Line for swimbaits? 2025
NateCatchesFish reply :
So i've posted about every other thing relating to a dedicated swimbait setup except for line. I plan on using the Orra Winch that has a line capacity of 12/190. (This is just a starter reel for this. I dont know how I will like throwing big swimbaits and dont want to spend a ton of money on a reel) I am curious as to what people think the best line for this is. I'm 16 in high school so I dont have a lot of money to buy swimbaits so i want a good strong line that wont cast off my swimbaits randomly and break easily. I also plan on using this setup for A-Rigs come winter time. I've heard people say 65lb Braid and others say 25lb Fluro and some even say copoly. I just wanna know what the best line would be to be strong and not break easily and also have enough capacity on the reel since I am not getting a 300 sized reel.
Jelvas reply :
You´re on a budget? Simple, Berkley Trilene Big Game! Cheap, strong and reliable, i absolutely do not recomend braid for big heavy baits unless you´re fishing from a boat and the baits are floaters, because sooner or later you will have a backlash and you will stand there watching your expensive swimbait fly to the infinite and beyond! Fluorocarbon is a valide option and will help your baits reach higher deepths but it´s expensive.
Circling back to the Trilene Big Game i use 20lb on my 300 sized reels, 15lb on the smaller ones...
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/5/2017 at 11:59 PM, Jelvas said:You´re on a budget? Simple, Berkley Trilene Big Game! Cheap, strong and reliable, i absolutely do not recomend braid for big heavy baits unless you´re fishing from a boat and the baits are floaters, because sooner or later you will have a backlash and you will stand there watching your expensive swimbait fly to the infinite and beyond! Fluorocarbon is a valide option and will help your baits reach higher deepths but it´s expensive.
Circling back to the Trilene Big Game i use 20lb on my 300 sized reels, 15lb on the smaller ones...
OK thanks! I actually use that now for cranking and for spinnerbaits and some of my reaction baits. Im a huge fan. It has some decent memory but I just spray it down with line conditioner and it works great. I think Ill go with that. I just dont wanna lose a $40 swimbait in 20 feet of water. The most I plan on spending is maybe a Jackal Ganteral but those are floaters so i should be okay with those.
bigturtle reply :
I use 70lb braid with 25 lb mono leader for baits between 2-5oz, 80lb braid with 30lb mono for baits between 5-8 oz
NathanDLTH reply :
I have zero experience with big swimbaits, however check out TacticalBassin on YouTube. That's their speciality. Most of the time they throw 50-70lb braid to 20-30lb leaders. On the glidebaits such as the S-waver from River2sea 30-40lb braid and 15-20lb leader. I would seriously look at how they throw big baits.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 12:12 AM, NathanDLTH said:I have zero experience with big swimbaits, however check out TacticalBassin on YouTube. That's their speciality. Most of the time they throw 50-70lb braid to 20-30lb leaders. On the glidebaits such as the S-waver from River2sea 30-40lb braid and 15-20lb leader. I would seriously look at how they throw big baits.
Ok thanks! Will do. Ive watched a lot of their videos before just never anything on swimbaits. I just dont know if fitting 65lb braid on the reel im planning on using will work. I hope so. And I also dont wanna risk backlashing and watching my $50 swimbait soar off into the sunset lol.
NathanDLTH reply :
Braid and leader or straight floruo is what they recommend. I understand completely, I will be tossing a 20 glide bait from River2Sea and using 40lb braid with 20lb leader.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:06 AM, NathanDLTH said:Braid and leader or straight floruo is what they recommend. I understand completely, I will be tossing a 20 glide bait from River2Sea and using 40lb braid with 20lb leader.
Majority of the water I fish is pretty stained and muddy and leader doesnt make that much of a difference so I will probably be throwing 50lb braid with no leader or maybe even 65. Like I said Im only in high school and even when im working I dont have a whole lot of money to spend on swimbaits. I will probably be buying some Ganatarels and Girons because on TackleWarehouse right now if you spend $75 you get a free Gantarel
RoLo reply :
On a budget or not, for me it's 30-lb braid, which does everything I want (NO LEADER of course).
With a big swimbait you're primary concern is setting the hook 'Beyond-The-Barb',
then you won't have to worry about hooks tearing out (can't fight a hippo on the points of hooks)
I use Sufix 832, but was just as happy when I used Berkley Trilene Braid (great braid but overlooked)
Roger
sully420 reply :
Why don't you strait FC instead of leaders? Just wondering if im missing something.
