Quote Originally Posted by lvtofish1 View Post
Good morning everyone. I was just curious what type (braid?) and pound of line everyone uses when fishing for crappie. I have been using braid (Power Pro) but was curious what others thought. I have also been told, use a flurocarbon leader if you use braid. I haven't but maybe it's a good idea? Let me know your thoughts.
LVTO ... I've used quite a number of different lines, over the years. I'm currently using 4# test Mr Crappie Super hi-vis mono, on most all my rods. I do have one rod with Suffix hi-vis, and one with PowerPro 10/2 hi-vis. I use the PowerPro outfit for casting Roadrunners & Whirley Bees (so I have a better chance at getting them back, should I get hung up !! ) The Suffix outfit is a jig casting rod ... and I'm just testing it against the Mr Crappie line. Seems the newer Mr Crappie mono is made in China, now .... & reports from members have not been good. The Mr Crappie I have is USA Made (3300yd spool) and I'm probably not going to stay with this brand, if the Suffix matches up. I've also got some Vicious mono, but have yet to try it out. It's some sample spools, clear/blu ... and I prefer hi-vis (when casting jigs). Also have some 4# Stren Gold, and have used it off & on for many years ... pretty good line, but sets up in coils too easily for my tastes ... especially when used on UL sized reels.

I don't use a leader of any kind, on my PowerPro ... I tie directly to the bait. I have an old fly rod with a spinning reel attached ... spooled with 20/6 Spiderwire !! I used it for minnow/float fishing in standing Cedar trees ... line tied directly to the hook ... and the Crappie didn't seem to care ... LOL !!

Most of the lakes in KY & Tenn (or Ala), that I fish, are "stained" (usually) ... meaning you can see cover down about 2' or less &/or lose sight of a chartreuse jig within the first foot or so. With that in mind, I don't concern myself with clear lines or leaders. It may be a good idea to use a leader w/braid, if you're fishing very clear water &/or heavily pressured fish ... but, since I don't fish gin clear waters, I can't rightfully comment on that. I'd have to defer to someone that has more experience with water that clear.

If you're using lite wire hooks .... 4-6lb test line should be fine. Heavier style hooks might require heavier line ... but, I'd still stay under the 10lb test size. I use weedless jigheads, so I don't have to worry so much about losing my bait to hang-ups (even with 4# test). The smart thing to do is to match the line test to the rod/reel setup that you're using ... and what methods/techniques you use.

... cp