Mono on a Baitcaster? 2024
Eric J reply :
My first season back has been great. Right now I have a Med/Lt spinner and a Med/Hvy Baitcaster. I'm looking for another baitcaster, thinking a Med fast action. Question is; How is it using Mono on the baitcaster. I use 30lb braid on my Med/Hvy.
J Francho reply :
I prefer fluoro or copoly over braid on casting gear, by a long shot.
Junger reply :
Mono works fine where you want a little stretch and cushion on a faster rod, and if buoyancy matters to you. It's so cheap that if you don't like it, just strip it.
RHuff reply :
I use copoly in place of mono. It just seem like it holds knots better and I like the way it feels. I have actually gotten to where I mainly use P-Line Fouroclear 15lb for topwater and cranks/jerks/spinnerbaits and I always use 50lb Sufix braid on my flipping/jig rod/reel.
MIbassyaker reply :
I have braid spooled on frogging and heavy cover combos, but for everything else I use Trilene Big Game.
the reel ess reply :
I use 15 lb. mono on my trebles BC combo. It floats well for topwaters and allows some stretch so you don't yank the bait away too soon and it's forgiving at the boat when they're thrashing around. I still have it on my spinnerbait/buzzbait combo as well, but I'll probably change that to braid at some point. I've switched to braid on my spin combos for the lack of line twist.
Catt reply :
I throw Berkley Big Game 15# on everything except punching & heavy cover frogging.
Never had an issue feeling bites, losing fish do to stretch, problems with knots.
Sam reply :
In the past, before we had different types of lines to consider, the rule was mono for treble hook baits and fluorocarbon for all other baits.
Today, the rule is not followed. Pros throw braid, copoly, line with funny names, expensive line, and of course, fluorocarbon. I am sure there are a few who also use mono for specific presentations.
Mono is a good backing to use on your reels when you are using braid to stop line spin. Some still use mono for treble hook baits. Personal preference.
When you read the articles in the fishing publications, always pay attention to the line the pros say they are using and remember they are getting paid to hawk their sponsors' products. There is no proof they actually use the lines they are selling but it is interesting to read what they supposedly used.
And when I attended my last Bassmaster Classic the guy from Mississippi State showed me Berkley's test on line stretch. Would you believe the fluorocarbon had more stretch than the mono. I was surprised. But I still use fluorocarbon and copoly the most and sometimes mono for crankbaits.
Use whatever you have confidence.
Raul reply :
I've been fishing with Trilene Big Game ( in several tests ) for decades, have caught thousands of fish and several dozens over 10 pounds, I fish with it 90% of the time.
GReb reply :
I use braid on my two jig/frog rods. Mono or copoly on the rest 90% of the time. I can’t remember the last time I had a mono failure. The anti mono crowd has never made sense to me
ohboyitsrobby reply :
I know I have 15-20 lb braid and 8 lb mono on my spinning setups. I have braid on one baitcaster the rest have fluorocarbon ( seaguar invisx) co poly ( p line cxx) or berkley big game. Now the lbs depends on the rod
NYWayfarer reply :
I agree with @Catt and @Raul about Berkley Big Game Trilene. Most of my baitcasters are spooled with 10-12# Big Game. The rest are spooled with 12# Kastking Flourokote or 30-40# Kastking Superpower Braid
Big Rick reply :
On 9/27/2018 at 11:59 PM, Catt said:I throw Berkley Big Game 15# on everything except punching & heavy cover frogging.
Never had an issue feeling bites, losing fish do to stretch, problems with knots.
That's because you use the right ROD and REEL for the right application as well. Way too many times the line gets the blame when in all actuality it's the rod and reel that are the culprit. No type of line can over compensate for a rod that's too stiff or too limber, or too short or too long.. Neither can line fix a reel that's too slow for the desired application. That's why, as I've been able to, I have acquired several combo's that are technique specific. Change one component and the whole thing just wont work as well..
I use mono for it's forgiving nature and it's ability to float for all my treble applications. In fact, I only use fluorocarbon for worming applications or when I'm trying to get a spinnerbait deeper than mono will allow it to go. Braid is relegated to my frogs and some jigs...
scaleface reply :
Mono will work just fine on your baitcaster and many good bass anglers prefer it .
