Braid or Mono for Bluegill fishing?

[Frank J Harvey]

Just bought a 6' 9" UL St Croix Panfish rod and ready to string it up with line. What to use? Braid or mono, what brand and what lb test should I go?
Thanks

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I was just addressing that in another comment below. First generation braid on heavy tackle did have issues on some older rods and reels. It really isn't a concern with the newer stuff, especially with regard to light and UL gear.

[oldduckcoat]

I fish both Braid and Mono but not on my UL gear. All of my UL reels are old school(some would call vintage) that I have been fishing for years and years and are not braid friendly. I prefer 4# mono.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

How are they not braid friendly? I have spooled it up on a few vintage reels. The concern about braid cutting old rods and reels is largely overblown. It is a legitimate concern for heavy tackle and with older first generation braids. The slick coatings on the newer braids are very "vintage equipment friendly".

[jim cosgrove]

i have the rods to prove it will cut the guides.i use mono often too but only when using a float which i dont do often.dont like it in casting reels,a big fish or a snag can bury the line in the spool.worse than a backlash.the reels i dont think it matters unless the roller is something soft.cant see how it would hurt the reel

[Andy is OptiMystic]

Modern fused braid with a slick coating?

[Frank J Harvey]

This particular rod has the lightweight metal guides. I will check into it more.

[Slip Sinker]

i actually believe minimally the only difference is the design of the spool that would constitute braid ready. reel manufactures are incorporating rubber grips or grooves in the spool designs for the slick super lines to grip the arbor. without this or a gripping layer of mono backup might allow the braid or performance line to slip on the arbor.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I did forget that; I have a tiny piece of carpet tape there. On my Light/UL reels, the last several yards only see the light of day when they get turned around anyway.

[jim cosgrove]

that it will do .i have to respool a couple ultra lights cause of hooking big fish on them and now the line slips.they had some mono backing too.might drill a hole in the spool like a baitcaster

[Andy is OptiMystic]

Interesting article:

http://www.landbigfish.com/articles/default.cfm?ID=2288

from the article:

Braided line does not break rods, it does not ruin guides, or harm reels. Anyone telling you different needs some education, or has something to gain in the indusrty by placing these rampid rumors. 

I have to admit i would place more faith if he could spell industry and rampant, but there is a lot of truth. I think there is more than a little fear mongering from line and rod makers.

[Frank J Harvey]

Good article! I love braid, so really thinking about using it on this rod. I smallmouth fish a lot with braid and on a long cast with topwater have the confidence of a great hookup with no stretch. Also can't tell u how many $5-$10 crank baits I have saved by pulling them free from snags.
Thanks Andy

[Andy is OptiMystic]

One word of warning; he is talking about slick super-lines, which is what braid has evolved into. You can still buy big spools of imported dyneema line for cheap that are pretty deadly (DAMHIKT).