When casting from the bank using a baitcasting reel would it be better for me to start with mono or braid. I have very little experience casting anything other than spinning reels. I have a couple of Abu 6500s and I plan to give catfishing a try. I've mostly fished for panfish and carp in the past. I won't be fishing from a boat and will have to cast a little more than some one might from a boat.

I'm sure I could use my spinning reels but I want to try something new.

u backlash braid you'll have to cut it off..........put them Abus on 10 foot rods(ProAngler recommended but there are others) and spool with 25 lb Big Game mono.....


All your carp gear would be good catfish gear.........

Thanks *D.C.M.*

I have (2) 2PC 8' UglyStiks I just traded recently for 2 of my $30 carp rods.

The 6500 is a great reel for casting a mile. The trick is to make sure you have a pretty big sinker, 3oz or better, and keep your thumb hovering over the spool. As soon as it hits the water, stop the spool with your thumb. I had to practice that quite a bit, now I can almost spool my 5000 series abus with a 2oz weight. I've seen some folks be able to chunk a reel loaded with braid some insane distances, but yeah, a braid backlash can be a nightmare.

Get your reels spooled up with some suffix and let the fur fly. Use a little line and reel magic as you're spooling the reel. It'll help keep the line limber so you can chunk your bait as far as possible.

Before you head to the lake, tie on a 2 oz sinker, find a long field and practice using your 6500. Learn to adjust your brakes using the knob on the side plate to maximize distance without backlashing. Begin with casual lobs and work up from there. If you start off swinging for the fences you will spend a lot of time dealing with backlash tangles. Also, search youtube for easy methods to fix backlashes. They will happen, and it is best to be prepared for them so you don't get frustrated and give up. Good luck and have fun out there!!

Forgot to add, I prefer 20 lb hi vis green or yellow mono.

if you want distance and better casts you cant beat braid but prior to spooling up your reel let the braid soak overnight in water it will allow the braid to be spooled onto the reel much tighter

+1 on braid but it takes practice, you have to adjust the reel to the weight. I usually check and adjust mine nearly every cast. Go to a park or somewhere you can cast along way and let it rip. I like longer rods with good backbone for long cast.

I like braid i have had it lock up but never nest