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Forum nameTrophy Fishing Forum
Topic subjectSwimbait Question
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=2068
2068, Swimbait Question
Posted by 59lbwsb, Tue Jan-07-03 07:54 PM
Hey i hust wanted to know if i can fish my swimbaits with 14lb test? I just thought id ask in case it isnt enough.
Thanks
2069, RE: Swimbait Question
Posted by Phil, Tue Jan-07-03 08:14 PM
I think 14lb is a little light for most situations. It might be ok for 7" baits in clear water, but I generally go heavier. I use 20lb for 7" baits and 25lb for 9" and bigger. I also use a flourocarbon leader about 6ft long. For the line, I think it's hard to beat Berkley big game. It's strong, cheap and you can get it practically anywhere.
2070, RE: Swimbait Question
Posted by Nico, Tue Jan-07-03 08:18 PM
As a general rule of thumb I'd say use 20 lb for 7 inch baits, 25 lb for 9 inch baits, and 30 lb for 12 inch baits.

You could probably throw the 7-9 inch wood baits on 14 lb test. But there would be a high chance of failure if your line had the slightest nick in it. And that's never a chance I want to take. Even without scraping it against cover, the first 2-4 feet of your line gets stressed just from casting these heavy baits.

Overall I don't think line visibility is a huge factor for swimbaits. But if you are fishing super clear water I'd use a florocarbon leader before downsizing my line.