Mobasser reply :
On 9/27/2018 at 11:59 PM, Catt said:I throw Berkley Big Game 15# on everything except punching & heavy cover frogging.
Never had an issue feeling bites, losing fish do to stretch, problems with knots.
I use Big Game mono on casting rods too. Durable, handles well, and no problems hooking or landing fish.
A-Jay reply :
I don't always use mono but when I do it's almost always Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo Nylon Line. It's not the least expensive product out there and that's exactly how it fishes.
And did you know that 4 out of 5 snappaheads that use it, recommend it.
It's true I tell ya
A-Jay
Log Catcher reply :
I have mono on some my baitcasters and have no problems with it. I use Sufix Siege in 12 pound test. I use it for crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters. This has been a very good line for me. If I throw soft plastics or jigs then I use florocarbon line.
TBAG reply :
I've been using Big Game for years too, mostly 12-15lb on my baitcasters.
greentrout reply :
Big Game, Cajun Red, Academy H20 and Sufix Siege 12# on baitcasters -- 6, 8 & 10 on spinning...14# Fireline on spinning...
good fishing...
Beetlebz reply :
@A-Jay I just looked into the Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo Nylon Line... man that stuff is thin by comparison. How is the stretch compared to the thicker monos? I downsized the YZH on my moving bait rig this season from 15lb YZH to 10 because of the high breaking strength but the stretch is pretty significantly increased. I dont want to replace my big game with a rubber band! ????
On topic, I've used 15lb big game for 85% of my fishing for 2 seasons now on a baitcaster. Zero regrets. I will say I used KVD L&L for the first few trips to help it get settled in but once I got a couple trips in on it I needed no more.
A-Jay reply :
On 9/28/2018 at 7:11 PM, Beetlebz said:@A-Jay I just looked into the Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo Nylon Line... man that stuff is thin by comparison. How is the stretch compared to the thicker monos? I downsized the YZH on my moving bait rig this season from 15lb YZH to 10 because of the high breaking strength but the stretch is pretty significantly increased. I dont want to replace my big game with a rubber band! ????
On topic, I've used 15lb big game for 85% of my fishing for 2 seasons now on a baitcaster. Zero regrets. I will say I used KVD L&L for the first few trips to help it get settled in but once I got a couple trips in on it I needed no more.
Clearly it's a nylon line so there is some line stretch. However, other than the fact that it floats - the Defier Armilo has performance qualities that are very close to a quality fluorocarbon line (think Tatsu).
It is thin by comparison. I use the 22lb locally for smallies and the 25lb quite at bit fishing for green bass at Lake Baccarac in Mexico.
It's no place for shabby string as the cover there is very hard on line and the fish are Mutants . . .
A-Jay
Catt reply :
On 9/28/2018 at 7:11 PM, Beetlebz said:I will say I used KVD L&L for the first few trips to help it get settled in but once I got a couple trips in on it I needed no more.
One of the biggest complaints about Big Game is it "coils".
What I've personally experienced is the more often I go fishing the less it coils.
Troy85 reply :
On 9/28/2018 at 8:39 PM, Catt said:
What I've personally experienced is the more often I go fishing the less it coils.
Hey honey! I have to go fishing again today, if not my mono will coil!!!!! ????
evilcatfish reply :
I use braid on my frog and punch/flip/ap heavy combos, then fluoro on my jig n worm rod. The others are all spooled with mono, whether it be a finesse or heavy swimbait combo. P-line Pf has been my long time favorite but I've recently been turned on the sunline super natural as well. I love the way mono fishes and the fact that I can respool a lot without breaking the bank.
tholmes reply :
On 9/28/2018 at 2:33 AM, Raul said:I've been fishing with Trilene Big Game ( in several tests ) for decades, have caught thousands of fish and several dozens over 10 pounds, I fish with it 90% of the time.
Same here. Big Game or BPS Excel mono is about all I use. I catch enough fish with it to keep me going back.
Tom
thedilettantedad reply :
Bought my first bait caster yesterday and spooled it with 15lb Jawbone mono. Caught two fish today. I figure I will stick with mono until I am more confident in my casting.
GReb reply :
I’m about to give McCoy a try.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I have mono on several casting and spinning combos, even use it for stuff I'm not "suppose" to like jigs and shakyheads.
