I’m having problems with braided line on a new baitcaster. this is the first time I’ve used braid and I think the problem may be that I’m using too light a weight for the combination. When I try to cast something like a spinnerbait or buzzbait it acts like the line has been pulled onto the reel too tight and will not unspool when casted. any ideas??
You sure it isn’t on too loose? Braid has a tendency to wrap back into the spool if it is too loose. Also did you back the spool with mono or some kind of tape like a first aid to give it some traction on the spool? It can spin on the spool if it isn’t backed.
Mark
Mako 262 Twin Yammaha F200s
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You need to spool your braid on with more tension. Too loose and it digs in. Also, if your baitcaster has a slow levelwind the line will have more of a tendency to dig in; contrary to a faster levelwind which overlaps the line more so it can’t dig in.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Yep, it’s too loose. Braid doesn’t stretch as it wraps around the spool like mono.
Did you spool the reel with 100% braid? Do as saltydog said and use a mono backing. The stretch allowed by the mono will help keep the braid wrapped tighter around the spool. You also won’t have to buy as much braid … that stuff’s expensive.
At the risk of being accused of being a thread jumper, for the uninitiated, how do you add a mono backing?
quote:
Originally posted by DFreedomAt the risk of being accused of being a thread jumper, for the uninitiated, how do you add a mono backing?
Not thread jumping, it’s a good question.
Run some mono onto the spool, the amount depends on your total spool capacity and how much braid you want to put on. Tie the braid to the mono, a uni knot works well. Then spool the braid on tight…either use a leather glove to apply tension, or after you have it spooled on, tie off to a stationary object (fence post, etc), walk off letting out line, then reel it back on under tension.
What lb braid are you using. 30 lb power pro on baitcasters is the way to go. I use 10 lb fireline on spinners but you need more diameter for baitcasters in order to not experience the problems you describe. You want it on tight, but it doesn’t need to be supertight, like on a spinning real. Always use some mono backing
Line is on too loose, you gotta put it on a lot tighter than mono. Also, it may be just me, But i find that if you try and put like 10-12 lb braid, that problem is magnified it seems like?
the best way to get the right amount of mono backing is to have two identical reels and put the braid on first and then fill it with mono. then you reverse it onto the other reel. it is hard to guess the right amount because the reels always exagerate how many yards they hold and the diameter comparisons are exagerated on the braid boxes. when you spend that much on a 125 or 150 yard box it is tough to have to cut it. the alternative is a bulk spool but you are looking at well over $100 for 11 or 12 hundred yards. it helps to have access to a spooling machine. the mono should be at least as heavy as the braid which can make for a bulky splice. otherwise when you get a big run it will get to the backing and break off the entire length of braid. i like spider ultracast and fireline.
Thanks for the info, I’ll give it a try!