How Line Diameter Effects Baitcasting Reels
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, *Tackle & Gear, Line, Braid, Reels, Weekly Newsletter: 5-19-24
Does line diameter really matter with baitcasting reels?
A lot of thought goes into casting when it comes to baitcasting reels and the rods you pair them with.
Line diameter is without a doubt the most overlooked factor in the entire setup.
Find out why!
How Line Diameter Effects Baitcasting Reels [VIDEO]
Not a member? Then click here to join the Insider Club today so you can get access to Smart Fishing Spots, discounts on the tackle in our shop, and much more all BEFORE prices go up. We’ve performed dozens of tests and experiments over the years showing the importance of line choice and its impact on fishing.
Knot Strength Test [Best Fishing Knot For Braided Line]
But, it’s always been with spinning gear.
Will line diameter have the same effect on baitcasting reels as it does on spinning reels?
For this experiment, I started with 10 casts using 30lb braid and then stripped that off.
Then, I put 20lb braid on the same reel and performed 10 casts with lighter line.
The line in this test is Sufix 832 Braid and the reel is a Daiwa Tatula SVTW.
I also performed 10 casts with 15lb braid.
Results & Conclusions
The average for the 30lb test was 92 feet.
The average for the 20lb test was 107 feet.
Finally, the average for the 15lb test was 112 feet.
As you can see, the heavier line will cast more accurately in a small cluster.
But, the lighter line will definitely cast further.
If you’re looking to add length to your casts, it might not be the rod and reel you have.
It might be your line choice.
FINDING THE FISH HELP
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. WEEKEND GAME PLANS (UPDATED WEEKLY)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
2. SMART FISHING SPOTS PLATFORM (UPDATED EVERY 15 MINUTES)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. COMMUNITY REPORTS (LIVE FEED)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
90/10 ZONE INSHORE FISHING NEWSLETTER
Oh, and be sure to sign up for FREE Access to Salt Strong’s 90/10 Zone Newsletter!
It’s the Ultimate Inshore Fishing Blast with the MOST RECENT on-the-water updates, weekly trends, hot lures, catches of the week, fish tales, conservation news, and everything else for Inshore Fishing…
Sent to your inbox FREE once per week!
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
That’s obvious to me considering anything heavier or thicker will not go as fat because it takes more energy to cast it farther the lighter the farther and man you must of spent alot of money on line casting with ot then stripping it off only to put different line on and so it over again?! Also you might want to mention that on baitcasting reels there is a braking system that I know for a fact newbies fail to set properly and sometimes it’s either to tight or loose meaning if to tight casts will be much shorter if to loose backlash will increase to occur the easiest method I found in increasing casting distance with any line diameter is to tie a lure on the end of the line then holding the rod about hip level release the casting bar or button and if tge lure does not fall slowly loosen the tension knob on the reels handle until the reels spool starts moving and the lure starts falling to the ground if the lure falls very fast and drops to the ground and the reels spool keeps turning the tension knob is to loose tighten the knob so that the lure falls but not to fast where when the lure hits the ground the reel spool keeps turning it should stop immediatly if the tension is set correctly if set to loose then again backlash will occur more frequently that’s how I learned to set the correct tension resulting in further casts with less backlashes with any line diameter thanks for the info and all you do😀👍
Thanks Steven! I do have a video showing how to set up baitcasters for beginners. It does mention the things you said here.
Appreciate it!
Fascinating post, Pat. As someone who has been undergoing a Baitcaster renaissance this past yeah, I appreciate the BC content. I was throwing 1-2 oz stick jigs on a Lexa 400 this past weekend for surf fishing. I really preferred it to my typically spinning set up (saves the index finger) and I was matching the cast distance pretty well. I think BC reels may be under appreciated for Surf Applications.
I think you’re right. My issue in the past was throwing lighter lures like the 2.0 paddle tail. Bait casters are better than they have ever been and I personally think they have caught up to the casting distance of spinning gear.
I enjoy using casting gear, just something about it.
Great intel, thanks Pat!
Thank you JD!
Nicely done Pat. I sure do appreciate these comparison videos.would love to that spooling set up
Maybe I can do a video one that. Glad you liked it!
Really good visuals thanks a lot time to down size my line 👍😎🌴🇺🇸
You’ll be surprised at how much farther you’ll be able to cast!
Excellent data. and a great idea for changing out line!
Thank you William!