Your Fear Of 4lb. Test Line Is Costing You Lots Of Bass…(When To Use 4)

[@Geoonthegrind]

Randy, You are pumping out the content like a Mad Man. Thank you for your time!

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

I remember Billy Westmoreland! Yup, smallmouth finesse guy before the phrase "finesse fishing" was a thing. And Guido Hibdon too. He was THE tube master. I had never even seen a tube till he was whooping everybody fishing beds with em. I am 55yrs old & fondly remember sitting at the coffee table with tackle out & sharpening all my lure's hooks with a little file while watching Bassmasters, Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston, Roland Martin, Hank Parker... those were the days!

[@billyjin2062]

I remember watching a video about saltwater fishing, the guy was saying basically everyone uses way way too strong line in saltwater and the point he made that really drove it home was when he said: "Go tie your line to a 25 lb dumbbell and then try to lift it up off the ground using your fishing rod. You're not going to. You're not putting 25lbs of pressure on a fish, so why are you using 100lb braid?" Obviously there's a time and place for strong braid but it really helped me mentally understand it.

[@xNevlosx]

When you hook a largemouth deep that is mainly feeding on other fish their teeth are more pronounced, 4 pound test in that situation will get snapped a hell of a lot faster than 12lb. Also shock load strength is a thing, thinner line will not handle shock load as well as a line that is perfectly thin enough. Also its not always just the fish that you are fighting it's what is between you and the fish.

[@billyjin2062]

@@xNevlosx I agree, he was referring to fishing in a different situation than for largies but yeah definitely thickness of line helps with abrasion

[@coyotesmile8972]

@@xNevlosx What about 4lb braid?

[@xNevlosx]

@@coyotesmile8972 for bluegill sure. For bass, I don't fish anything lighter that 12lb leader line and 15lb braid. I've lost enough big fish to not chance it anymore.

[@chuckbailey7200]

Randy, I haven't bought a spinning reel in 20 years. But one of them gave up the ghost, I went down to the local fishing tackle stores to look at the options. The first thing I noticed was that the majority did not have an anti-reverse button. When I asked why this was, the salesman replied, "The manufactures have advanced the drag to such a great degree, that back reeling is no longer required. The button and the gears were just one more thing that could fail. Besides, surveys showed that not of the younger anglers had even heard of back-reeling, so the button was never used." I think it's more about keeping the price down.

[@ps7462]

I needed to pick up a spare spinning reel last minute. It didn’t have a reverse button. It was pretty cheap. It went in the garbage

[@1100blake]

The anti reverse is a pain for newer anglers and kids they'll accidently flip the switch and not know and birds nest the reel

[@roygraham6665]

Not scared of 4# line. 1 month ago I was crappie fishing using a 4 ft ultralight rod with 2# line. 1/28 ox jighead and a Bobby Garland Pearl White trailer. Caught a 4# bass. Took me about 5 mins. to land it but it was fun and a lil scary lol. I do use a 4# leader when the water is very clear. Only losses were when the fish either wrapped me around a stump or got into rocks.

[@andresmartinez1822]

Took my mom out earlier this year to our home lake which is a compound of 3 gravel pits.. I set her up with 4 lb copolymer line and a crappie underspin.. the water was gin clear and people were beginning to struggle .. long story short .. my mom HAMMERED them.. there wasn’t a fish in the lake that could resist that presentation.. she even caught a 4 lb smallmouth after a long fight using that setup and a 6 ft light rod.. definitely one of our best trips of the year

[@sliderman6899]

You are spot on with this one. I have been a Charlie Brewer follower since the mid 1980s. 4lb test rules in clear water and finesse tactics. Landed one of my biggest Smallmouth off the old Champlain Bridge ( 6lb 3ozs) while fishing a Tournament back in the mid 80s . Buy the way Jerry Mckinnis was at the weigh in, and doing some filming for a show on Champlain he begged for the location and lure used. But not knowing who he was at the time and living by the old rules of tell no one anything I declined . That was probably a mistake!

[@Surfer-727]

Super video, Thumbs up ! You did not say though if you think fluoro is much more clear than mono if at all, do a video on that please ?

[@danham3344]

Good one Randy, all spot on! I was raised fishing crystal clear trout streams and lakes in the northern Sierra Nevadas and caught trophy trout on that light line. But you nailed it because you better learn to back-reel or you WILL lose fish. Didn’t make a cast for a bass until I was 37 yrs old 25 yrs ago. But I still at times use 4lb for bass in clearer water with no cover around. ‘100K’, C’mon baby!!

[@johnlantz7278]

I also used the 4 # it produced for me in clear cold an pressured fish with like a marabou jig imitates the brown an black leach,them boys from the dale hollow taught me the fineness smallmouth an largemouth was this the first of the Ned type baits

[@MichaelCraig-bi3wj]

I'm using 4# fluorocarbon on a bait cast reel and I love the control I have with it. BFS is something new to me and I am still experimenting, even tried 2lb but it's real touchy.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I’ve heard of these guys breaking “line class” world records with ultra light line. This is super interesting and I’ll have to give it a shot.

