How big of a factor does pound test line play in the amount of bites you get?
I grew up fishing with a guy who only used 4# test super mono. I think it's made by Spiderwire. Man i'd think some of the slabs in lakes around here would break that right off....?

I've got about $50 worth of bass pro gift cards to burn so any recommendations for line/jigs is much appreciated.

Your going to get a ton of different answers but I prefer 6 pound high vis mono. It's light but you can still swing fish in the boat.

Most #20 braid is smaller in dia, than #6 mono. This is what I use.

Mono has too much stretch (and memory) for me.

Ok, here's my opinion. If you have a $50 gift card, this will get you set up very well :

- one spool of this in 6 lb. : http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tourney-Tough-Monofilament-Fishing-Line/product/16526/
- one spool of this in 20 lb (6 pound diameter) : http://www.basspro.com/PowerPro-Braided-Spectra-Fiber-Micro-Filament-Line-300-Yards/product/44283/

Fill spool about 1/2 way with the mono as a backing (that's why there's no need for higher dollar mono)...then join the mono to the braid with a Blood Knot...then put you about 100' of braid on the reel, and that reel will be ready for plenty of fishing, as braid will pull most "crappie size" hooks free when snagged.

For about $40.00 you have enough line to fill up 7-8 reels easily...only about $5-6 per reel.

Now you have $10 left for jigs/jig heads.

I have two questions for you duck_jerky. First why not use bigger mono for the backing so it doesn't take so much? And do you fish braid all the way to the jig or use a mono or Flourocarbon leader?

Thanks, Jason

20lb hi vis braid with a few feet of 10lb fluorocarbon leader. Same for all my crappie gear.

So what yer sayin is....4lb line is not the way to go? lol

You guys use braid for the sensitivity?

Yep. Even when you have a lot of line out you can feel even the smallest bite. No memory like mono so you don't have the coils which also effect sensitivity.

There's nothing wrong with mono. People have been catching limits of fish for a long, long time using mono. I just prefer braid.

Braid sucks, I hate it with every fiber of my being, fish can see it, it floats, and it cuts your fingers. Go with 4lb mr crappie hi VIs if fairly stained water and if the water is fairly clear, put a 4 lb fluoro leader. 4lb is plenty and the lighter the line, the more sensitivity you get and the more natural look your jig has in the water. Oh and mr crappie line is like $8 for a 1000 yard spool.

Been using 10# Stren clear blue flour. for 25 years. Can't find a reason to change yet.

No real reason why not to use larger mono for backing, I just use a smaller diameter. Yes, I fish braid all the way to the jig, whether fun fishing or tournament fishing.

I use braid for a few reasons:
- no memory, so no loops in the line if the braid is on a spinning reel
- 20 lb braid will pull most all jig hooks free if they get hung up
- the "no stretch" makes a bite feel like a lightning strike

Just keep you a small pair of scissors on the deck of your boat to cut it with.

10lb floro on my 8' vertical rods and 6lb clean blue stren on my dock shooters.

What color braid sir..?

10 lb floro works great for me