Should you not exceed the manufactures lb test rating on a fishing reel?

Question

If a reel is rated at 12 lb test, should you spool it up with nothing higher than 12 lb test line?

Answer 1

That's correct. In my opinion match the fishing rod to the size/rating of the reel, line/s, and end tackle for an optimum starting rig. You can tweak your gear gradually until it's 'perfect' for you and the fish you're chasing. Happy fishing.

Answer 2

you can but put less line on because then it will bounce off. also if you do cast distance will be affected.

that ratin is for mono and fluorocarbon line though, w/ braid you can go much higher than the actual rating. like my reel is rated for 14 but i have 20 lb test braid, and it is only as thick as 6 lb test mono. i can cast so much farther too.

but use a mono or fluoro leader of the same or more strength and make sure it is at least 2 feet long attach w/ a uni knot

and last put some mono or fluoro as a backing on the spool so that the braided line doesnt slip. again attach the two lines w/ a uni knot

Answer 3

Those numbers on your reel are fill capacities for different pound test lines, not manufactures lb test ratings or recommendations. You can go much larger or smaller as you desire, but it will affect casting distance and fishability. For instance a baitcaster reel that has a 150 yd/ 12 lb capacity may be filled with 20 lb (approx 90 yds on the same reel) test and used for flipping into heavy cover on a short line with no ill effect on the reel. With spinning reels, line diameter should usually be kept at 12 lb mono maximum dia (or 40 lb braid with same diameter) for optimal performance.

Answer 4

The reel (unless it's a cheap one) shouldn't have a problem with line which is considerably heavier than the recommendation. The problem would be, as others have said, how it would cut down on the casting distance. Thin braided line would eliminate that problem, but you might have a problem trying to pull on a fish with the full strength of 60 pound braid on a reel (and rod) rated for 12 pound line.

For years, one of the most saltwater popular reels was the Penn Jigmaster 500. Its specs said it would hold something like 400 yards of 20 pound line, but I never saw anyone using a 500 with 20 pound line. Most of us filled it with 30 (250 yards or so), and sometimes 40, fishing for yellowtail and tuna up to 50 pounds or so -- fish which can really pull. I never saw one fail.

Answer 5

Not much is going to happen. I've fished with 12lb test for years in saltwater. You'll get a few yards less line than you would with 6lb test. Here's a thought for you. What happens when you get a 8lb fish on a rod rated for 6lbs? Make sure your drag is set properly or you might get lucky and catch that monster fish that will brake your rod before it brakes your line. If it's convenient return your 10lb test for 6lb. If not then use the 10lb and it won't hurt anything.

Answer 6

That be manufacturers recommendation. Keep in mind though, the heavier one goes in # test, the less line will go on spool and when ya' go to lighter # test obviously the results are the opposite ~ more line on spool (little more difficult ta' cast) ;(...

Answer 7

with all the lines that are on the market today it is very hatd to choose a line for your reel
12lbs mono lines is strong will land fish to 36 lbs
how ever if you want to put a stronger line on and go against manafactures recommendations then i would buy braid were u can get a very strong line and a very thin diameter the reason for the recomendation by the maker is down to how much line u can get on the reel
tight lines

Answer 8

Thats just reccomened. It would just be easier if you use the line they reccomened. I have a shimano solstice and it says 4-6 lbs test. I always use 8 for bass and i have never had any problems. It must be the same for all reels i would think.

Answer 9

U can put 15 lb test but u should put less bc the line is bigger
but it wont cast as well if u put 2 much

:)

Answer 10

Those numbers are merely recommendations. You could always go a little over or a little under. If it recommends 12lb putting on 15lb would be okay. You could also get away with 20lb. Those numbers are merely recommendations. The closer you stay, however, to the designed pound test, the farther you could cast your line.