I am having way to much fun learning to cast from shore with my new conventional reel. Ironically, I have not found it difficult to learn.

I am using 20lb mono. I know from experience that with spinning reels, the smaller line diameter of braid lines, greatly increase casting distance. Is the same true for conventional reels? I.e. Does thiner line diameter equal to longer casts with conventional reels? Or, is line diameter not that relevant on conventional reels?

I ask because every piece of literature that I have read on conventional reels (in the surfcasting applications) make reference to thick lines lines.

You probably get a little bit more distance with braid, but the difference is not as noticeable as it is with spinning reels.

With conventional, for me, it's braid for jigging, mono for plugs and eels.

If or when you go to braid, I'd strongly advise you try Fireline. Standard braids in lighter line classes tend to nick and break after moderate use, I think because the line fluffs and flays against the reel frame occasionally with a ragged cast. Heavier braid....no problem. I fish 99% conventional and rarely use mono anymore (though #30 mono is still the best choice for toe-toe full drag fights in current and rocks). If you are plugging, braid lets you stay in touch with your plug much more effectively than mono. It also backlashes less (but when it does it is more likely to cost you a plug).

a backlash with 40# braid at 3 in the a.m., but me back on ande back country very, very quickly.

You probably get a little bit more distance with braid, but the difference is not as noticeable as it is with spinning reels.

With conventional, for me, it's braid for jigging, mono for plugs and eels.

ditto:agree:

What Mike said.
Once you become good at throwing a conventional you will outcast the spinning guys by far. Ask Ron Arra. He set all of his casting records with a conventional. Also all the sharpies at the canal and on The Back use to use Newell 229s. no level wind.

Ask Ron Arra. He set all of his casting records with a conventional. Also all the sharpies at the canal and on The Back use to use Newell 229s. no level wind.

The ones on the Canal used to use Newell 229s. Now they use Emblem Pro spinning reels with braid ;)

Ron carrys a gold VS 300 with him now and rumor has it that he just got a Zee Baas :hihi:

As far as backlashes go---there is absolutely no reason to ever use less than 50# braid on any conventional. Or even 65# or a very thick 50 like Cortland Master Braid.

Thank you all. Much appreciated.

As far as backlashes go---there is absolutely no reason to ever use less than 50# braid on any conventional. Or even 65# or a very thick 50 like Cortland Master Braid.

This is canal specific jigging (and possibly beach bottom fishing) advice. If you plan to plug anywhere else, there are significant advantages (and disadvantages) to thinner braid. #20 fireline is the most you would ever want on a beach (or plugging from a boat), and #30 fireline is plenty for the rocks. Distance, and more importantly, water resistance, line sag, and cross wind kiting all deteriorate rapidly as line diameter increases. If you plan to fish artificals, staying in touch with your lure is a major benefit. There is no outfit I have found that does this as well as a medium weight conventional setup with the lightest braid you can get away with for the conditions you fish.

Hate to tell you this George, but 20# Fireline is as thick as most other 50# braids. You might be able to use 20# spun braid (Power Pro for example) on your Calcuttas and Newells as you've probably been casting conventionals as long, or maybe even longer, than I have. For many people 20# braid on a conventional is a prescription for disaster--would you ever use 8# test mono on a conventional? Many 20# braids are 6-8# mono equivalent in diameter. Line that thin can not only become the backlash from hell, but on reels with not-so-close tolerances between the spool and the frame, it can get caught in there.

20# Fireline has the same diameter as a good quality 15# mono. It's night and day different from 20# Power Pro.

20# Fireline is also stupid strong--break strength well over 50#s. Most 20# spun braids don't have the shock strength to absorb a sudden jerk.

As far as backlashes go---there is absolutely no reason to ever use less than 50# braid on any conventional. Or even 65# or a very thick 50 like Cortland Master Braid.[/QUOTE]:btu: is certainly the way to go !

I've been very happy with PowerPro, 65lb on Squidders and Abu 7000's, 50lb on 525mag and Abu 6500's. The tighter you put it on the reel from the beginning, the harder it is for the braid to dig into itself on backlashes and hooksets. Once the braid is wet, it is a lot easier to control than mono . IMO

i'm using 50 lb. Cortland master braid on a penn 980 .. will notch your lay thumb though.. huh Ditch ? :laugha:... $40.00 to spool up . so far so good with it ..

Braid on everything..................mono is good for leaders.

Hate to tell you this George, but 20# Fireline is as thick as most other 50# braids. You might be able to use 20# spun braid (Power Pro for example) on your Calcuttas and Newells as you've probably been casting conventionals as long, or maybe even longer, than I have. For many people 20# braid on a conventional is a prescription for disaster--would you ever use 8# test mono on a conventional? Many 20# braids are 6-8# mono equivalent in diameter. Line that thin can not only become the backlash from hell, but on reels with not-so-close tolerances between the spool and the frame, it can get caught in there.

20# Fireline has the same diameter as a good quality 15# mono. It's night and day different from 20# Power Pro.

20# Fireline is also stupid strong--break strength well over 50#s. Most 20# spun braids don't have the shock strength to absorb a sudden jerk.

Points taken, though I do like my fireline.

40lb braid for everything