Why lighter line ALWAYS wins ???? 2024
ZbestBassman reply :
So what I would like to bring up is why does everyone today want to go big on line? Guys I'm going to be 100% honest here and from my experience I know my biggest bass have always been on 12lb mono or less I know florocarbon is great as well but I won't throw anything over 12lb mono except for topwater that's the ONLY time I go bigger for largemouth. I know your going to say well what about flipping in grass or around structure? BUT here me out if you want to catch the smart big bass you gotta be subtle and smart I will use 12lb or less and catch more and bigger fish yes I even use it around cover I don't break off often even dragging over cover. Thoughts.......
TnRiver46 reply :
12 lb mono is good strong stuff. It held a 30 + lb striper for me this spring. Gotta have braid in scum though
CroakHunter reply :
I agree most go overboard with line size. But, if you can get away with it why not? And no way I'd be pitching a 3/4 ounce jig around cover on 12lb line.
ZbestBassman reply :
There is a lot of tying and retying checking for abrasions after a fish that is time consuming I don't mind it though
TnRiver46 reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 9:31 AM, CroakHunter said:I agree most go overboard with line size. But, if you can get away with it why not? And no way I'd be pitching a 3/4 ounce jig around cover on 12lb line.
You could launch the jig into outer space that way!
WRB reply :
Match the line to lures and presentation used.
12 lb mono is too big for most bass size spinning reels and too small for nearly every swimbait over an once. I use 10 & 12 mono/coploy/FC line as standard size for 90% of presentations using baitcasting, the exceptions are braid in heavy cover and 25 lb mono for swimbaits. Spinning it's 5 lb Max UG and 7 lb Sniper FC.
Tom
ZbestBassman reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 9:42 AM, WRB said:Match the line to lures and presentation used.
12 lb mono is too big for most bass size spinning reels and too small for nearly every swimbait over an once. I use 10 & 12 mono/coploy/FC line as standard size for 90% of presentations using baitcasting, the exceptions are braid in heavy cover and 25 lb mono for swimbaits. Spinning it's 5 lb Max UG and 7 lb Sniper FC.
Tom
I agree and good points Tom thanks!
NYWayfarer reply :
My Dad loves ultralight set-ups. He always says fish with the lightest line you can.
For Bass fishing on spinning reels I use 4-8# line. On Baitcasters I use 10-12# line. I caught my PB Smallmouth on 10# line and my PB Largemouth on 6# line.
RichF reply :
I like big line. 99.9% of my 4+ lb largemouth come on 17-20lb fluoro or 40-60 lb braid.
MassYak85 reply :
Open water I've got no issue going down to 12 or even 8lb line for most techniques. The reasons I go heavier are fishing heavy cover, around rocks, or using heavier gear or terminal tackle. I'm not gonna use light line to punch, to fish jigs around rocks, to fish swimbaits, to fish frogs etc. etc. All things being equal I think lighter line will get you more bites but if you end up breaking off your fish it doesn't matter. Hell, just today I broke off a jig because the fish dragged my 18lb leader over a rock so I upsized to 25lb.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Recreate any of these with 12lb or lighter line and let me know how it works out. Every one was caught with at least 20lb test and I'm not sure they would have been caught without it. I have no issues fishing light line and actually really enjoy it, but if you think you don't need it in certain situations, you're lying to yourself. Not only are you doing a disservice to yourself if you fish light line in heavy cover, but the fish that is going to end up having to wear your bait after it breaks you off.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
Heavy line ftw.
Location and type of water dictates what line to spool. Does light line have benefits? Sure, is it "the best"? Sure ain't.
If you have confidence in 12lb test, congratulations. You sure ain't throwing your lures where I throw mine????
Glaucus reply :
I usually use lighter line than what the articles, posts, and videos tell me I need to use as well. Lighter powered rods too. Properly set drag and well tied knots are key. I also favor a moderate fast action where the articles, posts, and videos recommend a fast action.
I once watched my buddy frog fish with 10lb mono. I was blown away by him not only hooking up, but not snapping his line. Going that "ridiculous" isn't for me, but the point is, for whatever reason, everybody is different and almost nothing is universal.
I think too many people try to fish like pros. Pros can't afford to lose fish so they stack every possible thing in their favor to land the fish. They grind and grind for the special bites. I find that that isn't the average Joe, but the average Joe thinks it is.
Hammer 4 reply :
Spinning..6 to 8 lb either mono, copoly or FC..
Baitcasting 10 to 12 lb, usually copoly or fc..Flippin 40 lb to 50 lb braid, big swimbaits 20 lb coploy or mono.
