Anyone using a nonlevelwind reel fishing braid for plugs.. I was thinking of switching my 7500c3ct over to braid for more distance.. Just wondering if its a good idea since braid is less forgiving.. Im just sick of mono all together.. thanks..

I just pulled out my first boo boo on a abu 6500 this morn. Thank God it was 65lb test and light out and i,m glad i didn,t lean into the cast.

Yes you can use braid on a non levelwind. You just have to be carefull to lay it out evenly with you thumb on the retrieve. Also choose a smoother braid. Simething like cortland Spectron has a rough surface so you'll get a sore thumb laying it down on the retrive.

have you tried ande backcountry on the abu?? i tried braid on mine, and a wind knot from hell at 2 am but me back to mono. the ande bc takes a beating and is forgiving of the long cast booboos.i use 20lb.

I don't recommend it for plugging. I use a 525 Mag for jigging, but for plugs, if I want to use braid, it's either a spinning reel or a levelwind--currently a Saltist 30H LW.

You can be a hero, or you can choose peace of mind. Personally, I'd rather be casting than picking out a bird's nest when fish are breaking.

I only fish non level wind, same reel as you , but I can't see me pulling back lashes in braid out, it is hard enough with mono. I use 25 big game and have for years. Like stated above it is all about how you lay it on. Don't pay attention in the heat of a blitz and you will be left crying, been there more times than I wish.

thanks guys.. I switched spools with one of my big game CL's and put 65lb PP on my 7500 for this morning.. Didn't really like it too much.. Going back to 25 lb big game for plugging on my 7500.. Feels more comfortable for plugging.. Its seems the extra distance isn't worth the added hassle..

I know some guys don't like it, but I had very good results with 65lb. PP on my Newell 220, 229, Penn 145, Abu 7500 last year. I use these reels for pluging. Use it a few times before you dismiss it. The braid will break in and easier to use.

On moonless nights you can tape a small red eye light just foward of the spool. You know, the little red lights the shops sell to attach to the tip of the rod. The red light will not effect your night vision, and the are cheap. The light will shine right into the spool to make laying the line a snap.

How is your 7500 set up? On a 11' rod rated 1-5 oz. I use red RF or 3in1 20w in the bearings and 1 small brake block at night. You may try 2 blocks. Line level is at 1/8" from the flange with a 40lb. shock leader wraped six times around the spool. I set the end tension for a slight knock.

sean

thanks guys.. I switched spools with one of my big game CL's and put 65lb PP on my 7500 for this morning.. Didn't really like it too much.. Going back to 25 lb big game for plugging on my 7500.. Feels more comfortable for plugging.. Its seems the extra distance isn't worth the added hassle..

I agree.