I use Fireline Crystal 1/2 lb diameter/2lb strength for free lining, vertical jigging, and lure fishing alone. For combat crappie fishing with jigs on the local pier, I use 4lb Stren Crappie gold line. Thin diameter can get the jig out there. Mr. Crappie line gets too kinky for me. For fishing with Pops, I spool the reels we use with Berkley XL in 4,6, and on the big lakes sometimes 8lb.