Best line for casting cranks?

I’m interested to read what you guys say is your favorite line for casting cranks, specifically, and why. I’m using a casting rod set up that I love to cast cranks with (Shimano Caenan reel, Cabela’s IM7 rod, nothing real special), and that’s pretty much all I use it for. I’m currently using some 10lb Sufix Elite, which is fine and has gotten fish in that I had no business getting in, but I’m looking for something better. I really don’t wanna cast with braid, so I guess what I’m looking for is some sort of mix between braid and mono, if that makes any sense. Gimme what you got, guys.

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Best line for casting cranks?

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In my boat? LOOK OUT!!

I like Trilene XT.

Been using it for years and when I try Flouro or others – I come back

P-Line Co Poly and Gama also work pretty good.

Cant beat the price on the Trilene XT

Dog

Trilene XT

B.:

Casting cranks for me is a combo of braid and mono, but then so is pitching jigs in the spring. My preference leans toward the lighter braids with a floro leader… so I am a Power Pro fan 10/2 with a 10# to 20# floro leader…

As for mono, I am a big fan of casting 6#-8# cortland green or Stren blue or yellow… In the upcoming weeks I am going to be casting cranks in a heavily wooded areas and I will be using 12# Stren blue. I use the colored lines during the dusk/dawn periods for increased visibility and better control.

Mark

I feel a good angler should use line/rod and reel combos like a good golfer uses dif. clubs! With that being said – here are my preferences with lines:

Trilene XT 14 to 17 for bass and big walleye cranks (Salmo #6 Hornets and DT-6 through DT-16) spooled on a baitcaster – lighter cranks – XT 10.

Trilene XL 8 on a spinning rod – when you need to cast smaller cranks like a #4 or #5 Hornet, Flicker Shad or Shad Rap. I prefer mono over superline 80% of the time because of the stretch (Less fish come “unbuttoned”).

Fireline 14lb – On a spinning reel – when you really need to get the crank back (IE Devils Lake, Mississippi River wood, Etc) IF Northerns or clear water become a factor – 20 pound Fluro Leader – 3 to 6 feet in length.

Berkley Nano Fill 10 lb – when you really need to chuck a light crank a LLLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG ways. Careful not to “overcast” to avoid ending up in the “salad” on shore.

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I feel a good angler should use line/rod and reel combos like a good golfer uses dif. clubs! With that being said – here are my preferences with lines:

Trilene XT 14 to 17 for bass and big walleye cranks (Salmo #6 Hornets and DT-6 through DT-16) spooled on a baitcaster – lighter cranks – XT 10.

Trilene XL 8 on a spinning rod – when you need to cast smaller cranks like a #4 or #5 Hornet, Flicker Shad or Shad Rap. I prefer mono over superline 80% of the time because of the stretch (Less fish come “unbuttoned”).

Fireline 14lb – On a spinning reel – when you really need to get the crank back (IE Devils Lake, Mississippi River wood, Etc) IF Northerns or clear water become a factor – 20 pound Fluro Leader – 3 to 6 feet in length.

Berkley Nano Fill 10 lb – when you really need to chuck a light crank a LLLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG ways. Careful not to “overcast” to avoid ending up in the “salad” on shore.

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Does tha nanofil really go that good off the reel?

Wow…

Dog

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I feel a good angler should use line/rod and reel combos like a good golfer uses dif. clubs! With that being said – here are my preferences with lines:

Trilene XT 14 to 17 for bass and big walleye cranks (Salmo #6 Hornets and DT-6 through DT-16) spooled on a baitcaster – lighter cranks – XT 10.

Trilene XL 8 on a spinning rod – when you need to cast smaller cranks like a #4 or #5 Hornet, Flicker Shad or Shad Rap. I prefer mono over superline 80% of the time because of the stretch (Less fish come “unbuttoned”).

Fireline 14lb – On a spinning reel – when you really need to get the crank back (IE Devils Lake, Mississippi River wood, Etc) IF Northerns or clear water become a factor – 20 pound Fluro Leader – 3 to 6 feet in length.

Berkley Nano Fill 10 lb – when you really need to chuck a light crank a LLLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG ways. Careful not to “overcast” to avoid ending up in the “salad” on shore.

