Braided Line On A Baitcaster

**reelstory** · Mar-23-2008, 10:25 AM

I have a Shimano Calcutta 200B that I recently changed from mono to 20 lb. Power Pro braid. Being that I consider myself to be an intermediate caster, I still experience my share of backlashes, and I find with braid that it is much more severe than with mono. I am sure others have experienced the same situation, and am wondering if others were able to conquer the problems with braid, and if so what are the solutions? I do like the casting charasterists of it. Who found the solution by switching back to mono? Responses? Thanks.

**waruibozu** · Mar-23-2008, 10:55 AM

The only true solution is practice practice and more practice. On my baitcasters I solely use spectra. Just start of by turning some of the reel spool counter balance weights on and adjust the spool tension so the spool has some resitance and practice casting. Once you feel comfortable back off the spool tension and turn off some of the spool counter balance weights.

Back lashes happen to the best of us and yes backlashes with spectra are more of a PITA than mono.

**coryellk** · Mar-23-2008, 12:16 PM

I have been using power pro on baitcasters for years now. I find that you have fewer backlashes and wind knots around the tip if you use 30# power pro. It handles better than 20# and you still get approx 200 yds on a 200 sized curado or calcutta. I keep a few spools of fluorocarbon from 10 to 20# depending on fish and conditions. A 6 ft shock leader with a reverse albright knot in those line classes pass the guides without incident or casting degredation. Good luck.

**word-doctor** · Mar-24-2008, 03:31 PM

I'd suggest going with 30# instead of 20 as well. Be sure to albright a little mono to both ends. Good luck.

**T BICKLE** · Mar-24-2008, 03:48 PM

it took me awhile to get my citica adjusted with 20lb braid, but now i rarely ever get a backlash. if i were to to it again i would definitely go with 30# braid or more

**baeddy10** · Mar-24-2008, 04:01 PM

Turn your magforce up for now until you can cast with out the backlashing.

**Bassnwfin_S** · Mar-25-2008, 07:51 AM

I just spooled up a Curado 200 with Spiderwire's Ultracast which seems to be much smoother than the Power Pro. I was out in Texas and fished in a tournament with it. Conditions were windy and I only had one minor backlash. This stuff seems to cast much better. I used the 50# which is the size of 12# and got 125 yards on the reel. For local inshore stuff I will put a few feet of fluorocarbon on it.

**1:11** · Mar-25-2008, 08:40 AM

A tip to help with spectra backlashes.... Bring some kind of a needle. I long needle, like a bridling needle, something with a point, you can use this point needle to really help get backlashes out. Its 100% easier to pick them out with a large needle. good luck. Also, tighten your spool so that when you put your reel in freespool the bait should slowly fall to the ground and not backlash your spool. This will help too. Spool setting is critical. Its amazing how many really good anglers and casters that dont know this.

**crazy hawaiian** · Mar-25-2008, 08:42 PM

Just remember to back off on the drag while fishing either 20 or 30# braid. The reel is not designed to handle that line strength. Use you thumb instead, but wrap some of that fishing tape on it or you will regret it later.

I've caught a number of large fish on my Cardiff 200, including tails and tuna, and I am still on the first set of drag washers. My thumb?, well it's seen better days due to forgetting to wrap it first. Kind of hard to do in the heat of battle.

The last post mentioned a needle as a way of removing backlashes. Instead go to a yardage shop and find a crocheting (spelling) needle. It has a tiny hooked end that works much better than just a plain needle.

After a few trips you won't need it at all.

**Fishrdan** · Mar-25-2008, 08:55 PM

Here's another tip for picking backlashes, push the line through the levelwind and out the back of the reel,,, so your picking the backlash out on the back of the reel. Much easier than picking a bit and then having the levelwind make a new one for you as you strip line trying to clear the backlash. I also place my finder in the loop of line in the back of the reel (the one you pushed through) and then strip the line through the levelwind.

This might sound funny, but I've shown this to a couple of guys and they were amazed how much easier it was clearing backlashed.