Kinda makes me laugh when I see guys fishing tr worms, ect on 20 or 25 lb line in a park lake.
lo n slo reply :
15 lb InvisX is perfect for me, any lighter and i start breaking off on the hook set. it’s a “me thing” i suppose.
Fried Lemons reply :
In my view line choice has more to do with hook penetration and lure weights than the fight of the fish. Braid in the 30lb+ sizes often used bass fishing is strong enough for hard running saltwater species. On a fight basis I don't think any bass warrants more than 6lb test but all of my reels have heavier line.
ZbestBassman reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 9:42 AM, WRB said:Match the line to lures and presentation used.
12 lb mono is too big for most bass size spinning reels and too small for nearly every swimbait over an once. I use 10 & 12 mono/coploy/FC line as standard size for 90% of presentations using baitcasting, the exceptions are braid in heavy cover and 25 lb mono for swimbaits. Spinning it's 5 lb Max UG and 7 lb Sniper FC.
Tom
I agree and good points Tom thanks!
This is a great read on line if anyone is interested https://usangler.com/best-fishing-line/
Dens228 reply :
I fish using braid so I think pound test in regards to braid doesn't apply in this discussion.
I base my braid size on diameter, other than fishing the slop where I use 65 lb in the past but am trying 50 this year.
OkobojiEagle reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 10:19 PM, Dens228 said:I fish using braid so I think pound test in regards to braid doesn't apply in this discussion.
Why?
ZbestBassman reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 10:12 PM, ZbestBassman said:I agree and good points Tom thanks!
This is a great read on line if anyone is interested https://usangler.com/best-fishing-line/
https://youtu.be/g2ilksQgUMg
greentrout reply :
the finesse legend guido hibdon stressed that fishing with light lines would result in more bites because of the more natural presentation with the fisherman having to accept more breakoffs ... some of the places he used light line in during tournaments were amazing ... the method stressed more bites ... with spinning tackle ... just another way to skin the cat ...
good fishing ...
https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/shaky-worm.html
Catt reply :
Why light line always loses!
Try pulling big bass out of these types of cover with 12# anything.
PourMyOwn reply :
On 5/13/2019 at 3:52 AM, Catt said:Why light line always loses!
Try pulling big bass out of these types of cover with 12# anything.
Or even a 2 or 3 pounder! Line stretches and fish get off.
roadwarrior reply :
Ridiculous...
PB smallmouth...#4 Yo-Zuri Hybrid
PB Largemouth #15
More generally, #6 for spinning tackle; #12 or #15 for Baitcasting
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
On 5/13/2019 at 5:00 AM, roadwarrior said:Ridiculous...
Is that fact or opinion?
roadwarrior reply :
Fact
Big O fishes #25 almost exclusively and seems to fool a few big fish.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
Sure... If you say so
fishindad reply :
Depends on the situation. Is it mainly open water or weed-choked water? Where I fish for smallies, zebra and quagga mussels will cut your line like nothing you've seen. And with fluorocarbon lines there's no need to go light line for invisibility. This coming from a finesse guy. These two smallies came on a tube with 14lb Sniper and MH rod last month. The only time I use light line (8lb and less) any more is dropshotting or Ned rig. Moving baits no way I'd use less than 12lb copoly or 20lb braid.
BassWhole! reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 9:23 AM, ZbestBassman said:if you want to catch the smart big bass...
Thoughts.......
Thought: bass of any size are not "smart" or line shy. That being said, I use 12 and 15 lb mono a lot, cause it suits the way and places I fish. I have caught some of my largest bass in gin clear water with heavy braid and heavy (30-50 lb) mono leaders.
bagofdonuts reply :
Truth is there is no best size line, just like there’s no best size screwdriver.
Dens228 reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 11:45 PM, OkobojiEagle said:Why?
Because everyone seems to be focusing on line size/diameter. Pound vs pound line test braid is thinner.
I'm sure I could use 10 lb test braid but it would be way to thin for my needs and likes.
Catt reply :
On 5/13/2019 at 5:20 AM, roadwarrior said:Fact
Big O fishes #25 almost exclusively and seems to fool a few big fish.
25# test aint exactly light line ????
Match your line to the cover you're gonna be fishing!
Big Mike in Fl reply :
I fish exclusively braid, so my opinions are completely based on that.
I use 30lb braid at a minimum on baitcasters. I’ve tried lighter however no matter how tightly I spool it, I seem to dig in and backlash. Of course they say it is 8lb equivalent.
On spinning set ups ups I’ve found I like 15lb or 20lb, 15 on more finesse and 20 on med heavy stuff. In this case I feel like the lure and application dictate the line size. I fished 10lb braid for a while but did have a few break offs. That was also a different brand than I prefer.