[@emilianobanzi9432]

Sunline makes for sure the FC Sniper in 5lbs test, agree with you, light line in open water with certain baits is a must

[@kenmaylin4744]

If I remember right, Ray Scott went through a period where he wanted to push BASS toward a 4 and six lb test requirement. I've always loved catching bass on light gear.

[@Glock-1]

I really listen for the loud trucks or crotch rocket in these videos, I love it because it truly always happens! Lol I got used to seeing if there’s one gonna show up or not, it doesn’t hurt the video at all and like I say I look forward to it! Lol

[@jeremyduncan9165]

I fish 4lbs at Table Rock all year around. Especially when the water is super clear.

[@jeremyduncan9165]

Also I always net the fish. Helps from loosing one at the boat 🛶

[@straightwhitemale5753]

Can you use it with a medium rod?

[@jeremyduncan9165]

@@straightwhitemale5753 I fish a medium light.

[@stevehogan8829]

Yep, we didn't use anything heavier than 6 lb going way back when I started.We used to scull our little 10ft john boat, use only mono, 4#, 6#, I remember buying 8# and never using it. lol . Jitterbugs, Bombers,etc. the very first Rapala's. Plastic worms were the new thing. lol. Remember when Bass Boats were the new thing. Forget the name of the first ones. Was it Ranger or was that later. No electronics, no trolling motor. Was lucky to have a working Zebco back then. It was a different but very fun time.

[@jessehernandez743]

4lb test is a main staple here in SO CAL.

[@terrytresemer2864]

Use a medium action with a parabolic tip. To absorb any shock.

[@bassintexas6706]

I usually use braid to 10lb fluoro... Then the other day while my son got the lure stock on an ultra light set up with 4lb mono I decided to pull and break it... Well that thing ended up breaking my skin instead.. We think so little of 4lb line that going through that gave me an understanding on how strong it can be.

[@SpookyRedz]

I had a friend who swore by 8 and 10 , from the 80s and he sounded to me just like Aaron sounded to you , miss my old friends too

[@DongWang-m4n]

*I like to use 2lb test line to cast the very very small tiny stuff.i.e., 1/64oz jigs. It is alot stronger than you think. I 've pulled in bass and big catfish and buffalo but the biggest catch was a dead body.I managed to pull him a little bit before he broke off and swam away.*

[@learningtofish7036]

Ask Gene the fishing machine about using light line for finesse. 😃 Thank you Randy.

[@reubensolly2237]

Sunline and Seaguar make the “in between” sizes like 3, 5, 7, 9, etc but you may have to look into the JDM market/importers. The Hookup Tackle in Arizona is a good place to start. They have their own KZbin channel too.

[@johndrx165]

I think another key factor is the rod when using lighter line like that. I longer, 6-7 foot light rod will help you control larger fish, even if you are not great at back-reeling. I have caught some pretty big fish including 18-21.75 inch smallies and 6 pound catfish using 4 pound test on a light or UL rod.

[@mattthomen1608]

Just lost a few bass on 4lb floro. But it was 2 fish on my line. A pleco sawed it w its gill raker,and broke it w a good bass on my underspin blakemore weenie worm combo. But I Crack em.on the invis x and the sniper! And the line lasts a season for the spool! Worth the extra cost when you are dealing g w 1/16 being the hvy,and 1/32 being the lite jig heads!

[@af4od02]

I wished I could see an on the water demonstration of you “back reeling” a two pound or bigger spotted bass. I have tried and I can’t keep up with the surge and speed of the initial run.

[@adam3402]

Agreed! Might be worth him making a video specifically talking about this, perhaps with a simulated demonstration. This is honestly the first time I’ve ever heard anyone mention it. Until now I never really knew why there was an option on spinning reals for having the anti-reverse off. Looking forward to more details, even if it’s from another commenter!

[@erichildreth7562]

Here you go guys, this is a video of Randy using the back reel technique: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYOXgYdrm6ugitk

[@adam3402]

@@erichildreth7562 thanks for doing the leg work and linking us to that video! That was certainly interesting to watch.

[@adam3402]

@@erichildreth7562 here is a video where he talks about backreeling specifically: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4i4oKypqcmal5I

[@SimplyFishing]

@@erichildreth7562 I just watched it...he is very smooth.

[@randomschmo5778]

lol RB, I'm one of those with a mental block that stops at 6lb. After your vid here though, gonna break down and try 4lb. Thx for sharing.

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

Heck yes, Billy Westmoreland! One of my angling hero's.

[@raymondholten3488]

Great video. Back in the 70's when the wife and myself were fishing local tournaments, other members were following the pros using 20 - 30 lb test when bass fishing. We went the other way 6 - 4 lb test and would beat them. Upset more than one of them let me tell you. We still fish this way. PB LB 9.5, SM 6.0, CARP 5.5, WALLEYE 3.0, CHANNEL CATFISH 5.25 LB.

