San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

I have two spinning 4000 and 5000 reels I’m using in the surf on two different rods. One rod is rated 1/2-3oz and the other is rated 1-5oz. What’s the best lb test and leader line for these if I am bait and waiting ?

Also, I heard this “rule/guideline” when picking weights and line. Is this accurate and safe to go by ?

For every 1oz weight used, you increase your line by 10lbs.
Ex. 1oz-10lb test ,2oz-20lb test, 3oz-30lb test

I mostly use an 8 1/2 foot rod with a 1000-2500 size reel and 6 pound test mono with 8 pound Flourocarbon leader. The light line doesn’t get washed around as much and is less blown around by the wind. Most of our fish are eating Sand Crabs so I don’t cast out far. We rarely use more than a 1/2 ounce egg sinker. I never use a rod holder except to re-rig.

Luc42 wrote: Tue Apr 30, 2024 2:21 pm Also, I heard this “rule/guideline” when picking weights and line. Is this accurate and safe to go by ?

For every 1oz weight used, you increase your line by 10lbs.
Ex. 1oz-10lb test ,2oz-20lb test, 3oz-30lb test

I think those guide lines are for safety reasons... You don't want a break-off with a chunk of lead flying into a crowd... Some people just put a shock leader of that size and go with smaller main line... The line weights that you can use should be on your reel and rod... I don't "bait-n-wait" much anymore, so I'm no expert...
Butch

I cast 3-7oz lure with 15lb mono test 40-50 yards. I don’t think it is matter much about lb test but more to technique, lob cast instead of whip cast. I can also whip 1/4oz to break my 4-6lb mono.
Braid even though have better pulling strength than mono but can be break easily if snap due to no stretch.