On my heavier cover stuff... frogs and flipping, I have 50lb braid, I feel like 65 or 80 are over kill. I’ve never had a situation where I broke off the 50 i. Heavy cover, and flipping here in Florida can mean some of the heaviest stuff.
My swim jig/chatterbait/ lighter jig set up runs 40lb, I will often be swimming it where heavier like isn’t as necessary, however I do still flip/pitch that set up a lot so I beefed it up a bit.
On my ultralight set up, I throw 10lb braid, because why not, it super thin and still strong. I often use my ultralight while still bass fishing (think small top waters, original floating rapalas, and small weightless plastics)
now I do use flouro leaders on most of my set ups, and the thickness of those ranges from 10lb to 25lb with 14-20 being mostly used.
basseditor reply :
Fun topic.
I'm just the opposite. Never go lighter than I have to, and especially no less than 15lb flouro.
NathanDLTH reply :
Admittedly, not a small line angler. My leader for smallmouth is 12lb sunline fc sniper to 20lb braid. The smallmouth are always around rocks and such plus tubes are my main style for them which means heavy hook sets. If this was open water for smallmouth, it would 10-15 braid to 8 or 10lb flouro. For largies, again open water 15-17, cover it's 15 plus. If it's frogging 50-60, if I have a small frog in open water then I can drop to 30 or 40lb braid. For me there is more confidence with bigger line.
ResoKP reply :
12lb mono!? OP would get REKT at my lake. Only way to get the biggins is punching 1oz tungsten in thick cover here. I was breaking off with 50lb straight braid. Moving up to 65lb braid solved that issue. Then I'll go down to 6lb fluoro for huge smallies in deep rivers. 15lb to 20lb fluoro for bottom contact plastics & jigs.
There's a place for all different lb-test lines. Saying "12lb and lighter only" is simply amateur at best.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/12/2019 at 9:23 AM, ZbestBassman said:So what I would like to bring up is why does everyone today want to go big on line? Guys I'm going to be 100% honest here and from my experience I know my biggest bass have always been on 12lb mono or less I know florocarbon is great as well but I won't throw anything over 12lb mono except for topwater that's the ONLY time I go bigger for largemouth. I know your going to say well what about flipping in grass or around structure? BUT here me out if you want to catch the smart big bass you gotta be subtle and smart I will use 12lb or less and catch more and bigger fish yes I even use it around cover I don't break off often even dragging over cover. Thoughts.......
Ok, so I read through this entire thread.
Seems like most all the BR bassheads have their own thoughts & ideas regarding this subject; as do I.
My version of it isn't much different from much of what's already been offered. I'm using the best tool for the job; whether that's light, heavy or something in between. While I've landed some respectable fish on what would generally be considered 'lighter line' & gear, I can't agree that it's the best or only way to go. As I'd expect to lose a good majority of plus size bass trying to extricate them from the jungle using undersized line & gear.
While lighter line usually fishes deeper, can offer better sensitivity, and cast further, the trade off of course is strength, stretch (depending on type), and hook setting capability.
So saying 12 lb mono is the only line needed is akin to traveling at 40 mph in your truck regardless of the speed limit or road conditions.
Some places you'll be golden, on the expressway you'll be looking for more and watch out for those school zones !
A-Jay
Tennessee Boy reply :
ALWAYS is a word that should be used carefully in fishing. I don’t think you can make a rule about fishing line that applies to all anglers in all situations on all lakes.
frogflogger reply :
The only "always" in fishing is that there is always something a little different and it is always fun.
fishindad reply :
This is a great thread because I love reading about others experiences and opinions. I grew up fishing light (6lb) line for smallies, mostly in Wisconsin's clear natural lakes. I never even owned a baitcaster for many years until I moved to Northern California and even then fished mostly ultra clear reservoirs like Folsom, Berryessa and Don Pedro.
Just take a look at the Ned rig hook, dropshot hooks, Neko hooks, etc and it's easy to see they are made for 6 and 8 lb lines. You'll bend 'em out if you go any heavier. But often that's what's needed to get bites - finesse. Call me crazy but what I love is feeling the strike and setting the hook. Sure, fighting the fish is great but the longer it takes, the greater the chance they get off, especially lunkers. How many have lost big ones at the boat (or before)? Sickest feeling ever. So my opinion is go as heavy as you can get away with and with the advent of fluoro, no need to go to spider thin lines. Better chance of setting hooks, less chance of breakoffs, and able to use bigger baits. Yeah, small baits catch big fish but IMHO, bigger baits catch bigger fish.
