Setting up two baitcasters for salt water

I have two baitcast reels that I want to restring. I have a cheap Browning stalker gold low profile bait caster that currently has #20 big game mono (backlashes like crazy) and an abu 5500 C3 with nothing on it at the moment. I want to set them up for speckled trout and red fish. I use lures probably 90% of the time when I fish. Any recommendations on type of line, test, etc.? Historically almost all of my fishing experience is freshwater for bass and crappie, any tips would be appreciated.

I use 12 pound mono for mine.. I can sail pretty much anything I cast with it.

No issues with landing larger specs or reds on 12 pound?

I haven't had any so far. I've pulled in decent reds too with 12 pound, you will be good if you work it right.

Great thanks. I'm trying to find that happy medium between not so light that I'm losing lures and not so heavy that I can't cast it or break my pole on a fish.

Also make sure your drag is set okay.. some of my friends (And me!) have lost a few fish because the drag was set too high..

Specs and Reds can put a LOT of tension on the lines! I typically use 30# PowerPro braid as the main line and then I will use a 4' flouro leader with 12-15 pound line connected using Uni-to-Uni knots. Watch your leaders and if you feel it s worn, you need to cut the hook and worn line (typically about 3-4 inches) and re-tie.

If you are out catching big Reds, make sure you have plenty of braid on the spool to prevent being completely spooled by the fish.

12 pound line will be fine. I fished the last 15 years heavily on the coast. Used 10 pound or 12 on my spinning rig and probably 14 on my baitcasters. I pretty much used P line copolymer. I always tied a short 20 or 25 pound fluorocarbon leader with double uni knot to main line. Don't need much more than 18 inches of leader. Really for those bigger reds that have some rough stuff in their mouths. If you have good drags on your reels and fight the fish well this set up will work great for you. Improved clinch knot or Rapala loop knot to your lure.

I should probably clarify I was 100% shallow water flats fishing basically. I think if you are fishing jetties or heavy structure my advice might not be so good.

I am bass fishing now and am trying to learn the best setups and have never used braid so that is a new animal for me.

Good luck

I use 15 in salt water