Best line for bait casting reel

[black lab]

I just bought a Shimano Talora Kokanee 7' Ultra light, medium slow action rod. I thought I owed it a new reel so I have been looking at the bait casting reels cause they are very compact. What reels do you all like and what # test do you use. From what I have been reading it seems like 12-17 # test is preferred. Maybe that's the trick for casting but I only troll and I like light tackle. Some were saying light line like 6# test or so will dig down into the spool coils when you hook the fish. It just doesn't seem right using heavy line on a light rod and a compact reel.

 

[SuperD]

For reels, the biggest draw back to a bait caster is most don't have a clicker. Regarding line, 6 - 8 lbs test works just about everywhere with maybe the Gorge being an exception. I use 10 lbs line and use it everywhere.

 

[Bduck]

I to use #10 line as an all around. I have used #8 without any problems on the baitcasters/trolling reels. Unless I'm targeting big fish outside of the kokanee/trout world, then I would have to take a look at what I'm fishing for and spool up accordingly.

 

[Mark McWillis]

I run 6# for Kokes on Shimano Calcutta 50-51s. I can't see the need for more unless you were fishing Wallowa, and even then I'll stay with 6#. That said, I also use 8# for Steelhead so I do like light tackle.

 

[SuperD]

One of the reasons I use 10 lbs is because I know I'm not diligent enough to constantly check my line for nicks and abrasion. If I used 6 lbs I'm very certain that there would be a lot of fish swimming around with my lures in their mouth. With the 10 lbs, I ususally eventually feel the rough line when I'm letting out or trying to put the line in the clip. Also, with 10 lbs main spool, leader weights can always be changed up or down depending on what one is fishing for.

 

[Kokaholic]

I am running 12 lb P- line on my Tica caimans, they fish the gorge for the most part and here and there for trout and such. I might drop down to 10 in the spring when I re spool line for the year.

 

[SilverBullets]

I run 10lb mono on a Daiwa Accudepth AD17 line counter for the most accurate counter reading. With 8lb leader if I snag up chances are I'll be able to save the dodger.

 

[Berryessa Boater]

Any Spectra/Braid Fans"

Hello "All" & Happy Thanksgiving"....my bird is brining as I type. I see from the previous posts that no one is using "braid"?. I'm a big proponent of Braid/Spectra. Cuts water like nothing else.....thin diameter "Greatly" increases line capacity on your reel/s, and by tieing a 50ft mono leader to the main line, you have the "Shock Absorbing/Stretch" of the mono, a great combination....Why no "love" for the braid/spectra?......Mark

 

[black lab]

I've used the Abu Gracia 6500's for years on steelhead and salmon, but this 7' rod would feel clunky with a regular level wind. I've never used one of the bait casting reels but I think it would be a good match for this light rod. most of them run about 8 oz. As far as line, I think I go with 8# test. Now I have to decide which reel to get. PS. Hi Mark. I've used braid line and if you need to tow someone's boat it's great. I just don't like to mess with a knot or barrel swivel for a leader that long.

 

[SuperD]

Berryessa Boater was telling me in a PM that he picked up some Abu Garcia 4600's with a clicker added. That sounds like a fantastic reel for that rod Black lab.

 

[Bduck]

Don't count out the Okuma line of reels. I use 2 Magda MA30DX for heavier fishing which has braided line on. A good combo. I have the smaller Convector 15's on my light rods using 10# P-line on 2 rods & 2 Tica Caimens with 10# P-line on another 2 rod setups. Beside the Ticas, I think the Okuma's are a great way to go. They have line counters & clickers.

 

[SuperD]

I think the Okuma's are a great way to go.

He's wanting to go small, the Okuma is bulky even at its smallest model.

 

[black lab]

Berryessa Boater was telling me in a PM that he picked up some Abu Garcia 4600's with a clicker added. That sounds like a fantastic reel for that rod Black lab.

Is that a round design or the low profile ? I want to try the low profile reel. My Son-in law told me tonight that he has a like new Abu Garcia Gold Pro Sprint, I think he said, that he doesn't use. He bought it for float fishing the Vedder River and didn't like it. I may trade him a Abu Garcia 6500 level wind for it.

 

[Full_Monte]

He's wanting to go small, the Okuma is bulky even at its smallest model.

Not true. My Okuma 15 MX is the same size as my Ticas, with a line counter on top that makes it a LITTLE taller.

http://www.northwoodsoutlet.com/oscommerce/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4098

 

[sawtooth]

I too am looking into getting a new reel for a rod I am building. Was wondering about the Tica Kokanee Special. Has anyone used this reel. How is it different than the Tica Caiman reel? For the record I use 10lb. P-line for my baitcasting reels.

 

[SuperD]

Not true. My Okuma 15 MX is the same size as my Ticas, with a line counter on top that makes it a LITTLE taller.

http://www.northwoodsoutlet.com/oscommerce/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4098

Okay then, that reel is just ugly then! nananana laugh hyst

 

[black lab]

I picked up a Abu Garcia Ambssadeur Silver Max today for $80 It came as a package deal including a Abu Garcia 6 1/2' one piece med heavy IM6 rod. I don't anything about it but I'm thinking it's a graphite composite. Seems like it may be good for dragging a lead line around. The reel is just what I was after. 7.86 oz. 6.2:1 gears, 5 BB + 1 roller, graphite body the rest looks like SS and Aluminum. I just finished peeling off the "Made in China" sticker, It looks much better now laugh hyst I just hope it lasts

 

[saltyseadog]

new member here, whats the point of a clicker?

For reels, the biggest draw back to a bait caster is most don't have a clicker. Regarding line, 6 - 8 lbs test works just about everywhere with maybe the Gorge being an exception. I use 10 lbs line and use it everywhere.

 

[smokin' Kokes]

either on flat line trolling or downrigger

guy can set the clicker on and then set the drag to the loose end with the line almost ready to pull out.

get comfortable in the seat stretched out with a nice cold one, pull hat down over eyes. rest eyes, snore a little.

fish hits and sets the hook, clicker goes off. wake up. fish on.

with a clicker reel, one does not have the difficult decision on a warm day of which is more important, sleeping or fishing.

 

[black lab]

One of my favorite reels for trolling is a Quantum QD1420 It's got a clicker but I find the sound kinda irritating. But that's just me