J Francho reply :
Big swimbaits? 20# CXX.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:16 AM, RoLo said:
Budget or not, I wouldn't consider anything but 30-lb braid (no leader of course).
Though I use Sufix 832, I was just as happy with Berkley Trilene Braid (a great but overlooked braid).
Roger
Honestly if Im going to put a lot of money into swimbaits then im willing to spend a whole lot on the line. I use 30lb Power Pro for Jigs and T Rigs and J Braid on my spinning so might just go with that. I just want quality line to make sure i dont have break offs.
On 5/6/2017 at 1:16 AM, sully420 said:Why don't you strait FC instead of leaders? Just wondering if im missing something.
I would be willing to do that. Like i said i just dont wanna risk breaking off on big fish or breaking off on a cast or if i get hung up. Since this is all new to me Im more or less looking for what the best would be with the least amount of breakoffs even if my performance and fish catching ability isnt as great.
On 5/6/2017 at 1:17 AM, J Francho said:Big swimbaits? 20# CXX.
Someone else told me to use that and Ive used CXX for cranking. Ive heard its a good strong line and its also cheap. Thats definitley something I am considering. Like i said im more looking for a line that will be the best to learn with and not the best performance wise. If that makes any sense at all
J Francho reply :
It's fine to learn on, and perfect for swimbaiting. Many well seasoned 'baiters use it.
sully420 reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:19 AM, NateCatchesFish said:Honestly if Im going to put a lot of money into swimbaits then im willing to spend a whole lot on the line. I use 30lb Power Pro for Jigs and T Rigs and J Braid on my spinning so might just go with that. I just want quality line to make sure i dont have break offs.
I would be willing to do that. Like i said i just dont wanna risk breaking off on big fish or breaking off on a cast or if i get hung up. Since this is all new to me Im more or less looking for what the best would be with the least amount of breakoffs even if my performance and fish catching ability isnt as great.
20lb fc is super tough and probably better off using one or the other than tying a leader the leader has the biggest chance of breaking amd catching on youre guides. You would have to use a fg knot and thats hard to tie and the size of the lines kinda defeats the purpose.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:23 AM, J Francho said:It's fine to learn on, and perfect for swimbaiting. Many well seasoned 'baiters use it.
I might go with that. Its pretty inexpensive as well so its something i could change often to prevent breakoffs. I plan on using gantarels and huddlestons and gantarels are floating so im ok for the most part.
On 5/6/2017 at 1:26 AM, sully420 said:20lb fc is super tough and probably better off using one or the other than tying a leader the leader has the biggest chance of breaking amd catching on youre guides. You would have to use a fg knot and thats hard to tie and the size of the lines kinda defeats the purpose.
I agree. The only time I use a leader if when im dropshotting and wacky rigging. and thats 20lb test braid tied to an 8lb FC leader using and FG knot. Ive never had that knot fail on me but i dont wanna be using a leader for $20-$40 baits because thats just another connection to worry about.
sully420 reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:29 AM, NateCatchesFish said:I might go with that. Its pretty inexpensive as well so its something i could change often to prevent breakoffs. I plan on using gantarels and huddlestons and gantarels are floating so im ok for the most part.
I agree. The only time I use a leader if when im dropshotting and wacky rigging. and thats 20lb test braid tied to an 8lb FC leader using and FG knot. Ive never had that knot fail on me but i dont wanna be using a leader for $20-$40 baits because thats just another connection to worry about.
Do you have toothy fish in the lakes you fish? If you don't braid is fine if so use FC.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:36 AM, sully420 said:Do you have toothy fish in the lakes you fish? If you don't braid is fine if so use FC.
Theres Pike Bowfin(not sure if they have teeth honestly) and gar. Some lakes more than other. Most of our lakes catching pike is a once every few outings kind of thing. Other lakes you catch 1 bass for every 5 pike. But for the most part i dont think id get bit off too much in my lakes.
rippin-lips reply :
#20 CXX or #25 big game.
Had no issues throwing 8" hudds on cxx.
ib_of_the_damned reply :
Yo-Zuri Hybrid 12lb has a breaking strength of about 19lb. I use that on my small swimbait stick or Izorline XXX in 15lb. I use Sunline Defier Armilo in 25lb or Izorline in 20lb for my big swimbait stick. You mentioned that you are on a budget, so I would highly recommend the Izorline XXX. It's $16.99 for 840 yds of 15lb and 670 yds of 20lb.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:51 AM, rippin-lips said:#20 CXX or #25 big game.
