I have 2 6000 and one 8000 reel all spooled with i think 50-60 pound braid that is three years old. Braid looks okay but I do think my buddy that only runs 30 pound gets more bites. What are ya’ll running? I’m consider putting 30 on the two 6000 and leaving 60 on the 8000 incase i ever want to put that on a boat rod and chase tarpon. Thoughts on size? Thoughts on when to change? I change my 2500s every year but they get significantly more use.
To me you have Surf, Shark and Boat(In/Near shore) saltwater fishing. Each with it’s own needs and requirements.
I target Sharks rarely, but have landed a few healthy ones. Have got appropriate reel, rod, line and leaders sized to handle them.
I do salt fish from boats occasionally, in and nearshore and make some minor adjustments to rod, reel and and rigs.
99% of my salt fishing in from the beach. So that is where I will be able to hopefully help.
My main set is…well…light. 5000 class reels, 15lb MONO main line, 50LB double drop BEADED rig, #2 Eagleclaw 084 j-hooks, 4oz pyramid.
The heavier set up, which I only use when the chance of a Bull sized Red will bite or when using cut bait is, 70 class reel, 30-40lb braid main line, 50lb mono top/shock/rub leader (only enough for 2-3 spool wraps), 60# wire BEADED single drop rig, 6/0-8/0 non-offset 3x strong circle, 5-8oz pyramid. All rods are the same, 10’ medheavy fast action.
This time of year I’ll carry 3 or 4-light and 2-heavier set ups, catch some smaller fish and chunk them for the heavier rigs.
I would change out the 3 year old line
I was changing my line twice a year before I realized people use a thing called top shot lol. Now I would def do mine just once a year. Don’t want to lose that big fish to faulty line.
It all depends on how much use and abrasion your line gets. I target reds in the surf and just cut a few yards off when I retie. Some of my line is several years old but by some standards my equipment gets relatively light use. I don’t target sharks therefore I get cut off occasionally when I hook one. By the way I only use Power Pro braid and tie directly to my 2’ rig consisting of 50lb mono with a fixed weight about 6” to 9” above a 7/0 non offset circle hook. With the exception of one 11’ rod with 30lb PP, all my other surf rods are 9’ with 20lb PP. My inshore line is 10 lb PP and I’ll just strip some off when it looks worn and tie on more to fill the spool.
Paul your braid will last multiple seasons. No need to change it out every year. Fish one season then reverse the line for the next season and have the fresh on top. Like Cape said if you are not tangling with rocks and oyster beds it will last a couple of seasons with a mono top shot. Just change out the top shot a couple times a year. I change mine every 2 yrs. but know people who push it even further. Bring us some fish:smiley: