Line Question

This is my second year of club bass fishing. Last summer I finished near the bottom in every tourney, with the exception of 1 win. My question is: Am I using way to heavy line??
To save money I have always bought big spools of 14 & 17 lb. line, then spooled everything up with that. Recently, I have put some vanish and fireline on some reels, but at the same line class.
My club seems to fish a lot of clearer water lakes, is this what is putting me at a disadvantage?
Please, criticism is welcome. I want to improve.

I think it depends on which presentation you are using. If you’re throwing crankbaits out on the edge of the weeds in a clear water lake, lighter line may help. If you’re pitching jigs into heavy cover I think you could use chalk line and still catch fish. I use 12 lb line a lot, personally.

Rootski

Line is a detail. Not a cure. I am guilty of changing line for too often. But it is not why you are successful or not. Look at how and where you are fishing. Keep a journal to determine what is or is not working. Make sure to put as much information in this journal as you can. Water temp, clarity, outside conditions ect. As you develop this journal you will be able to look back on previous experiences to develop a game plan for the day. I am a huge fan of experimenting. Try things that are uncomfrotable. If you pich Jigs. Spend a day throwing crank Baits.

Give some new things a try. It may take a while but it will be fun along the way.

What kind of baits are you throwing? Do you try to fish rocks? weedlines? docks? shallow? Deep….Give us an idea as to what you look for when fishing a clubber. What bodies of water have you been fishing?

I agree that the line isn’t the problem is, but most likely preperation…Let us know some more details, we’ll try to help

but then again, i finish on the bottom alot too, so maybe you don’t want my advise..lol

Thanks for the opinions. It seems that most of the time, my boater likes to fish the 1st breakline. Be that, a submerged weedline, reed edges, etc.
Maybe it is a lack of experience/time on the water. Growing up I was able to fish every weekend, which made me think I was pretty good. But then since college, real-life has started and I have been really limited on fishing days. Hopefully that is the excuse I can milk for the next few years.