i am taking two poles to the BW:

- 6'6" MH baitcaster (pike)
- 6'6" M spinning rod (smallies and eyes)

i am unsure what to put on my new baitcaster. is braid hard to cast? pros & cons? mono?

i want to put 8 lb on my spinning reel. i have some old renegade "brand" line (clear) i got at walmart and also some shakespeare omniflex clear. are these okay, or should i get some trilene? does color make a difference?

many thanks.

I would put 30# braided spiderwire on the BC and a STEEL LEADER. You will be amazed at how few birdnests you will get. BTW, you can catch anything on that rod. The braid casts much better.

I wouldn't use old line. I always invest in good new line once a year. I use clear 8LB. spiderwire mono on my medium light spinning reel.

Yes, throw old line out and use fresh 6-8lb. imo. It deteriorates to some degree, and for a few bucks;why risk it?

trilene xl...time tested.

does braid color make a difference?

I would use the green stuff...30lb powerpro is my favorite

I'm with Kanoes on the trilene xl...8lb is a good weight for the BWCA, just in case you tie into a big "eye" or laker. Thick enough you can tie a new knot in twilight...that gets hard with 6lb. My experience with braid is it's top notch for trolling, but after repeated casting it tends to get "twisty" and start causing trouble just up from the leader. Not that it's the end of the world...the braid is awesome with a big hawg pike on the line.

Oh, and use a leader with a ball bearing swivel...well worth the extra buck.

Tight lines!

Gamma 8lb for the spinning rod- it has the higest know strength.

30 lb green power pro for the baitcaster. dont go any lighter as it is so thin it will bind in the reel.