Just ordered a Tatula Elite 7.1 and wondering what size braid you guys run on your baitcasters for all-around use—topwaters, chatterbaits, jerkbaits, etc.
I've always run 50 but wondering if going down to 30 would give a little more distance. Thanks.

Braid should never be used for chatterbaits or jerkbaits. IMO That's what flouro is for.

Topwater poppers, walking baits, etc. I use 40-50 lb Diawa J-Braid and have no issues with distance. Also using a Diawa Tatula SV 7:3.1.

I use 40-50 lb braid to a 10’ leader of fluorocarbon. I got tired of always changing out expensive fluorocarbon. I have zero issues with braid and chatterbaits, jerk baits etc. Only downside is it doesn’t sink as well as fluorocarbon when fishing deep. FG knot

Unless you're fishing for Moby Dick, 30# test is more than adequate to fight a 7 lb bass or 10 lb catfish. Been there, done it (though minus a few pounds for each ). Braid is thin compared to the diameter of the same pound test of fluro or mono. The lure sinks the line even when using light lures 1/6 oz. or lighter on 15# test braid. Even a lure weight of 3/8 oz or more meant to work the bottom in 20', will sink real fast and the line will have less slack hopping it on bottom.

Is there an issue with backlash on a bait caster using braid? As long as the brake is set right and the thumb feels the spool as it spins, not really. Besides, other than using braid, long-distance hook sets are more difficult when using stretchy lines.

This 7 lb cat was caught on 15# test braid and a medium action rod, 40' away from the boat, in 7 FOW; lure weight 1/8 oz.:


...same for this 2 3/4 lb pickerel: caught last week in weeds 30' from the boat in shallow water:


...and this 4 lb bass in pads:



JMHO

I wouldn’t use 30 for frog fishing a snap slack line hook set will snap it. Especially close range

50 for me and I like braid with chatterbaits.

I would not go below 40# braid on a bait caster. Even 40 has a similar diameter to 10# mono so yes you will get more casting distance with 40 than 50 and 30 breaks easier than you think especially if you are fishing around pads or thick brush.

I have used the FG knot & Alberto knots but I prefer to go straight fluoro when fishing jerkbaits. I like straight braid on topwaters.

50lb PowerPro MaxCuatro. Has a smaller diameter than regular 50lb PP so you get the added casting distance without sacrificing poundage rating. Its all I use on bait casters other than for punching or large swimbaits however I have used it for both in the past. Plenty strong for frogs. Expensive but worth it. Havent changed mine out in 3 years. I simply reversed the spool after three years of use and good to go for another 3. Blood knot just above the reel to fluoro or mono.

50# minimum I like 65lb

I only use 65# test braid on baitcasters throwing topwater frogs and an A-rig., so I was wondering, does smaller braid dig into itself when pulled on hard? I do have smaller 30# test braid but that is on spinning tackle.

Ken's no less than 40lb braid on a baitcaster is a good guideline.
I haven't had problems with 40lb Power pro digging on a baitcaster (regular or super slick)
I have had issues with more wiry braid like Suffix 832 40lb braid digging.

I use 30lb power pro braid tied to a fluro leader using an FG knot on all my bait casters. The leader changes size depending on what lure I throw or what I throw the lure into.

For the stuff you’re asking about I’d go with #40. Though I personally use fluorocarbon for chatterbaits, I have used braid to leader. Usually #40 for topwater with a short mono leader. You can use a braid/leader combo for jerkbaits. So with all of that said, I’d go #30-#40 braid and add a leader as needed.

I use Power Pro Braid in 20-30-40 and 50 for different Topwater, Swim Jig and flipping baits with the 20 lb on my Wacky Senko rig.
On my moving baits like Chatterbait, Spinnerbait, Swimbait, Traps etc I have tried using different Fluorocarbon lines over the last few years because everyone is using it telling me it should be the way to go. But each time I have always gone back to the McCoys Mean Green CoPolymer line which has always given me the best results. 15 lb is tough as nails with literally no memory and has just a small amount of stretch and seems to me to give the fish just that split second to really suck the bait in where I used to feel like I pulled the bait too guickly away from the fish with the braid or flourocarbon.
I just also got my latest order of a spool of 900 yards for about $20.00 so it's not real expensive also.

I agree, McCoys Mean Green is fantastic line. I have been using it for many years now.