I thought about listing this under The Rev's line question but I have several more general questions.  (typical newbie stuff).

What line do you guys prefer for each application?  I have a spinning reel I use for plastics and I know I need line with low memory but I don't know how that plays with low visibility, stretch, sensitivity, and everything else, and what I am giving up to get something else?

I am also wondering what I should put on my crank bait rod/reel.

While we are at it how often are you guys putting new line on.

I've not been too happy with the Spectra and MicroDeema lines. Good copolymer is hard to beat. If you can see green mono, McCoy's is excellent. I can't, so I use Pradco Excalibur (spinning) or Super Silver Thread (baitcasters), also excellent stuff. I'd consider going with Izorline for baitcasters, recently put it on my crankbait reel. Neither type Izorline is worth a darn on spinning reels. Mostly, I use Pradco lines, and buy them in mini-bulk spools or bulk spools, 'cause they're cheap that way. Another factor is that because the spool is larger diameter, there's less curl in the line to start with.

C&R, Steve

I follow Larry's practice bt instead of
FireLine or Powerline, I have started using Stren Superbraid, which  prefer.  It doesn't fade and seems tp hold it's round shape better.  For bait casters I've started using 12 lb. P-Line flourocarbon for it's abrasive resistance and ability to penetrate a little deeper than conventional mono. It is slowly replacing my McCoy.  As for my spinning setups I use either P-Line Flouroclear or Excaliber in 8 lb test.  Like Steve, I also purchase my spinning line in mini-bulk spools to help allevate the memory and twist problems.

Smitty

 

I use 30 lb power-pro on weightless, texas, and caralina rig.  Its very very tough and it will skip a mile.  And it hasnt broken off on the rocks like fireline has done to me a bunch.  Although fireline is great for weeds and wood.  But power pro is alot more abraision resistant.  You can also see the line easy,  ive been fishing it in very clear water (meridian, goodwin, morton) in the last week and a half and i have caught several  big and small fish so i dont think seeing the line bugs them.

8-12 lb triline xt for crankbait and jerkbait works just as good as anything else ive tried.

I use 25lb triline big game on my flippin pole.  It works great and its cheap in the bigger spool.

I use both izor and p-line on my drop shot 6 - 8 lb.  Both are very tough lines.  Although, they start to twist up after 3 or 4 hard days fishing.

Just a note about tying power pro. (the best knots that ive found) The palomar works great but has 2 problems. 1. If you dont leave a long enough tab; the line (can) slip out some times (about 3/8 to 1/2 tab works). 2. Sometimes if you snap a hook set real hard it will cut at the knot..  

I havent had problems with the improved clinch not as of yet although it takes alot longer to tie and i just started tying it.

And dont even try to tie a knot that isnt doubled through the eye! it just doesnt work and you will get real frustrated, and the line IS  EXPENSIVE!

Thanks for all the help!  One more follow up question.

Several of you guys are talking about buying line in bulk.  How are you spooling your line to get the correct tension?

someone told me to run it through the phone book (about 1/2 way) and that would put the correct tension on the line.  That worked okay but I wasn't watching close enough and I just about split the phone book in half   

Well I have never heard of correct or incorrect line spooling tension. I don't think they sell a gauge or anything. Just a little pinch between the fingers and your good to go. The way you fish will change the tension anyhow. If you crank, your line will spool to whatever tension the bait puts on it. If you drag a worm, probably less tension. Its not a science.

As for the loops in spinning gear. I have always heard of laying the spool on the floor and turning it over if you get a loop, but you have to turn it over the right direction or you add a half a loop. I always looked at it this way. When your fishing...you want nice straight line, right? Well hold the spool straight line a baitcaster and reel. The line comes off in the opposite direction. No matter what, you will end up with twists after awhile. If you take something thats coiled and pull it straight, like when casting, the loops just pull tight.

At the end of the day, do the line drag behind the boat and you'll be fine. Or tie to a swivel in the campground, let the line out. Leave a little slack and reel while bouncing rod tip. the swivel will turn out most of the loops.