Hulkster reply :
I also use 12 Pound test sufix Siege on my curado
Boomstick reply :
On 9/27/2018 at 10:45 PM, J Francho said:I prefer fluoro or copoly over braid on casting gear, by a long shot.
I too prefer mono, fluoro or copoly on a casting reel. I only use 40# braid on my MH/F rod because I fish hollow body frogs with it, and once I get a dedicated frogging rod, I will put 15 or 15lb fluorocarbon or mono on that. Straight mono or fluro is just easier and quicker to rig up.
I am Berkley Trilene fluorocarbon this year on my other casting rod and with a uni knot, I've not had any issues other than I fish mostly from shore which is shallower water and I tend to drag my baits along the bottom at times. It almost seems like mono would be a better choice as it would get me near the bottom, and occasionally hitting the bottom and then I could use topwater on the same rod too.
For mono, I would suggest Sufix Siege. It has less memory and is much more abrasion resistant than other mono lines I've used and I think it has a little less stretch to it as well. I find it easily worth the extra price imo as I used it a lot last year and have it on one of my kid's reels as well and we've had no issues at all.
ratherbfishin1 reply :
On 9/30/2018 at 12:36 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I have mono on several casting and spinning combos, even use it for stuff I'm not "suppose" to like jigs and shakyheads.
Exactly! There are times when I prefer to fish my m/xf with 12lb over any of the combos I have with braid. People will say that’s not enough but I’ve never really had problems with it, if your getting a solid hookset from not too far away I think the whole “no stretch” thing is slightly overrated. Don’t get me wrong though, my designated jig rod has braid
Mike F reply :
I learned to use casting reels with straight braid because i was told it was easier and more manageable but it was kind of a crutch looking back, I’ve been fishing 15# big game most of this summer and I had to learn to thumb the spool more, but now I prefer it to braid. I think if I’d learned with mono, switching to fluoro would’ve been easier, I had one bad experience with sniper early on and am hesitant to waste money on fluoro again bc of it.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 9/28/2018 at 12:16 AM, Sam said:In the past, before we had different types of lines to consider, the rule was mono for treble hook baits and fluorocarbon for all other baits.
Today, the rule is not followed. Pros throw braid, copoly, line with funny names, expensive line, and of course, fluorocarbon. I am sure there are a few who also use mono for specific presentations.
Mono is a good backing to use on your reels when you are using braid to stop line spin. Some still use mono for treble hook baits. Personal preference.
When you read the articles in the fishing publications, always pay attention to the line the pros say they are using and remember they are getting paid to hawk their sponsors' products. There is no proof they actually use the lines they are selling but it is interesting to read what they supposedly used.
And when I attended my last Bassmaster Classic the guy from Mississippi State showed me Berkley's test on line stretch. Would you believe the fluorocarbon had more stretch than the mono. I was surprised. But I still use fluorocarbon and copoly the most and sometimes mono for crankbaits.
Use whatever you have confidence.
Yes, I would believe this. Not only from reading TT's comparisons, but from my own limited experience. Naturally not all fluorocarbons are alike...just like not all monos are alike. The fluoro I was using stretched like a rubber band.
On 9/28/2018 at 8:39 PM, Catt said:
One of the biggest complaints about Big Game is it "coils".
What I've personally experienced is the more often I go fishing the less it coils.
I have also found this to be true. Let BG sit a few weeks on a reel and not only does it coil a lot, but gives me loose coils on the spool for the first few casts. Siege coils like a slinky, but doesn't give me loose coils on the spool in the same circumstance. Both behave well once good and wet.
On 9/30/2018 at 9:08 PM, ratherbfishin1 said:Exactly! There are times when I prefer to fish my m/xf with 12lb over any of the combos I have with braid. People will say that’s not enough but I’ve never really had problems with it, if your getting a solid hookset from not too far away I think the whole “no stretch” thing is slightly overrated. Don’t get me wrong though, my designated jig rod has braid
I fish a lot of 12# mono and co-polymer. It takes more pressure to break with a steady pull than what I would ever exert with a rod. As far as no stretch, I have to grin when I read fluoro has none. I caught more fish during my teenage years than what I've caught since getting back into fishing in '09. Trilene XL was the only line I used back then. I've caught plenty of fish up to a little over 10 lbs. on 4# mono....35 lbs. on 8# mono. No problem. Salt water guys do even better. 
