[kyfreeride04]

I'm just getting into catfishing and picked up a used abu garcia 6600bcx. I know the specs on it say the line capacity is 14lb/245yds, but I see people talking about how they run 30lb line, 40lb line, and so on eventhough the reel they have has a lower line capacity rating. How does all this work out? Whats the max pound test line I could put on?

 

[ramon06]

I'm just getting into catfishing and picked up a used abu garcia 6600bcx. I know the specs on it say the line capacity is 14lb/245yds, but I see people talking about how they run 30lb line, 40lb line, and so on eventhough the reel they have has a lower line capacity rating. How does all this work out? Whats the max pound test line I could put on?

you can put whatever size you want on it, the ratings are just saying you can get that much of that sized line, I think the ratings are just what they say is the ideal size, for the most castability, drag and total line capacity. I have 65LB PP on all my 6500s, I know guys with 100LB PP on theirs. just remember the bigger the line the less capacity

 

[USCA-RECLAIMED-ACCOUNT]

I run #65 braid on my 6500,s.Ya have to remember that #65 braid is the same diameter as #14 mono.Ya gotta remember that braid aint got no stretch either when you,re pullin out of a snag too.Most reels have a line capacity,not a line rating.The capacity,s just stating how much of what # test a certain reel will hold.I personally don,t feel a 6500,s strong enough for much more than #65 braid.Bigger reels,especially saltwater reels,are usually always built with stronger frames,bigger and stronger gears,I aint sayin ya can,t catch a huge fish on 6500 size reels,it,s just my opinion that there,s a lot better tools for the job.Welcome aboard the USCA Billy!:handshake:

 

[alton]

I agree with the previous posts by Ramon and Pat. I also use #65 braid in my 6500's and will usually get right at 150 yards. Line capacity all depends on the diameter of the line you are using. I use the #65 braid because of the small diameter and strength. Good luck.

 

[kyfreeride04]

Thanks for the help. It all makes sense now. I've also done some research on the whole braided vs mono issue too, and I will probably go with a #50 braided line.

 

[Roadblock]

I really like braided line, but you have to be aware that it gets frayed, dragging across rocks, etc. Once frayed, it is weaker than you think. (naturally) The only other problem I had with it, was on first casts. It seems to get tangled and will mess up on first cast. I'd reel it in and re-cast it, and I could trow it normally. I guess the water helps lubricate it on the reel's spool. I thought about keeping a little squirt bottle of water in my tackle to wet it down before first cast, but haven't done so yet. I even had some on an old Zebco 33 that worked beautiflly, except on first casts. I'd get really upset at myself when I'd forget that and cast it without wetting it down. That's a great way to lose baits. (lol)

I'd say using it on a level wind would be less problematic, but I don't own one.

 

[ramon06]

yeah if you fish rivers with alot of snags I'd stay away from any braid under 65LBs as they are less abrasion resistant and make sure you use a mono leader, I do 60LB Mono leader with 65LB PP, you could use 30, 40 or 50 though

 

[kyfreeride04]

yeah if you fish rivers with alot of snags I'd stay away from any braid under 65LBs as they are less abrasion resistant and make sure you use a mono leader, I do 60LB Mono leader with 65LB PP, you could use 30, 40 or 50 though

With me mainly fishing in the Ohio River, there is A LOT to snag a line on. I guess I'll jump up to atleast a 65LB line with mono leader. Thanks for saving me a couple bucks before I bought some 50LB line.

 

[ramon06]

With me mainly fishing in the Ohio River, there is A LOT to snag a line on. I guess I'll jump up to atleast a 65LB line with mono leader. Thanks for saving me a couple bucks before I bought some 50LB line.

no problem bro, trial and error can be very expensive and on this site we try our best to save the next fisherman time and money, good luck out there and keep us posted