Hi all

I would like to try some braided line for surf fishing but my research has led to some confusion.

I have a new Penn 4000 spinning reel so there's that. My target fish are Whiting, Pompano, that sort but I would like to be able to handle something a little bigger if the opportunity arises.

So I know I can get much more braid on my reel but here's what I can't figure out:

- Is it better to use a mono backer? If so, how much and what weight. I mean do I fill half the spool, a quarter?
- Should I use a long leader of mono? How long? What weight?
- I've read that braid can really cut you and that it can wear on your fingers from casting when using a spinning reel. If this is true, how should I deal with it?

And finally...Considering the size of my reel, is it worth it to have more line on my reel by using braid?

Thanks in advance

Not sure where you read about cutting yourself or wearing your fingers on braid, but I'd pick some other publications. The only way you could realistically cut yourself on braid is if you are hung up and try to rip it out by wrapping the line around your hand.

As far as the other questions, don't overanalyze it. I don't like using mono as backing. If you don't want to fill the spool with braid you can put tape on the spool to take up some of the room.

Personally I like a mono or flouro leader, but it is absolutely not necessary. I make my leader length about 3x the length of the rod. That way you have mono wrapped a few times around the spool when you cast and are not putting a shock load on the knot. And while on the water I'll never re-tie the leader. Just cut it off and tie lure straight to the braid.

A Penn 4000 seems a little large for Whiting and Pompano.
I have PowerPro 20 lb braid on one older Shimano 2500 reel and Windtamer 15 lb braid on a new Daiwa BG 2500 which I haven't had a chance to use yet. I do use a 3' mono or flouro leader. In the surf, I am usually throwing a 3/4 oz gold spoon for Speckled Trout and Spanish Mackerel.
I would use tape wrapped around the spool instead of using mono backing to cut line cost.
Spanish Mackerel cut braided line much more easily than mono or flouro so after several trips to Academy to restock on spoons, I started using a leader.

Sounds good to me. I read that I needed mono backer, then the braid, then a shock leader. Sounded pretty involved so thanks for clearing that up.

Regarding the leader, how do you select the weight? Same as the main line, lighter, heavier?

ETA: I will be using mainly bait rigs, not lures...at least at first.

Regarding the Penn 4000 size reel, I tried to go not too big but not too small. FWIW, it has a rubber band type material fixed in place around the spool (arbor?) supposedly just for braided line to grip on to.

You are fine with that reel and i personally would use 20-30lb braid on the reel. Fill the spool up. I also use a 30lb leader about 18-24 inches. Tight Lines!

Thanks for the help!

Your reel will be fine. All of my surf reels are Shimano 4000. I put 30# braid on them then tie on a 3' double drop leader. Have caught reds up to 43" and sharks to 4'on these

Thanks. That's a good looking rig. You make your own?

Thanks. That's a good looking rig. You make your own?[/quote]


Yes 80# mono 7/0 circle hooks

So about this "shock leader" I have 30 lb braid for my reel and just assuming I have a 4oz weight, would I need to use that? If so, would I then need a 50lb shock leader of Fluorocarbon? My reel is a 4000 size that it says can hold 185 yds of 30 lb braided line so do I need to go up in reel size?

Thanks again.

For me - I tried braid this last season on my surf rods and am done with it. Not worth the hassle. Beats up your gear and your hands. Tangles easily. Breaks off rod ends.

Only pro is it can cast for days...

I despise braid under any circumstances, it will cut your fingers at some point or another whether you’re trying to or not. I fished the surf last year for specs and reds. I used 10 lb mono with a 12 lb fluorocarbon leader. Caught some 25-27” specs, plenty of slot reds and a 30+” red, and some Jack cravelle, with no problems. No need to go overkill on small fish like whiting and pompano, put some 10-12 lb mono on and set your drag. Also no need to cast 100s of yards either, I catch nearly all of my fish right off the beach. So long as you can find beach structure you don’t need to cast miles.

I use 20# Power pro on spinning reels. Which are mostly throwing 1/8 oz heads with plastics.
15# Ande back country mono on casting reels, never liked trying to make long casts with braid.

If I fish with braid... I always wear a glove with only pointing finger protected and rest cut at first knuckle. Amazon has 3 packs for 8$.