Hey guys. I’ve got a quick question. I’ve been using 50lb Power Pro on my Abu baitcaster for a couple years now and really like it. I use it with a 20lb flouro leader for live bait. I see where everyone is using the lighter stuff for the most part. My question is, is the 50 lb overkill? I know it only has the diameter of 12 mono. If I went down to 20 or 30lb would that help as far as getting fish to bite? I wouldn’t think there would be that big of difference in visibility.I went with the 50 to start with because it was easier to manage/ tie knots with for me.
Thanks in advance.
I think most people use the 20lb power pro. I have had it on my reels for years and it’s been great.
26 Seahunt
Angler’s Dream
You can cast further with the lighter stuff. I’d be worried about breaking something on my rod or reel with such a heavy line. I like being able to break the line if I get hung up on something heavy on the bottom.
If it works for you, stick with what you’ve got. Your confidence in your gear is a big part of fishing success.
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
I like to get 300 yards on reels so I pick the heaviest line I can get there with. I’ve never fully needed it but have certainly been been out over 200 and happy I had more than that. Plus, after re-ties and frays, still left with 250+ to respool backward with after a year. To get that, I only have 50# PP on 8000 size reels. So my concern on a baitcaster would be how much you can spool up. Largemouth guys do it to horse them out of grass but 80-100 yards is all they need. Hoof is right about the strain on rods. I broke a 40# rod with 50# PP. But I think that was with 80# leader and 100# swivel. Changed to 30-50 mono leader and all break offs since have been down on the cheap end.
I have a few Abu’s, a few shimano 3000 & 4000 series baitcasters and 30# is on one of my 4000’s, 20# on everything else. 20# power pro is plenty for anything you will catch on those reels, even in the harbor. The reels cant handle 50#, the rods cant handle 50#, your leader can’t… no need for it.
My typical inshore setup - this is for reds around here or striped bass in the Chesapeake, is 20# power pro with 40# mono leader. Never saw a need for floro as most of our waters are dirty… its rare to lose a fish due to line breakage with that setup - and I tend to keep my drags fairly tight.
50# power pro is for the bigger stuff. Kings, jacks, big cuda, small tuna, mahi of all sizes - and medium bottom fish.
Thanks for the replies guys.