Best line for baitcasters

I’m looking for advice as to what is the best line to run in a baitcasting reel. Last year I had Iron Silk, and I actually liked it. But this year I intend to do more cold weather fishing and have heard that this stuff doesn’t do well in the cold. So, I’ve thought about switching to regular mono, but I like the superlines better. Anyone run fireline on a baitcaster? Anything special I should consider? I mostly fish for bass and usually run a carolina rig and cast cranks. Although in the summer, when it’s hot, I like to do a lot of slop fishing, so I need something tough too!
Thanks,
Steve

power pro is a great line for slop, c-rigging, jigs, spinnerbaits. I dont like it as well for cranks, but i know people who do. Power pro is durable, sensitive and very low stretch, not as great around rocks from my experience. I didnt like the iron silk very well- broke off 2 fish in one day, maybe user error????

With power-pro, do you need to put any mono backer on the spool first to prevent slippage? Or just spool it up?
Thanks,
Steve

I use 4/10 Fireline. Works great, but I do more trolling with it than anything (for walleyes). It’s listed in the Precision Trolling books, so no need to figure out a different diameter line for a lures depth-curve. I just put cheap mono on as a backing (if needed), and had no problems.

skhartke,

Whats your application for your line request? Or are you looking for the best all around line for several applications. I wish there was a line best for all conditions, but unfortunately I have not found that magic line yet!!

For cold weather, are you talking above below freezing temps or 40-50 degree weather, etc..
This will help you dial in on some suggestions for you and your line question.
Most of my baitcasters have heavier # braids on for some rough conditions, wingdams for walleyes, brush and slop for smallies, mono for topwaters, etc…
For trolling, I use both 10# mono and braided lines for open water applications and beef it up some when trolling the river rip rap or snaggy grounds.

Travis, are you referring to conversion chart on the Precision Trolling book?

I’m looking for the best all around type of line. I will be fishing pools 4 & 5 in April this year, and need something for that. After that, I mostly will do lake fishing, hitting some post spawn bass. My favorite things, are top water, and c-rigs. I will occasionally have a crank on, but not too often. I have only two baitcasters, and I need one to be c-rigged. The other I like to have a jig tied on. The topwater and cranks I use spincasters and I use fireline, or something similar on them.
Thanks,
Steve

OK,
So it sounds like you would be looking possibly for a low stretch, abrasion resistant mono possibly?
If I were in snaggy condition while I was pitching a jig, I would most opt for a low diameter braid. IF I were in open areas or obstruction free, a mono may be a better application. I have had pretty good luck with Hi-Vis Sensithin for cold water pitching applications. I tend to stay with a light of line as conditions allow, however if you are looking for a good all around diameter as well. 8-10# may be a good class for your applications.

Both lines have a time and a place, but I think a guy could get away with both as a pretty universal thread!

A good mono for me has been trilene big game- it works well on baitcasters and is pretty versatile- i use the 15 lb green for most open water, sparce cover applications- if the cover is heavy you can go up to 20. I stick with it or power pro on the river for bass. Yes, put about 25 yards of mono backing on to prevent the braid from slipping. The sensithin is also good as mentioned, but i stick to big game and power pro for most river bass fishing. The only other one i might use is p line fluroclear for cleaner water and low strech situations where sensitivity is important. good luck- it can be pretty complicated. I think for an all around line i would just learn one lines strengths and weaknesses and make your own personal decision- trial and error with your fishing style will find what is best for you. sorry to ramble, but the best thing is probably to find a brand (trilene, stren, pline, etc) that you are confident and comfortable with, then try the different line types based on what you want to do- most of them will have a website and explain the strengths of each “series” of line which can be a good starting point.

I like the CXX-XStrong P-Line. I know others that like the Flourorclear or CX-Premium better.