The good thing about bass fishing is that unlike saltwater fishing, you’ll find that the fish will not be taking too much line off of your spool. At least not enough that you should be concerned about the fish taking off all of the line.
So, all you really need is enough to cast and then enough to play the fish in case you do hook into a big one and it decides to take some drag. This could be anywhere from 150 yards all the way up to 300 yard spools. If you find yourself going after largemouth in a kayak then know that if you want to consistently have long casts you’ll need a new line often.
When purchasing a new fishing rod combo most of them will not have fluorocarbon fishing line attached. Instead it will most likely be mono. This will help with hooksets and line twist, but if you want to change the line type then you’ll need to strip it off and do it by hand.
The amount of line you need really depends on how often you fish and the distance of your casts. There is more to it than this though as the type of line and how often you change out your lures will come into play too.
Below, we’re going to cover some different types of line, how to apply them to your spool, and much more.
Table Of Contents
What Type Of Line Should I Use?
There are three main types of fishing lines that anglers use. Braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. Each has its own pros and cons so below we’re to cover each of them and tell you when and where each should be used.
Braid
A braided fishing line is made up of fibers that have been woven together to increase the strength of the line without increasing the diameter. This extra strength is perfect for going after large fish, or fishing in heavy cover where you need to get your large bass out quickly before it gets too tangled.
Braided line floats. Making it ideal for use on topwater lures. It can be used for worms, jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or Texas and Carolina rigs. However, it’s best to use a leader since braid can be also be seen much easier underwater. So, if the fish you’re going after are spooked easily then braid might be tough to use.
With braid, you’ll have to keep in mind that some spinning reels are not “braid ready”. This means that you cannot attach the braid directly to the spool. In order to do so, you must first tie on monofilament so that it nearly covers the spool. Then attach the braid to the end of the mono and fill the spool this way. Once you’ve learned how to do this you’ll find it’s pretty easy. However, it’s just an extra step you must do.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon is made of fluoropolymer. Its reflective index is similar to water. Making it nearly invisible once it is submerged. Making it perfect for use in clear water or in heavily pressured lakes ponds or rivers where the fish get spooked by line.
It is much heavier than braid so it sinks in the water. Do not use this line if you want to fish a topwater lure as the heavy line will pull the lure under. This is best used for throwing soft plastics, or if you want to get a little bit of extra depth out of your hardbody lures.
Connecting fluoro with braid by way of a leader is a great way to increase the strength of your line while also keeping it less visible. It’s perfect for throwing lures in clear water around heavy cover.
Monofilament
This is the most popular fishing line out there and is also the easiest to find. Just about any spot, you go to that carries fishing equipment is going to have some eight-pound monofilament sitting on the shelf.
Mono is made out of nylon and comes in many different colors. The different colors help you match the line to the water. Making it less visible to fish. So, if you’re fishing stained green water then a green line will be ideal.
Mono floats but not as well as braid. Fishing a faster-moving topwater lure can work, but if you want to let your topwater sit for a few seconds then the mono will eventually bring it underwater.
This is the most versatile line and is probably why it’s the most popular. You can throw just about any type of lure with it and have success. If you want you can also use mono as a leader as well. It can be easily attached to your braid and you can fish it the same way you could with fluoro.
How much Line do I need on my Spool?
This all depends on what the spinning reel or baitcasting reel requires. Once you purchase your spinning or baitcaster you’ll see on the spool that it has line sizes and recommended amounts to use. Depending on the size of the reel it could recommend a pound test from 6 pounds all the way to 10.
Larger fishing reels will hold a larger line and vice versa. If you spool a small reel with a heavy line you won’t be able to put much on there. You’ll find yourself casting out all of your line or after changing out lures a few times you won’t be able to cast nearly as far.
Stick to what the reel companies recommend you use. Often you’ll be spooling on a couple of hundred yards of line. Most are 200-yard spools. If using a heavier line like a 20-pound test then you’ll be using less. This is enough to help you maximize your casting and allow you to change out lures and cut lines without using up all of the lines on your spool.
Products
Now that we’ve covered some of the different types of line, how to use them, and how much line you need on your spool let’s go over some different products. Below, we’re going to go over some of the most popular fishing lines out there. Check them out and see which ones are going to help you have the best fishing day possible.
