Fresh line is the cheapest upgrade in fishing. Most lost fish are old-line fish. Two spools cover everything in the Guides.
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Fished real days on it We use one our pick in a category we carry Research pick not used yet, doubt stated
Who it's for: our default — 12 lb on a spinning rod for Texas and wacky rigs, 15–17 lb on a casting rod around rock and wood, 6–10 lb for finesse. Abrasion-resistant and it helps a crankbait dive. Downside: stiffer and pricier than mono, and it needs a wet, clean Palomar or it fails at the knot. Any name-brand fluoro; we haven't found one worth paying double for.
Who it's for: frogs and heavy cover, and anyone who wants to feel everything. Tie a 3–4 ft fluoro leader for anything that isn't a frog. Downside: wind knots on spinning gear if you're sloppy; no stretch means torn hooks on treble baits if the rod is too fast.
Respool rule
Fluoro every spring and whenever it feels chalky or coils off the spool; braid lasts seasons, but the leader gets retied after every fish in cover. Retie after every rock.
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