Braided Line on a budget

for all you fishing guru's out there. I just purchased a new bait caster. For now I'm thinking about just using some decent mono line until I get good with casting. I'm going to spool it up with about 50 yards to practice with. My question is, which braided line and weight should I go with. I'm thinking about 30-40 lb braided with a 15-20 lb leader. What brand do you recomend that won't break the bank. I've seen spools of this shit, going for $100 dollars or more. Just a retired/disabled bank fisherman, looking forward to being outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, which I haven't been able to do in the last 5 years.

 

I wouldn't bother with braided line unless you are fishing for monsters. Just stick with a decent mono

 

What are you fishing for?

wgat is your line capacity? You can first spool with cheap mono, and then splice on braid. If you have enough capacity, you may never run thevspool out enough to even see the mono.

for reference, I surf cast with 20 lb braid with a 10 lb clear. If I snag up, I hope the clear breaks. the 20 is unbreakable.

 

Thank you gentlemen, I'll most likely just stick with some good mono for now. Appreciate the replies.

 

It will just take one backlash and the birds nest that braided line would create would make me consider throwing the entire thing out and just buying a new reel. That tangle would be a monster.

 

@JaCado , but everyone claims that their new super duper wonder reels are impervious to back lashes. I'm sure that they've made serious improvements with dual braking systems, but one still has to get the reel setup properly. I used to have either I daiwa or shimano, can't really remember. When I would change the lure, I would hit the thumb release, and watch it drop to the ground. I would then make adjustments if needed if the spool continued to unwind. I'm really looking forward to being able to cast farther than my old reliable Zebco 33.

 

I use power pro got 15lb 300yds for 25$ I thing 30 lbs is 30$, just check you can get 150yds of 30lbs for 15$ off Amazon. Not sure how much you need. Braided is great more casting distance and stronger at half the diameter of mono. Just make sure you use the correct knots, mono knots are not the best on braid. If you know how to use bait caster you wont get back lashed

 

well I spooled up some 17lb mono, and was playing with it in the back yard, and it's back lashing like hell. I'm going to have to play with the internal brakes and the outer magnetic brakes to figure this out. I've watched several you tube videos and setup my reel like they did, but it's still back lashing. Frustrating as hell that they don't make the old Zebco 33 in USA anymore. I might have to buy a spinning rod to use until I figure out this bait caster. will also look at buying some braided line to try. What the hell, it's only money.

 

Don't give in on the bait caster. USE YOUR THUMB!!! It only takes practice.

 

All of this. Also practice pitching to a coffee cup standing on a bucket or chair roughly 20 yards away to understand when to stop the bait with your thumb. When you overhand cast finish with your hand turned slightly horizontal to control the backlashes a little....it may work for you as it did me.

Edit: Use a hard bait at first to understand how to throw it then switch to a jig so it will have some type of wind resistance to help humble you with your thumb.

 

You might want to try Berkley Fireline. It’s a hybrid between mono and braid. It is a single strand, (mono), but it is made from the same material that braids are. It has the strength of braid with the ease-of-use of mono. It is reasonably priced.

 

The brake system will help, but it doesn’t replace the need to control the spool with your thumb.
Practice is the key.

 

this. the magnet is just an aid. your thumb is the real tool for the job. its like feathering the clutch, but in reverse .huck it out and keep your thumb on the spool. short stop it in the beginning. i mean, cast and get the thumb friction started early. you'll develop the feel quick, and will ride that ragged edge between birds-nest and wow, that is a good cast!! soon.