Simple question...man has a 10 lb. test spincast reel. What heavier line would be okay to use for medium distance casting, 12, 14, 17, 20 lb., or don't even both, the reel packaging recommendations are there for a reason? Mono line...

Addendum: I hate asking questions that make me look so novice, but googling didn't help, and if man needs to know, chin up! I do love to learn.

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Casting distance can be affected by line weight, but I'd suggest sticking to what is recommended for the reel.

Distance of the cast can be affected by weight of lure, action and length of rod, as well as of course wind.

Matching your rod + lure weight will greatly add distance to a cast.

For me, i use at least 20# line. it doesnt bother me to lose a little distance on casting.

Thanks brothers...I know I'll lose casting distance, but I'm actually wondering if using heavier line than what the reel is designed to handle is bad for the reel. I guess I did not specify. It's an Ugly Cast spincast reel, that I really like, but it came with 10lb. line, 75 yds, and a 3:8:1 ratio. I will give more drag next time out, but wondered about using heavier line with "this" specific reel. I bought some 17lb. mono, but haven't put it on yet, and don't know if I will.

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Unless you're going for big cats, or bass in heavy cover, I'd stick with the 10#. If you're fishing with lures, you'll get more strikes with the lighter line.

I found a place with big carp and catfish, and I'm a catch and release cat. They are snapping the 10 lb, so I thought about giving more drag, obviously, and also adding heavier line. I'll figure it out. Thanks for responding friends. Corn works well sitting on a hook like a bear trap, no lures.

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Tie a santee style rig and use the heavier mono as a leader. That may help before changing the whole spool. I use a santee rig exclusively for big cats. On that particular reel I would rather go 20lb braid w mono leader. That way you get more line. I just don't think such heavy mono will work smoothly on a spincast.

Good luck

Use the reels drag to cover the question +/- heavy line strength
Using heavy line anticipating "the big one" just will not cover the averages.
Good quality (Trilene)12-14# will cover you upwards of 20lb in fish weight in open water
Overkill in fishing is all to common and most times detrimental to performance and equipment ability.

There used to be "skill" in fishing . . . . not so much anymore
Its not a set it and forget it kinda venture.
Even with 10# test you should be able to whip'em if the reel's drag is worth a flip.

Run a loose drag and drop your finger on the spool when you need just a hair more "woah"
Most spinning reels also back spool(which never seen much use for)

Based on what your doing going with a braid line is going to be your best bet. It is a stronger line that is thinner than mono. My guess is your lobbing your bait more than casting it.

Reggie

Don't go over the specs for a rod or reel. It won't hurt the reel, but you will be extremely disappointed in the reduced performance overall. The reel will only hold a small amount of line, and your casting range will be terrible. If the reel says use 6-10 lb line, then follow it. If you need to use mono and it has to be strong line, then you need to buy a new combo that will fit your application. Braid, as stated earlier, is a good option so you can increase strength and still follow the parameters of the reel. Powerpro or suffix 832 are good braids to try if you go that route. Hope this helps and good luck with the biggun!

I'm taking back my 17 lb Spiderwire and getting something "else" to help get those dad-blasted bigguns! Thanks!

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You can land a 20-30lb fish on 20lb line
You can land 50lb fish on 20lb line

Look up a few IGAF Records,H U G E fish are landed on single digit line weights
Yes Sir,it is about the one holding the rod,that braid,this braid,that mono,this mono is nothing but(for the most part) skill compensation.
Your gear must accommodate the conditions,heavy cover and open waters are very much different.
Species has very little to do with it
Whatever your line weight its good to double your leader weight

Let the rod/reel handle the load and you handle the patience to get'em reeled in

Here's an idea. If you like spincast reels, I've got a few Zebco 888 reels that I used to use a lot fishing down on the coast that handle 30 lb. mono with ease. They are pretty good little workhorses. If you should be so inclined, I'd be happy to give you one of them. There's an easy fix.

Here's an idea. If you like spincast reels, I've got a few Zebco 888 reels that I used to use a lot fishing down on the coast that handle 30 lb. mono with ease. They are pretty good little workhorses. If you should be so inclined, I'd be happy to give you one of them.

There's an easy fix.