Had no issues throwing 8" hudds on cxx.
Im leaning towards CXX at the moment. Like i said before its fairly inexpensive so its something i would change pretty often just to prevent any break offs.
On 5/6/2017 at 1:53 AM, ib_of_the_damned said:Yo-Zuri Hybrid 12lb has a breaking strength of about 19lb. I use that on my small swimbait stick or Izorline XXX in 15lb. I use Sunline Defier Armilo in 25lb or Izorline in 20lb for my big swimbait stick. You mentioned that you are on a budget, so I would highly recommend the Izorline XXX. It's $16.99 for 840 yds of 15lb and 670 yds of 20lb.
I used 15 hybraid before and it has way too much memory for me. Right now i think im leaning towards 25lb Izorline XXX or P Line CXX
ib_of_the_damned reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:55 AM, NateCatchesFish said:Im leaning towards CXX at the moment. Like i said before its fairly inexpensive so its something i would change pretty often just to prevent any break offs.
I used 15 hybraid before and it has way too much memory for me. Right now i think im leaning towards 25lb Izorline XXX or P Line CXX
If you are worried about memory, go for the Izorline. I used CXX and took it off my reels because it had too much memory for me. Izorline is more limp and lays well on the spool.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:58 AM, ib_of_the_damned said:If you are worried about memory, go for the Izorline. I used CXX and took it off my reels because it had too much memory for me. Izorline is more limp and lays well on the spool.
Ill keep that in mind. I was reading reviews and people really seemed to like Izorline. I just want something that iis very strong and very abrasion resistant so it wont break easily.
uncustered reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:40 AM, NateCatchesFish said:Theres Pike Bowfin(not sure if they have teeth honestly) and gar. Some lakes more than other. Most of our lakes catching pike is a once every few outings kind of thing. Other lakes you catch 1 bass for every 5 pike. But for the most part i dont think id get bit off too much in my lakes.
Lake prince has 25-30lb bowfin. i've seen them.....
Them bowfin got teeth that'd make a Piranha jealous.
I would start with heavy mono, BBG is fine ( I use Sufix tri+). When using Flouracarbon as a running line I've had several fail when "shocked" (like a back lash or over-hard hook set will cause)..
When using mono, If you figure 10lb of line strength / ounce of lure you'll rarely break one off.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 2:15 AM, uncustered said:
Lake prince has 25-30lb bowfin. i've seen them.....
Them bowfin got teeth that'd make a Piranha jealous.
I would start with heavy mono, BBG is fine ( I use Sufix tri+). When using Flouracarbon as a running line I've had several fail when "shocked" (like a back lash or over-hard hook set will cause)..
When using mono, If you figure 10lb of line strength / ounce of lure you'll rarely break one off.
I take it youre from around here? And yea ive never caught a bowfin but people always tell me that lake is full of them. Espically in the very back. Right now im leaning towards Copoly. Ive broke fluro on hooksets with a Jig and i set the hook really hard so im sure throwing things like huds i might break off pretty easy. As of right now Im thinking probably 25lb Izorline XXX
Scarborough817 reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 1:17 AM, J Francho said:Big swimbaits? 20# CXX.
agreed, i recently put this on and it's absolutely killer
Angry John reply :
Three most popular non braid lines are 1.big game 2.cxx 3.YHB. I dont think you can go wrong with any of these. I use the last option but if you spend any time on other boards looking at this question these three come up and are recommended all the time. No reason to battle out which one may be best just pick one and go for it. Heck you could afford to try all three because they are all cheap. I would never use flouro for swimbaits in my area but there are waters that it may help with bites. If you later decide to go with a lot of baits with jig hooks then braid might be the best answer for you. In that case you need every bit of power to the hook point you can get.
NHBull reply :
I don't throw anything larger than 2 ounces and am very happy with 30 lb braid and 25-20 lb FC.
PP is cheap and good enough for this.
mwh33 reply :
I use either big game or co-polymer.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 2:40 AM, Scarborough817 said:agreed, i recently put this on and it's absolutely killer
I think this will probably be what i go with. A lot of the swimbaits i will be using have trebles and i feel like braid will just pull that right out of their mouths.
