text: Light test weight for NC Bass fishing
  Thread: Light test weight for NC Bass fishing
  08-23-2019, 11:52 PM #1
  Bradfordfishing
  Alright y'all, I'm wondering what size line you all are running out there. I heard on a podcast/video that most hardbait depths are based on 10lb test. Not sure if that is true or not. Just spoiled by new spinning reel with 10lb and now I worry that I might go through a lot of line and lose a lot of fish/lures.
  -What size test do you all typically run and do the limits on the reel really matter?
  08-24-2019, 01:19 PM #2
  In open water, 10 is OK all around. Make sure that you use good knots and test them.
  If you are fishing docks or medium heavy cover, 15 would be a better choice.
  If you fish rip rap or heavy vegetation, 20 is the way to go.
  08-24-2019, 07:16 PM #3
  08-26-2019, 01:46 AM #4
  I use 8-10 pound test for most applications that are relatively open water with cranks. Heavier in thicker cover situations
  08-26-2019, 09:15 AM #5
  I fish 10 lb test around heavy cover with moving baits (cranks, spinnerbaits, etc.) and I rarely lose fish. However, it is P-line CXX and it truly fishes more like 12 or 14 lb test. It isn't a good application for spinning gear anyway as it is stiff which makes it hard to manage.
  For spinning gear I think 10 lb test is a good size. If you start into 12+ the thickness of the line makes it hard to manage unless you have a reel with a very large diameter spool. If you are using spinning gear and like fishing the gnarly stuff braided line is a better choice. You get the strength without the line capacity and manageability issues you get with large test mono/fluoro on spinning gear. If you are worried about visibility then tie on a leader.
  08-26-2019, 06:25 PM #6
  Crankbaits I generally use 10lb mono, maybe 12 or 14 on a squarebill in heavy cover. Topwater I use 12 or 14, Jigs and plastic applications 14, 17 or 20 floro depending on lure and cover. Finesse tactics I use 8lb mono, spinner/buzzbaits 14lb mono. If you have your drag set right and retie frequently checking for nicks you shouldn't have any issues with breaking off for the most part.