What do you guys use for catching trout? I am looking to primarily fish at wachusett and fish off the bottom. Also tossing some kastmasters or other lures as well. Im mainly looking for a line that will allow me to cast far and be able to sustain 0.5 oz-1 oz weight on it. Is braided the way to go? or mono?
If there is a sticky on this, please send me a link. I didnt see one.
I use 15 or 20 lb braid. I have about a 2' leader of Seaguar Invisix Flouro. I use 12lb for a casting leader because I've snapped off 1 oz jigs & spoons on a cast with lighter fluoro. I also use 12lb for a leader when I'm live lining shiners. I don't go lighter because there's always the chance of getting a 15lb or bigger laker. I don't want to lose a personal best fish because I had an 8lb leader.
Thanks for the response. I usually use 6 lb line and i wasnt sure if i should go heavier. I will definitely try some heavier line for tossing those heavy lures and weights out there.
12, 15 or 18 lb lakers are caught at wachusetts every year. it would suck to lose a big fish using very light line.
Also, when you're bouncing jigs & spoons off the bottom you're going to get snagged once in a while. it's a lot easier to pull a 1oz lure out of some rocks or weeds with the stronger line. 6lb would snap off pretty easily.
12 lb seaguar or any other good fluoro is still pretty small in diameter for leader use.
Ok i want to make sure i have the right setup for live lining a shiner. Take the line and feed it thru a weight. Then tie it to a barrel swivel and then tie an 18"-24" piece of leader line to the swivel and then to a hook. Is that correct?
Yes, I use a palomar knot to tie a swivel to the end of my braid. I slip on a 1/2 oz or 1 oz slip sinker onto the braid before attaching the swivel. I use at least a 2' long leader of flouro. I use a snell knot to tie the hook to the flouro leader.
Personally I prefer the 1 oz sinker so I can get the shiner out a little closer to a drop off. Others might prefer a 1/2 oz. Trial and error will let you know what you like.
It'll look something like this.