Just getting started, new to Kokanee fishing - what line weight?

[6wt]

Finally after several months of saving, i have my new koke rod and reel. The rod is a Lamiglas Team Kokanee, Jared Johnson, CGR802L, 8', Line weight 2-8lb. The reel is a Abu Garcia Pro Max, 8 bearing, Max drag 15lb, capacity rated @ 12lb mono / 145yds and 30lb braid / 130yds. The reel came with a Abu Pro Max rod also rated at 8-15lb, 6'6" Medium Action, 1/4~5/8oz lures. Wow, what a mouthful... now to decide on a line to put on the reel.

I selected the reel primarily to fish for kokes with a downrigger on the JJ Team Koke rod. But, also would like the reel to do double duty fishing for bass and other fish. I searched the FAQ, and found a couple of references to line weights of 8lb, 12lb, and 18lb.

Do i pick one of these? Do i pick a line within the ratings? close to the ratings? or, put the line weight of my chosing on the reel? What do you guys use?

Thanks!
Craig

 

[dragonfly]

most people including me use the maxum ultra green in 8 lb test seams to be plenty strong even for the occasional big bow and Chinook haven't broken a line yet but it is stretchy enough to keep from tearing the soft lips from the kokanee. I have the red 7'6'' JJs and love them between the 2 you land a lot more kokanee. dfly

 

[SuperD]

I prefer the white Jared rods over the red ones. The sensetivity of the white rod and its 15 rod eyes is awesome.

I use Berkeley Big Game 10 lbs main line and 12 lbs Maxima leader.

 

[DRM]

I have tried to use mono for the main line, but after a few times trolling the mono always wants to twist on my outfits, no matter how many swivels I put on.
Went to 8# braid with 8# Maxima leader ( about four feet or so) , put that on the custom 7 1/2 ultra ultra light rod, whaaa hooooo, Arrow rock fish have been alot of fun to hook into.

 

[6wt]

Thanks for the input!