Getting the size of your braid line right on your spinning reel makes a huge difference to your performance while fishing. While it is easier to make decisions regarding monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, braid lines are difficult due to their more recent advent.
Ideally, you should use a 20-30 pound braid on a spinning reel, especially if you happen to just be starting out. Several factors go into this decision, such as the size of the fish, fishing location, size of the reel, action, abrasion, and fishing style.
However, you should note that 30 pounds might not always be suitable. You will need to make changes if these factors happen to change in different conditions. You will be able to learn more about this below.
What Size Braid Should I Use on Spinning Reels?
20-30 pound braid sizes can be a good idea for your spinning reel since these can offer plenty of versatility while fishing, allowing you to fish for both small and large fish.
Additionally, these can also be quite advantageous while fishing in different kinds of water bodies.
However, if you have more specific requirements due to the fishing conditions that you generally experience, you should opt for specific sizes that can cater to these needs.
In this case, consider the following factors to select an accurate size.
1. Size of Fish
The size of the fish you intend to catch is the primary consideration while picking the braid size for your spinning reel. The larger your fish, the bigger the size you should be using.
For instance, if you typically tend to fish for big lake trout, salmon, halibut, bass, redfish, amberjack and tuna, among others, you will need bigger braid lines to make your process easier and more successful.
In this case, sizes above 40 or 50 pounds should do the trick.
On the other hand, smaller fish like panfish, small lake trout, standard bass, catfish, snapper, pike, crappie, walleye and more can benefit more from smaller braid sizes, such as those measuring around 5-15 pounds.
2. Fishing Location
Where you fish is another important factor that can help determine the size of the braided line.
If you shift between locations often, it might be better to go with a 20-30 pound line to suit a variety of requirements and conditions.
However, if you have a favorite fishing spot or only stick to a certain size or type of water body, your needs will be more specific.
For instance, estuaries, harbors, and freshwater will require 5-20 pounds, whereas saltwater will require anywhere between 30 and 100 pounds.
3. Size of Reel
You should confirm the size of the reel to ensure that it can withstand the size of the braid.
For 20-30 pounds of braid, your spinning reel should have a size of around 60 or 65 to ensure that it can hold the line in a sturdy way without collapsing under pressure.
Naturally, then, smaller reels will require smaller braid sizes while larger ones will be able to accommodate larger braid lines.
4. Action and Power
Action refers to the amount of bend that a fishing rod has and the speed with which it recovers to its original position whereas power refers to the weight or point at which the rod will start bending.
Usually, for medium power and medium action in rods, you should make use of a 30-pound braid line whereas with higher power and faster action, you will need a bigger size to accommodate the potentially larger fish.
5. Abrasion
Heavier pound tests on your braid line will work better for you if you tend to fish in areas with greater abrasion potential.
For instance, if there are many rocks, strong currents, harsh winds or waves in the water body, your line can be at greater risk of breaking.
For this reason, having a sturdier and heavier braid line can ensure more durability.
Without this kind of abrasion risk, however, light or medium sizes should be enough.
6. Fishing Style
Your fishing style can make some if not all the difference when it comes to the braid size.
For instance, smaller baits require smaller braid lines while larger ones work better with larger sizes.
Similarly, fly fishing might be easier with medium-sized braids while angling or trolling might require more variations depending on the conditions of the water and weather as well as the size of the fish.
Can I Add a Heavier Braid on Spinning Reels?
Since braided lines are so thin, it is sometimes possible to add a heavier braid on spinning reels.
However, as a general rule, it might be a good idea to follow what the size recommendations say on the spinning reel without straying too far from it.
Fortunately, braided lines are the best options in case you want to opt for a bit more weight since the low stretch, low line memory, relatively thin diameter and reliable strength can result in a great performance.
If you end up using a vastly heavier braid, you are bound to face a few issues in your performance, such as a shorter length due to the extra weight or diameter and difficulty casting.
Is Braid Line Good for Spinning Reels?
Braided line can be a good choice for spinning reels.
It is small, thin, yet sturdy and strong, and has minimal line memory, which can make it easier to handle and manage on a spinning reel.
It is also durable and can allow for more line to be cast on the reel due to its smaller diameter.
However, it is important to keep in mind that braid line may not be the best choice for all fishing situations and may not be preferred by all anglers.
It is always a good idea to consider the specific fishing situation and the type of fish you are targeting when choosing a line, and to experiment to see what works best for you.
Should I Soak Braid Before Spooling?
Soaking braid line before spooling it onto a reel can help to reduce the line’s stiffness and improve its overall performance.
When braid line is first manufactured, it is coated with a protective wax or lubricant to help it resist fraying and tangling.
However, this coating can also make the line feel stiff and difficult to handle, especially when it is first taken out of the package.
Soaking the braid line in water can help to dissolve or remove some of this coating and make the line more supple and easier to work with.
To soak braid line, simply fill a bucket or sink with water and immerse the line in the water for a few minutes.
After soaking, be sure to squeeze out any excess water and allow the line to dry completely before spooling it onto the reel.
This can help to prevent the line from slipping or unraveling when it is used.
READ: Maximize Your Success On The Water By Understanding The Visibility Of Braided Line To Fish
Summing Up
You should use a 20-30 pound braided line on spinning reels since this can offer plenty of line to work with along with sturdiness and durability.
However, if there are differences in the conditions in which you fish, you might need to opt for a smaller or larger size.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!