Scarborough817 reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 6:58 AM, NateCatchesFish said:I think this will probably be what i go with. A lot of the swimbaits i will be using have trebles and i feel like braid will just pull that right out of their mouths.
straight braid is a bad idea now braid to a leader can be amazing
Bluebasser86 reply :
I throw all my big baits on Pline CXX or Big Game.
WRB reply :
20 lb test Big Game and Pline CXX are both .018 dia. I have used both and prefer Big Game because it has slightly less memory in colder weather and better knot strength.
I changed to 25 lb Sunline Armillo Deifier Nylon line @.016 dia., far better hook setting and casting line with swimbaits and wake baits from 1 1/2oz to 7 oz.
Seaguar AbraX 20 lb FC is .017 dia.
If you have toothy pike 40-50 lb braid without a leader would be a better choice.
Tom
FrankN209 reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 3:54 AM, Angry John said:Three most popular non braid lines are 1.big game 2.cxx 3.YHB. I dont think you can go wrong with any of these. I use the last option but if you spend any time on other boards looking at this question these three come up and are recommended all the time. No reason to battle out which one may be best just pick one and go for it. Heck you could afford to try all three because they are all cheap. I would never use flouro for swimbaits in my area but there are waters that it may help with bites. If you later decide to go with a lot of baits with jig hooks then braid might be the best answer for you. In that case you need every bit of power to the hook point you can get.
What size line do you throw in YHB?
RoLo reply :
On 5/6/2017 at 6:58 AM, NateCatchesFish said:I feel like braid will just pull that right out of their mouths.
Streeetchy line is the leading cause of hook-sets that fail to drive the point beyond the barb.
As a result, the angler ends up fighting a large fish on the point of the hook,
a bad situation when a sharp turn, jumping fish or strong surge can mean 'Game Over!'
With non-stretch braid it's generally easy to set the hook home beyond the barb,
which reduces the odds of a tear-out or a hook becoming unbuttoned during an abrupt turn or leap.
If you're worried about a tear-off on a short line (not an unfounded fear), simply back-off a little
on the drag tension and the hippo is screwed!
REMEMBER:
Spongyness derived from a glass blank, light power blank or stretchy line is 'forever' (can't turn it off),
Forgiveness afforded by drag tension is fully adjustable....'forever'.
Roger
MassYak85 reply :
I would shy away from braid if you are just starting and on a budget, a casting mistake will cost you with braid. I use 20lb CXX and like it. I have also heard good things from people about Berkley Big game, Izorline XXX, and P-Line PF Original. They are all relatively cheap lines as well, I have not used those 3 though so I can't speak to them.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/8/2017 at 8:02 AM, MassYak85 said:I would shy away from braid if you are just starting and on a budget, a casting mistake will cost you with braid. I use 20lb CXX and like it. I have also heard good things from people about Berkley Big game, Izorline XXX, and P-Line PF Original. They are all relatively cheap lines as well, I have not used those 3 though so I can't speak to them.
As of right now I'm leaning towards Izorline XXX. I've used P line before and it has a bit too much memory for my taste.
MassYak85 reply :
On 5/8/2017 at 10:20 AM, NateCatchesFish said:As of right now I'm leaning towards Izorline XXX. I've used P line before and it has a bit too much memory for my taste.
Yea CXX has a lot of memory, the plus side being ridiculous strength. I fished with it at ice out this year (air temps hovering around freezing) and it coils very bad. At higher temps and with some line conditioner it can become much more manageable though. If I ever try another line I'm thinking of giving Izorline XXX a shot.
NateCatchesFish reply :
On 5/8/2017 at 10:31 AM, MassYak85 said:Yea CXX has a lot of memory, the plus side being ridiculous strength. I fished with it at ice out this year (air temps hovering around freezing) and it coils very bad. At higher temps and with some line conditioner it can become much more manageable though. If I ever try another line I'm thinking of giving Izorline XXX a shot.
I want something with a lot of strength. So if I have to put up with the memory for the strength I'll gladly do it. Every time I spoil any reel with like a take a microfiber towel and spray it reel good with line conditioner and as I spool it I hold the line really tight with the towel so it gets the conditioner really well into the line. It makes a huge difference believe it or not.
Hooligan reply :
20# PLine CXX. I buy 3lb spools and change it regularly. Best answer I've found.
Angry John reply :
On 5/8/2017 at 2:20 AM, FrankN209 said:What size line do you throw in YHB?
I use 20 but dont feel the need for any line conditioner. Its not like XL but the best handling line i have found that still is rough and tough.
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