J Francho reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 9:50 PM, new2BC4bass said:I've caught plenty of fish up to a little over 10 lbs. on 4# mono....35 lbs. on 8# mono. No problem. Salt water guys do even better.
Impressive line to weight ratios! My best is a 22# brown trout on 8# mono (Siege) mainline and 4# (Seaguar Blue Label) leader. There were five knots employed in the terminal rig, four Uni and one Palomar.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 10:10 PM, J Francho said:Impressive line to weight ratios! My best is a 22# brown trout on 8# mono (Siege) mainline and 4# (Seaguar Blue Label) leader. There were five knots employed in the terminal rig, four Uni and one Palomar.
I am impressed with the number of knots. 
That is some good tying. Oh, and a great fish.
On 9/30/2018 at 9:08 PM, Boomstick said:
I too prefer mono, fluoro or copoly on a casting reel. I only use 40# braid on my MH/F rod because I fish hollow body frogs with it, and once I get a dedicated frogging rod, I will put 15 or 15lb fluorocarbon or mono on that. Straight mono or fluro is just easier and quicker to rig up.
I am Berkley Trilene fluorocarbon this year on my other casting rod and with a uni knot, I've not had any issues other than I fish mostly from shore which is shallower water and I tend to drag my baits along the bottom at times. It almost seems like mono would be a better choice as it would get me near the bottom, and occasionally hitting the bottom and then I could use topwater on the same rod too.
For mono, I would suggest Sufix Siege. It has less memory and is much more abrasion resistant than other mono lines I've used and I think it has a little less stretch to it as well. I find it easily worth the extra price imo as I used it a lot last year and have it on one of my kid's reels as well and we've had no issues at all.
Why would you say that? Unless you always use a leader. I don't and use a Uni Knot for everything so no difference in time rigging up.
J Francho reply :
I have a theory about the number of knots. Even if you are lowering the break strength by a certain amount, you're spreading the stress across more than just one knot, lowing the amount of stress on each knot. Maybe that's wrong thinking, but it makes sense to me. At any rate, catching large salmonoids on light line has taught me quite a bit about what line can take and what it can't. It's a the sharp spikes in pressure that cause the failure most often, for example hook sets.
Choporoz reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 10:23 PM, J Francho said:I have a theory about the number of knots. Even if you are lowering the break strength by a certain amount, you're spreading the stress across more than just one knot, lowing the amount of stress on each knot.
First time in over 30 years that I am sorry I failed Statics. Logic seems flawed, but I can't begin to explain why. However, when you consider the shock stress, vice steady pull, it sounds more plausible. I'm sure there's more than a couple engineers standing by to set us straight.
J Francho reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 10:45 PM, Choporoz said:I'm sure there's more than a couple engineers standing by to set us straight.
Yeah, I think we need a "measurebator" 
Catt reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 10:45 PM, Choporoz said:However, when you consider the shock stress, vice steady pull, it sounds more plausible. I'm sure there's more than a couple engineers standing by to set us straight
On 10/1/2018 at 11:10 PM, J Francho said:Yeah, I think we need a "measurebator"
That's the basic issue I have all these tests for stretch, knot strength, abrasion resistance. Every test done is with one end of the line attached to an immovable object & the other end attached to some mechanical device that applies for more pressure than my hook set.
When I set hook that bass moves either towards me or away from me. The Big Game starts to stretch at the same time my rod is starting to flex.
It all works in unison ????
Like @J Francho stated I know 15# Berkley Big Game, I know how it'll react under pretty much any scenario.
Tennessee Boy reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 10:23 PM, J Francho said:I have a theory about the number of knots. Even if you are lowering the break strength by a certain amount, you're spreading the stress across more than just one knot, lowing the amount of stress on each knot.
So, lets say you have a chain and you notice that one of the links in the chain is damaged and clearly weakned by the damage. Would it help to damage some more links in the chain?
Boomstick reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 10:18 PM, new2BC4bass said:I am impressed with the number of knots.
Why would you say that? Unless you always use a leader. I don't and use a Uni Knot for everything so no difference in time rigging up.
I use a uni knot for everything too except on braid where it'll be a uni or palomar depending what I feel like tying that day. What I should have said is for presentations like soft plastics where I'd always use a leader, it's easier to rig up.
Eric J reply :
Great discussion and suggestions all. Thank you!
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