Braid or Mono for convential reels?

[Green Light]

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.

[Mike P]

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.

[numbskull]

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).

[pmbrac]

Originally Posted by Mike P

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

[piemma]

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.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by piemma

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

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.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Mike P

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.

[vanstaal]

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] is certainly the way to go !

[slow eddie]

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

[Green Light]

Thank you all. Much appreciated.

[code207]

40lb braid for everything