to muscle fish out of heavy covers. Braided lines are longer lasting. It will enable it to have a longer reel life.
  • However, its durability may matter depending on how it is spooled or maintained. Braided lines are very good on spinning rods.
  • Even with lighter versions, it works just as amazing.

Cons of Using Braided Lines:

  • Sometimes it gets too difficult to break the lines. When necessary to break, it may make it too time-consuming.
  • It is also very expensive compared to monofilaments. It puts more stress on the reel. Rods and line guides end up breaking sometimes.
  • Premature breakage causes it hard to handle. There is also a higher possibility of backlash. If it backlashes, untangling gets extremely difficult.
  • To cut it properly, sharp instruments are required. Nail clippers will not work. These sharp instruments may cut through one’s hand. Security is hampered here.
  • Sharp scissors work great for a clean cut. However, if proficiency is gained, it gets less dangerous.

Preferences For Braided Fishing Lines:

Bottom fishing and jiggling required braided line fishing.  It requires a braided fishing line mostly because it has very little stretch. On top of that, it is also very thin for its strength. Its thinness enables you to cut through the line. Its sensitivity lets you feel the bite. It will also allow you to pack tones for your tubes. Suppose you are targeting large bottom fish then 80Lb. – 200Lb. Seems like a smart choice. Because our purpose is to grab the bottom fish off to the structure as soon as possible.

On the other hand, if you’re using large snappers such as mutton snapper or red snapper, 30lb.-50lb. It seems like a good option.

However, if you are fishing for smaller snapper such as yellowtail snapper or mangroves, 20LB. Braid seems like a good option.

For mono leader materials in your tackle bag, 20, 30, 40, 50 80Lb., 100Lb, and 130Lb. is better. This is a good answer to what size braid for baitcaster.

Braided line fishing is made of Dacron, spectra, or micro-dyneme. Braided lines have their diameter smaller by 1/3 to ¼ the diameter.  Hence, it is easy to fit smaller spools. This makes it easier to accommodate long lines. However, one drawback is that its visibility. It is extremely visible underwater. Hence, fishes can see it. Its visibility to fishes may drive fishes away. Some fluorocarbon lines at the end of the braided line may serve as a leader.

Several knots can be used with braided lines.  Some of the lines that may be used with braided lines are San Diego jam, Double Palomar knot, Berkeley Braid Knot, Trilene Knot, Alberto Knot. Tying knots carefully is vital. It causes to set the drag on reels on very low values.

Braided fish lines can go long distances due to their flexibility. It is a common choice for topwater rigs. It is a common choice for topwater rigs because it floats.

What Size Braid Should I Use On A Baitcaster?

In a nutshell, I want to be able to manage and maintain line speed and retrieve that line quickly when needed.  The larger diameter braid, I find, is a little easier to cast and the line doesn’t seem as sensitive when I need to change directions or distance.

My spool size is .5″ but some people like a slightly smaller or larger spool for their braid lines. The smaller the diameter of your line, the more control you will have when you cast and retrieve your lure.

You can also adjust the tension on your line once it’s in place by adjusting the number of turns that are made around your spool before tying it off or untying it from your bobber or rigger. I prefer to tie off my lines with a simple square knot which allows me complete control over how tight or loose the line is.  It’s a good idea to practice tying lines with different knots before you get out on the water and try them in real time.

The point is that you want to tie your braid as close to the spool as possible so you can make adjustments if needed when casting or retrieving your lure. If I’m using a baitcaster as my primary retrieve rod, then I’ll usually use a 6 lb test braid and put it on at 4 ft.

This gives me enough length for most casts from 4-6 ft (depending on my depth) and allows me plenty of room for error when retrieving.

If I’m fishing shallow where casting distance is limited by depth then I will go shorter than 3 ft on my braid because even though I am fishing shallow, this method still allows me to cast a longer distance, even though it doesn’t really allow that much curvature of the line as a traditional length cast.

Of course, if you are tied to shallow concrete foot bridges then 3 ft may not be enough wavelength for. Not to worry, I find that often times in these situations I can place catfish on 24 lb braid pretty quickly so why give them any more line advancements with a baitcaster type rig.

So experiment with your primary retrieve rod based on your depth preferences when fishing from super shallow water up to very deep and see what works best for you personally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is 30 lb. braid well for baitcaster?

Ans: Yes, 30 lb. braid is good for baitcaster.

2. Should you baitcast a braid?

Ans: No, you shouldn’t baitcast a braid.

3. Do you need a leader on a braided line?

Ans: Yes, you need a leader on a braided line.

4. Will braided line damage my rod?

Ans: No, the braided line won’t damage rods.

5. Can fish really see the braided line?

Ans: Yes, it is very visible underwater to the fishes.

6. What size braided line should I use?

Ans: 10 to 30 lb. braided lines should be used.

7. Why is braided line banned?

Ans: Because it has a very thin diameter and it can be misused as the mainline.

8. What is braided fishing line good for?

Ans: It is good for fishing heavy water vegetation like lily pads.

9. When should you not use braided lines?

Ans:  It shouldn’t be used under clear water.

10. Is 10 lb. braid stronger than 10 lb. mono?

Ans: Yes, 10 lb. braid is stronger than 10 lb. mono.

11. Is 20 lb. braid as strong as 20 lb. mono?

Ans:  It is stronger than 20 lb. mono.

12. Should I use braid or mono?

Ans:  Braided lines are more durable, so braided lines should be used.

13. Is braid better than fluoro?

Ans: Yes, braid is better than fluoro.

14. Are braided lines good for spinning reels?

Ans: Yes, braided lines are good for spinning reels.

15. How often should I change the braided line?

Ans: Braided lines should be changed at least once a year.

16. What is the best colour for bass fishing?

Ans: Red-orange and yellow-greens are good choices for bass fishing.

17. Does the braided fishing line sink or float?

Ans: Braided fishing line will float rather than sink.

18. Will braided line damage my rod?

Ans: No, the braided line will not damage your rod.

20. Is 50 lb. braid too much?

Ans: Yes, 50 lb. braid is too much. It may even break your rod.

21. Should you baitcast a braid?

Ans:  Yes, you should baitcast a braid.

Conclusion:

Out of various fishing lines, braided fishing lines seem to have more pros compared to cons. Baitcasting reels are good to use with braided lines. A lot of it also depends on one’s skill. And the type of braided line they are using. If the line is fit for the type of fish it is targeted.

We shall gather thorough knowledge before we start using lines for baitcasters. The above information may come in handy.

If you are going out with your other angler friends, make sure they read what has been informed. No one wants a broken baitcaster. It is better to stay cautious beforehand than repent later.

Hope the above-given information may save all anglers. The purpose of the above-written information is an answer to what size braid for baitcaster; the repenting.

Have a safe angling experience!

John Hunt is a professional angler! He has been fishing for the last 12 years, he loves to participate in fishing tournaments everywhere with his favorite fishing gear. As a pro angler, he is sharing his valuable fishing guide with newbie anglers...

More Posts

Leave a Comment