conventional + braid digging issue

[ThrowingTimber]

Spool it on as tight as you can get it, overspool it slightly.

Go to a big field tie off your line off to a tree bench etc. Walk out til youre in your backing. Put a bend in the rod by pulling the line taught. Start reeling keeping your rod tip bent.

Or

If you've got a brave assistant have them hold the braid spool. While you crank the line on with the rod bent under load its always fun when you speed up the braid spool gets hot and they drop it.

[striperman36]

I upped to 50# to get a little more thickness in the braid to try and avoid the digging
I also will be going to the Football field after every outing to retighten that first several hundred yards.

[t.orlando]

Braids too thin. Try 50# or 65#, depending on the braid.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by t.orlando

Braids too thin. Try 50# or 65#, depending on the braid.

It's 30 pound Fireline, Tony--it's already thicker than most 65# spun braids

Tension is the key. I use one of those $30 Berkley portable line spoolers, and I put extra tension on the side of the line spool with my hand. My reels are wound as tight as most shops can do it on a machine.

[riverrat2]

Never had that problem and fished 65# power pro on the boat and from the surf for the past 3 or 4 seasons, I rarely use spinning and have never encountered the "internet famous" line digging.

[zimmy]

Originally Posted by Mike P

It's 30 pound Fireline, Tony--it's already thicker than most 65# spun braids

[plankton]

Originally Posted by Mike P

It's 30 pound Fireline, Tony--it's already thicker than most 65# spun braids

Tension is the key. I use one of those $30 Berkley portable line spoolers, and I put extra tension on the side of the line spool with my hand. My reels are wound as tight as most shops can do it on a machine.

Same method I use, those are a great little tool for the money. I think the problem with Fireline is that it's flat, makes it easier to dig into itself. I love the stuff on my spinners, but on conventional I prefer a nice round braid like Cortland or Power Pro, which I believe both come from the same factory. Diameter of the braid only becomes an issue if you're trying to throw too much weight for the pound test you're using. I use 15# Stealth on an Abu 4600 for schoolies and it works fine, but the most I'm throwing is about an ounce. If you want to toss 3 ounces or more then you have to upsize the braid to at least 50#.