PS: I would love to fish Bluebasser's waters! Don't think I could pull off that all-camo outfit though????
hoosierbass07 reply :
When I got into bass fishing and didn't know anything, all I used was six pound and eight pound and ten pound mono, made tons of casts Texas ringing everything with super sharp brand new gamakatsu extra wide hooks, and caught a lot of bass bank fishing and kayak fishing including a few giant bass. Then got a little bored with all the small fish I was catching, started using heavier line and baitcasters and - less fish caught and NO big bass caught. Short story - here in Indiana and I bet 99% of the country, light line wins. Ten pound should be my limit, and I should use eight pound and six pound 99% of the time.
Catt reply :
@A-Jay How well ya think 12# mono would fair south of the border?
A-Jay reply :
On 5/14/2019 at 2:31 AM, Catt said:@A-Jay How well ya think 12# mono would fair south of the border?
LOL ~ That's Click Bait @Catt
You already know the answer to that loaded question.
It would be Risky at best my friend, Risky at best.
#donkiesondentalfloss
A-Jay
fishindad reply :
On 5/14/2019 at 2:01 AM, hoosierbass07 said:When I got into bass fishing and didn't know anything, all I used was six pound and eight pound and ten pound mono, made tons of casts Texas ringing everything with super sharp brand new gamakatsu extra wide hooks, and caught a lot of bass bank fishing and kayak fishing including a few giant bass. Then got a little bored with all the small fish I was catching, started using heavier line and baitcasters and - less fish caught and NO big bass caught. Short story - here in Indiana and I bet 99% of the country, light line wins. Ten pound should be my limit, and I should use eight pound and six pound 99% of the time.
Careful with the generalizations. I have never fished in Indiana but judging by the number of trailers with IN plates parked in the Erie and St Clair launch ramps, I'm guessing there aren't many lakes there with giant smallies lurking.
And I'll take that bet and say that in 99% of the bass waters in the US, heavy (10lb and up) lines win. Just poll the FLW, MLF and BASS guys and see what they use.
Armtx77 reply :
I do a lot of banging around with 8lbs NanoFil and it works well for me, including a couple of great fights with 3 1/2-4lbs, spotted river bass.
I fish with 15lbs Sufix832 on another spinning reel that I throw Senkos with.
40lbs Sufix 832 on a BC setup, when it is time to go into their backyard.
A lot of fish, have been caught on 15lbs Big Game...A LOT.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/14/2019 at 1:52 AM, fishindad said:PS: I would love to fish Bluebasser's waters! Don't think I could pull off that all-camo outfit though????
If you ever end up in Kansas for some stupid reason, I'm always willing to show members exactly how bad the fishing really is here 
Hulkster reply :
As far as 12 pound mono goes, I have landed a few 18 pound redfish while fishing and florida and many 20+ pound salmon fishing the great lakes on 12 pound mono. These fish pull harder than any bass.
Granted, these fish were hooked in open water and can run etc.
but my point is that 12 pound mono is very hard to break while actually fishing.
if you have 12 pound mono that snaps easily its because either the line is bad or your knots suck.
most of the time its the knots. a lot of times people don't tie very good ones.
hoosierbass07 reply :
I have a spinning reel with five pound line I want to use for bass fishing, and a baitcaster with sixteen pound line I've used somewhat this spring, among lots of other reels. Anyway, if I put a Roboworm and split-shot on the five pound line and use a big jig on the baitcaster with sixteen pound line, which one will catch the most large bass and largest bass? My bet is on the five pound line. Oh, and I'll take any big bass on six pound Sufix Elite Mono. I think Charlie Brewer realized this a long time ago. But I should say, I mostly fish very clear water strip pits that are steep and deep.
ww2farmer reply :
Using light line to flip and pitch in heavy cover, is like trying to pound a nail in with the handle of a screw driver. Can you do it? Sure. But it's not the best tool for the job.
Joshua Vandamm reply :
It doesn’t. Lol
if light was ALWAYS better there’d be no debate.
Now, line size choice for moving baits is all about the depth. You can run a trap in 20lb mono to keep it up high in thick grass or shallow flats. The way your looking at line... don’t. LOL
Mobasser reply :
On 5/13/2019 at 10:47 AM, Catt said:
25# test aint exactly light line ????
Match your line to the cover you're gonna be fishing!
Agree with Catt here. I use line from 8 to 15lbs. If I'm fishing more open, clear water, lighter line does just fine. But, it won't work everywhere. Even a 3lb bass can be hard to land, especially in thick wood cover. If I hook em, I want to land em too
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