Has anyone ever noticed white bass being line shy? I generally use 14lb test for white bass in case you hook into something bigger, but I’ve been wondering if that may be effecting the white bass willingness to bite. What’s everyone’s experiences on this?

i think you are fine i have used 14 or
15 all my life and have caught my fair share. good luck.

Lots of variables, but yes they can 100% be line shy at times. When they run up the creeks to spawn you probably wouldnt even get bit on 14lb line with me right beside you catching 100+ per day on the same lure. Water clarity and depth would play a role on the main lake, but for the most part I can get away with 12lb line in most cases on the main lake.

I use 15 lb. mono most of the time. I have caught my fair share of white bass using it with no matter to the size lure I might try. I know the fluorocarbon line is supposed to be less visible I believe , and the Mepps master, Mr. Christian uses only 10 lb. Fluorocarbon for all his fishing. He my chime in and give his reasons for that to you.

I use a 14lb leader tied to braid for a better feel. In the winter when I am deadsticking, I still use braid but I drop my leader to 8lbs.

This has been my experience. The white bass in our local lakes are not line shy at all. During the spawn when they run the creeks they are extremely line shy. Anything over 4lb test lowers your catch rate by 75% or more. I'm not sure why the difference but it certainly makes a difference with those whites in the creek. I have seen it over and over again.

I use a folded over beer cap with a treble and 80lb braid.

I use 20 lb braid which is way over kill but it makes zero difference on my lakes. I like 20 lb because I can target hybrids too and not lose any tackle. I know others use about a 20 lb braid mainline with a fluoro leader because their lakes are crystal clear.

Thanks for everyone’s feedback!

It can make a difference. One time in the 1980s my wife and I were fishing a shallow point on Lake Livingston. It had not rained for several months and the water was clearer than normal.To my dismay, the wife was catching 3 whites to my one. We were both using Mepps # 3 spinners using spincast rigs. Finally, I took a closer look at her rig, and her reel had 10 lb mono line compared to the 20 lb mono line on my reel. I switched to a reel with 10 lb line and started catching them as fast as she was. Now, to eliminate any doubt, I use low visibility 100 % fluorocarbon line.

my opinion 8-10 lb for whites is plenty, I use14 for stripers and never had a fish break line. proper drag is key.

I think it has more to do with how stiffer line impacts the action of the lure. Especially with smaller lighter lures.

Depends on the scenario. On lakes not as much, when they are in the creeks in the spring, they’re majorly line shy and you won’t have success without fluorocarbon in most areas around Dfw.

I think it depends on their surroundings. If their in a pack, their not shy at all. If they are alone, they can be very cautious. See these video of a lone sandbass, vs wolfpacks . The loner was out cruising open water. She really checks out the lure, but the fleeing action did the trick.. The second video is a mad dash for the bait. The loner was a big one, and the wolfpack were smaller fish. When I see them in these size schools they just want the bait before their buddy gets it.

Loner






Wolfpack

I concur with what has been said by previous posters, I have never had a problem on the lake , but it made a huge difference up the
Neches on the spring run.

MO