What line for level wind reels

[Jamesdean]

I decided to try a level wind reel for crappie, don't ask me why. Just want to try. I have never used one and know it won't be real easy to adjust from a spinning reel but wanting to learn. I am looking for line recommendations. I will be using jigs with it. Thank you in advance.

[CrappiePappy]

HOW are you going to be using it ?? Pushing, casting, trolling, vertical jigging ??

[Jamesdean]

Casting for now till I get my boat motor situation straightened out on the 27th. then not sure, but definitely casting.

[deathb4disco]

Casting for now till I get my boat motor situation straightened out on the 27th. then not sure, but definitely casting.

Casting light jigs with a level wind? You should start a prayer request thread. You're gonna need all the help you can get.

[silverside]

I would begin with braid for the ability to free birds nests easier. It will be difficult to cast the light weight jig without additional weight. Bobber, sinkers, etc.

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[silverside]

A trick that i have used with success is this. Since a jig is really too light to cast with a baitcaster, tie on a shallow running crankbait. To the crank bait attach a leader with the jig on it. This setup is ok for occasional use but can get tricky to keep from tangling.

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[Jamesdean]

I recon I will have to get some 1/8th oz jigs...But have watched someone use 1/16 oz but they have used the baitcasters exclusivly for many years...

[Alphahawk]

If you want to do that you will need to get into to BFS gear..... Bait Finesse System....special bearing systems in those reels. Most of it comes out of Japan....it ain't cheap. While there are some knock offs out of China they cost less...but still not exactly cheap. Casting 1/8.....1/16 is regularly done with that gear. Many will tell you they can do 1/32 with it but that is not realistic. There are a couple on here that fish with BFS. Many use special BFS lines also.


Regards

[CrappiePappy]

You might want to talk to "Just_Bass" or look up his posts/videos .... he casts jigs & small baits with a baitcast reel. BUT ... his reel is modified with a shallow spool & it's probably not one he purchased from any local tackle outlet. (He fishes Canyon Lake, California)

But, before you go sinking 100's of $$$ into those types of reels ... you might want to learn how to cast with a baitcast reel FIRST !! (and you probably would do better with a baitcast reel that has a thumbar ... plus realize that you "let the line go" BEFORE the rod tip gets past you or your casts are going to be very short & you'll likely end up with a "backlash" )

[tlefire]

I've been bass fishing for 40 years using baitcasters. Wouldn't even attempt to cast an 1/8 jig.....