Line...I am confused

[LumberWolf]

Ok, I have searched all over this site and I can't figure out what I need to know...

I need line for the two new Surf rigs I just bought. I am a relative Surf novice but have been fishing in other ways all my life.

Please help me spool up!!

1. Ande Tournament 9' (Line: 12-30)(Lure: 1-4)-- I will be using this mostly for lures and such.
1. Okuma Stratus SGT-50 (10/440, 12/390, 15/280)

2. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Big Water 12' (Line: 12-40)(Lure: 2-12)-- This will be for tossing 8nBait.
2. Okuma Stratus SGT-65 (12/540, 15/390, 20/320)

I know my gear isn't that highly thought of, but I neede to start somewhere and didnt want to spend alot of $$.

My preliminary thoughts were 15# on the 9' and 20# on the 12'.

Also, I know if I use braid, I need to put mono backing on first, If so, how many yards and what weight??

And, I know shock leader should be 10# for every oz of lead but, how long does my shock need to be?


Is this the setup I am after?

----------mono-backer-----------%_____________braid main line_________%~~~~~~~~~mono/flouro~shock~~~~~~~~~~%(HOOK)

I will be fishing the OBX (CaLo) Easter Weekend for whatever decides to bite (hopefully they will be big and red!!!). Thanks for your help in advance, I am totally lost!!!

[sinker man]

I'll second Surf Fish's answer. Exactly what I was thinking. Suffix Tritanium is popular around Cape Hatteras but the 2 mentioned are tried and true. Have a good trip and check your checklist at least three times before you start packing to make sure you have the essentials.

[Digger]

Excellent answers. I just would suggest 12 and 17 although those reels hold plenty of line so 15 and 20 should work well. The Sufix is a bit better but the price is right on the Berkley and Ande. Enjoy!

[Orest]

like they all said 12 of the little guy and 15-17 for the big guy.

[barty b]

Dear God...DO NOT Fish Braid On The Obx..They Will Kill You For Doing That!!!!!



sorry I just couldn't resist :D

[Ryan Y]

Its all about what you make of it. You might find that its the best that youve ever had....

[Newsjeff]

Also, I know if I use braid, I need to put mono backing on first, If so, how many yards and what weight??
The reels you have will hold lots of braid in the 14lb-30lb range. Too much, IMHO. I don't see a need for using anything stronger than 20lb for what you're doing. Might be better - and cheaper - to stick with mono.

Having said that, if you still want to use braid just cover the spools with mono first. You don't need too much mono backing, just enough to cover the spool. The theory is the mono will keep the braid from slipping.

[rattler]

i agree with NJ...thats alot of braid($$)...i would stick to mono...braid has its uses but takes time to get used to, especially with a wind in your face...whatever you decide, make sure you have good knots...