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Does tha nanofil really go that good off the reel?

Wow…

It does off a spinning reel, I have never tried with a baitcaster though. It’s not recommended for baitcasters.

For the OP – I was going to suggest fireline braid, but then you said no braid. When I don’t want braid on a baitcaster, it’s 10 or 12 Sensation.

For the last couple of seasons I have been using Sufix Deep Cranking Line with excellent results.

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Some good points here.

Yes, I wanna get my cranks back. And northerns are a problem, and lots of areas I’m casting to include wood and questionable cover. So I’m looking for something that will handle the rough stuff.

I’m currently using 10lb Sufix Elite, and I have to say I’m very impressed with it. Casts a mile. But….I just feel I want something tougher. I’ve gotten lucky so far, but I know that won’t last forever. And I hate losing cranks…but hate losing fish more.

I like the idea of the fluro leader, something I may have to look into. I really don’t wanna cast with Fireline on the casting reel, so maybe I’ll look at the XT. Mainly because when it comes to XL and XT, I’m very unfamiliar with them.
Basically, when a big wiper hits, I don’t wanna lose them. And when a northern strikes, I want my bait back.

Thanks a lot, I will try some options here. Casting cranks has been somewhat productive for me thus far this year, and I’m looking for more.

What kind of cranks are you throwing? Big bass cranks, big walleye cranks, little shad raps and flicker shads? I use a different line and set-up for each of those.

For throwing walleye cranks with casting gear I use 30# braid. For spinning gear I use either 10# braid or 8lb trilene sensation. I only use the spinning for #5-#7 flicker shads/shad raps. I use the casting for wally divers, reef runners, and fat free shads.

I know you didnt want braid, but that is what I feel is the best.. the casting distance of a good quality 30# braid over 10# mono is incredible with cranks.

I’m usually casting smaller stuff like Bomber square As, DT4 and 6, and spinners. But recently have been throwing #10 X Raps, but that’s about as big as it gets. I do throw cranks a lot for bass, but some for walleyes too.

Ok guys, just a quick check in. Here’s what I’ve done recently:

I changed my spool to 15lb Northland Bass line, just because I won some last year and wanted to see what it would do. Wow….disappointing. I knew better, but wanted to try it anyways. I had to make adjustments on the Caenen reel all night to dial it in. Was difficult to cast as well. But, I did learn that it may make excellent leader material. I’m going to try the line I had on previously (Sufix Elite 10lb clear) and tie about a foot long leader of this stuff on, because it appears to be very tough. The biggest problem I’m noticing with the Sufix is how much it stretches. I could really do without that. I’d like to try a line that stretches much less, but isn’t no-stretch like Power Pro. I’m sure I’ll work my way to other suggestions here in the near future. We’ll see what I can come up with.

Try a co-poly like p-line cx premium. Nice and thin, real strong, and not much stretch.

May have to try that. I know P Line was mentioned before, and I’ve never tried it. But at this point, I’m more willing to try new lines that I haven’t before. I’m usually pretty apprehensive in trying new lines, but it may be time.

Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon…strong, holds knots well, and can take a beating. Expensive, but you can easily get 3-4 years out of the line assuming you don’t backlash much!

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May have to try that. I know P Line was mentioned before, and I’ve never tried it. But at this point, I’m more willing to try new lines that I haven’t before. I’m usually pretty apprehensive in trying new lines, but it may be time.

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It is one of my favorite lines for throwing walleye jigs. If I’m not using braid I’m using cx-premium. Super sensitive, super thin, super strong, good abrasion resistance, and VERY limp. Its also not a bad price. Get the moss green, it is not as green as most and will blend in nicely. The clear blue is real bright blue in the sun.

Is the P Line C21 Co-polymer any good?

Welllll….maybe I was premature in saying I didn’t wanna cast with braid. I tried it last night with some 20lb power pro that I have on my jig-n-pig Curado. Pretty much about all I use that rod for these days. Well, that might change. I threw my same lipless crank last night and wrangled in 3 cats, a LMB, 2 pike, and one walleye. It will take some getting used to as you can really feel every wobble the crank makes, that’s for sure. I think a leader will need to be employed next time, but it sure was fun. I have some P Line and Trilene on the way. The experimentation continues…..