Spincast vs spinning when using braid; spinning rod vs baitcast rod for spincast reel

First off:
Ketchin posted the advantages of braid over mono:
6 lb mono will snap if it has ANY wear spots
6lb mono will snap if the knot is not just right
6 lb mono will stretch like a rubber band on a hook set
6 lb mono typically has a spool memory that will drive you nuts
6 lb mono has a short life expectancy when used frequently

Couldn't agree more which is why I use braid if at all possible and for these other reasons:
Light strikes at 50' from me are better detected using braid
Hook sets are easier at greater distances
Braid casts the same long distance at mono
Braid is lighter than mono which sags more as I reel - especailly when pausing the retrieve
Light lures attached to braid sink faster than stiff mono and have better action at super slow retrieves

Problems using braid with spincast (close face) reels:
Line-to-line knots or loose line under the cap catch line, preventing casts

As we all know, spincast rod / reel combos always come with a baitcast rod. Not cool when you consider that spincast rods with their smaller diameter guides don't do as well as spinning rods that have larger guides near the reel.
When line comes out of the spincast cap's hole, it unravels the same as for a spinning reel - in a circular motion from the fixed spool. Baitcast reels shoot line straight out from the line guide hole as the spool turns. Spinning rod guides therefore produce less line resistance when casting light lures.

Things to consider when changing to braid in a spincast reel:
The line p/ups bars on the spool cap may not retract flush within the spool cap surface. If not far enough in they will catch braid as it leaves the spool. On my new Lew's spincast reel, this was corrected by pushing the two p/u bars in flush when in casting mode. Casting distance is now as good as fluoro or mono which is more tolerant of line p/ups that protrude a bit.

New braid must be spooled to within 70% - 100% of spool capacity with tension on the line as it is wrapping around the spool. Any line-to-line knot must be buried deep under line or it too will kill the cast.

A 1/16 oz jig + plastic weight casts a nice distance with braid; 1/24 oz or less, not as much (though not much different using plastic line).

I use braid on spinning gear. It behaves very well when it is kept tight on the spool. If you allow it to get loose on the spool or pick up slack when you are starting to reel it will tend to wind knot. Mono must also be kept tight on the spool or it will act negatively as well. If I have to pull a jig loose or straighten a hook the braid will underwrap in the spool. No big deal. After you break off or pull the hook out. Play out some line until you pull the underwrap free. Then you are good to go. I have used braid a long time. When I do switch back to mono I miss a lot of fish. For the way I fish braid does the best job

Do you guys ever use braid with slip bobbers? Pros and cons??

I very seldom use slip bobbers. They give me a lot of trouble no matter which line I use. I don't see any reason that braid couldn't be used with them.

I've used them with braid. I just seem to get a lot fraying in a short time. Thanks for your response.

Sent from my HD1925 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Some braid does tend to fray more than others

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

Some braid does tend to fray more than others

---

I Agree

I use some of the coated braid that stays smooth

To keep a light jig head down when pulling the float towards me a bit, I prefer a 4-6# test fluorcarbon leader. I have done fine with straight braid though.

For knots the palomar is the one I have found that is quick and easy to tie and holds very well

update:

A few weeks ago I bought a Lew's SSC2C spincast reel - the best sc I've ever had the pleasure to cast! Took off the 6# test mono that came with it and put on 6#/4# diameter braid. Casting distance and all the advantages of braid allowed me to catch 20 fish yesterday in cold 45 degree water and in a 20+ mph wind! Strike detection and hooksets excellent!

My other spincast reel that has fluorocarbon missed hook sets and probably long-distance soft strikes. The line sag due to nylon weight is a big problem when working light jigs in deeper, colder water. It seemed to stiffen up. Going to change back to straight braid on that reel.

(BTW Kastking braid has never frayed in my experience.)

The pickup pin of those Lew's reels ceramic?

...metal and perfect in size and retraction. Tempted to buy another one and save on tax locally with my veteran discount. Zebco and Daiwa sc reels pretty old and I can't get parts. For 20 bucks I can't complain considering the gear ratio and smooth drag, besides which it's compact design fits the hand nicely.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spoonminnow

update:

A few weeks ago I bought a Lew's SSC2C spincast reel - the best sc I've ever had the pleasure to cast! Took off the 6# test mono that came with it and put on 6#/4# diameter braid. Casting distance and all the advantages of braid allowed me to catch 20 fish yesterday in cold 45 degree water and in a 20+ mph wind! Strike detection and hooksets excellent!

My other spincast reel that has fluorocarbon missed hook sets and probably long-distance soft strikes. The line sag due to nylon weight is a big problem when working light jigs in deeper, colder water. It seemed to stiffen up. Going to change back to straight braid on that reel.

(BTW Kastking braid has never frayed in my experience.)

---

Thanks I use kastking on bass reels. I like it on those. I'll get some and give it a try.

Sent from my HD1925 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Never used it on a baitcast - may have to give it a try except with 15# test. I mostly target fish that bite small lures - even bass. Amazing how strong even the lesser # test is:
Lure got stuck on a stump 3' down, was able to pull the aluminum boat within a foot - against a 20 mph wind - and got it back. The hook will straighten before the line breaks - at least when using small jigs. The ping method works great getting lures free from rocks.

It is certainly strong