1. Berkeley Fluoro Shield
This comes in two different amounts. One is a three thousand-yard spool the other is three hundred. The three thousand yards is great for someone who wants to spool multiple reels with this product. The three hundred amount is perfect for most anglers who want to spool a reel or two and get a few seasons out of the line.
This line is similar to a hybrid of mono and fluoro. The core of the line is similar to monofilament and then it is coated with fluorocarbon. This makes the line more abrasion-resistant than normal fluoro and is nearly invisible under the water.
You’ll want to fish this line similar to how you would fluorocarbon. This is because it sinks and would do best when using a lure that sits on the bottom or if you want to get some extra depth of a jerk bait or crankbait.
The extra abrasion resistance makes it ideal for throwing around stumps, docks, rocks, trees, or anything else that might snap a line. It’s hard to go wrong when using this line, it is very versatile and can be used for most fishing techniques.
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2. Berkeley Vanish Fluorocarbon
Coming in a wide selection of sizes and amounts, the Vanish fluoro is 100% clear underwater. Making it perfect for targeting bass in clear lakes, ponds, and rivers. Or when fishing really pressured bodies of water where the fish are more skittish than normal. Perfect for finesse fishing.
The Vanish line is also incredibly sensitive. So if you find that the fish are biting very delicately that day then this is the line you should be using. You’ll be able to pick up on any little nibble and will be able to set the hook and get that fish in.
Often time you’ll find that fluorocarbon is stiff and not flexible. This could lead to broken lines if you’re not careful. Berkeley has found a way to help with that though. Making Vanish the most flexible fluorocarbon line out there.
If you want to attach a leader to your braided line then look no further. This is ideal for tying to your forty-pound braid and using it when throwing soft plastics. When paired together you get the best of both worlds. Strength and lack of visibility come together to help you bring in more fish.
Buy The Berkeley Vanish Fluorocarbon On Amazon
3. Spiderwire Stealth Braid
The Spiderwire Stealth fishing line comes in several different colors. Allowing you to match the color of the water you’re in perfectly. This way you don’t have to worry about spooking fish with your line in clear water, or stained water.
The color lock coating technology on spider wire braid ensures that your color will last longer no matter how much time you spend out with it. It also helps cast further by allowing the line to glide off the spool and through the guides.
Use this line when you are targeting big fish and need the extra strength to pull them in. It’s also great for fishing around thick cover and structure that might snap off a mono or fluoro line. If you want you could attach a flour or mono leader to this line to help when going after spooky fish.
The no-stretch line is also extremely sensitive. Allowing you to detect any sort of delicate bites that might occur. It also will help you in determining what kind of structure or what the bottom of the river or lake might be.
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4. Berkeley Trilene XL
Berkeley XL was created to cast extra smooth. Giving you incredible casting distance on your casts and to also limit the number of tangles you might get in your spool while casting. Making this great for beginners who are learning to cast.
This is a very versatile line and can be used for many different types of techniques. Mono will float but not for long. So it’s advised to not use it if you want your lure to rest before moving it again. Besides that, you could throw anything you wanted with this.
This is a solid line that is perfect for a back-to-the-basics angler. This is a no-frills line that can do it all. So, if you just want to slap on some line and go out and fish without worrying about density or diameter then this the right product for you.
This line also comes at a great price point and can be found just about anywhere that fishing line or supplies are sold. Making it perfect to use as a backup when you’ve forgotten line and need something versatile.
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5. Berkley Trilene XT
This is very similar to the Xl line we mentioned above but this is “extra tough”. This is the ideal line when you want to fish in areas that may snag or break or nick at your line. Perfect for pitching near docks or boulders.
This line comes in several different sizes as well as amounts. Ensuring that you can pair the sized line you need to the spool of your choice. Also, having a wide selection of amounts ensures you can spool just one or multiple reels at once.
Despite the low price point you’ll find that this line has very low memory. Meaning that the line will not curl as much which is going to help if you dont fish as much and will help prevent tangles or birdsnests from occuring.
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Conclusion
Knowing how line to put onto your spool is important, but you also need to know what type of line too. Braid, mono, and fluro are all used for different methods of fihsing and using thw rong one could make for a frustrating day out freshwater fishing.
If you have trouble finding any of the braid above then check out Power Pro. This works great with a fluorocarbon leader. The Power Pro is your main line and then attached to it could be monofilament line or flouro.
So, use the info above to help you pick out the right line for you and make sure to read your spool beforehand. This way you know much line to put on.