[@michaelmcclenon6663]

There was a reason they were using 20 or 30 pound test. They were not using that all the time you know that.

[@robertveith2255]

Here in West Virginia we use 4lb test line all the time for trout 21in long and bigger I use stren moss green for years. Their were guys here have caught musky on 4lb test line

[@stevencaldwell838]

Exactly! I’m down in Baja Sur Mexico surfing and fishing on my family’s 6 weeks vacation. After surfing a couple of times I decided to go for a quick fish as the tide was rising. My set up; 8’6” Okuma salmon series spinning rod, a Shimano 2500 spinning reel spoiled with 8lb test Izorline xxx copolymer! 3 fish in 30 minutes all over 5lbs in the surf over a jagged rocky bottom! Moral of this story, you can land a 10lb fish on 4,6,8lb line no worries! My knot of preference, always the good ole improved clinch! Hasn’t failed me in fresh or saltwater for the past 40 years! Don’t tell anyone but Izorline xxx copolymer is by far the best line on the market at its price point 🤫

[@P.Fishing]

I use 4lb test year round on certain applications spy bait being the most effective.

[@straightwhitemale5753]

Can you use it on a medium rod?

[@shanescott3168]

One problem with 4lb fluorocarbon line is I have trouble seeing it to tie knots!

[@TheGnthreman]

I use 6 haven't tried 4 but will try it this weekend on St Clair.

[@keithponchillia421]

My grandfather fished 4lb line in the rivers of Ohio all the time and if he fished with someone that was using 8 or 10lb line he would get on you and say why are you using that cable? Love those old times.

[@coltonn322]

Thanks randy. Great tips. I love 4# line always used it mainly trout fishing at taneycomo. Looking to purchase on of your flipping sticks could you do a review on that rod maybe? Like details about the guides, blank, handle, action, what you use it for besides flipping.. thanks

[@timburton1812]

I grew up fishing Lewis Smith lake in Alabama, always used 4 pound test. Still do on Duck River. I’ve used em all I guess, Vicious makes the best 4 lb test in my opinion

[@Rage1732]

I don’t have the guts to go lower than 10lb test. Right now, I’m using 12lb test Seaguar for my leader. I won’t go below 10 with my hard baits, but I might give 4lb test a go when rigging soft plastics.

[@therollintoolbox3547]

I use 4 lbs test i dnt back reel but i just caught a 2.5 pounder this mornin and didnt have any problems

[@Skweazle]

I fish a very clear very pressured lake for bass quite a bit. They also stock trout in it twice a year so I said what the hell and rigged up a light rod with 4lb test. No luck with the trout but then I decided to just throw a senko around with it and ended up hooking into more bass than I ever have there. Lost all but one with the light rod not having enough hook set power but the bites were there

[@DongWang-m4n]

If I was using 4lb line and made a long cast, do you think I would be able to set the hook or will the distance and line stretch prevent my lure's hooks from piercing/penetrating a fish's bony ass mouth?

[@Skweazle]

Worth a try. Use flourocarbon so there's no stretch and a good medium rod@@DongWang-m4n

[@jonwhalen643]

I use 1lb test line when it’s real pressured. Sometimes it breaks just when you cast a lure so be careful.

[@michaelmannucci8585]

Is this a joke? Lol

[@garywest2250]

only if I'm ice fishing for big bull bluegills, will I use line that size.

[@Stoicventures80]

Most of my life I used nothing but 4 and 6 on a spinning reel for bass. In fact I tend to use ultralight rods a lot too because I find the shorter rods work great around low bridges and some of the other places I find myself trail blazing to get to places nobody else will go. Most people I know or have seen used 10,12, and 15. For everything. I think it makes thing mor exciting and challenging when you have to be on top of your game in the fight. Anyone can chuck a fish out of the water with 10+ line. To me getting the fish on is just the beginning. I've only recently started using a bait caster and been playing with jigs after watching your videos and I love it. But I still don't like going over 12. I just don't like the feel.

[@AllenKelly]

I don’t do 4, but I LOVE 6 and caught my 6.5lb PB on it (Seaguar Invizx). I’ll try 4 and see what happens 👍🎣

[@SpookyRedz]

Definitely will be trying this thanks

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Also what knot are you guys running on this light line? I probably stay away from the Palomar especially with flouro.

[@larryblevins7055]

The only issues I have with 4# line is tying hooks or lures on it? But then again I am 76 years old!

[@roymorgan5498]

Great video. I normally do better with 4 or 6 pound test when I use the worm or lizard. I could feel the bottom a whole lot better.

[@RickMahoney2013]

I use 2 lb on my ultra light real when gust fishing for bluegill and other pan fish and have no problem

[@billye9823]

Hi Randy, great videos! Thank you for sharing the goods! I’ve fished enough to tell the difference between who is sharing there experiences, and hard won knowledge, and who is just selling dock talk. I appreciate your honesty. I grew up fishing in Southern California so, I’m no stranger to fishing 4 pound test, but it has been awhile. Back then we were split shotting small reapers, worms and grubs, and the main reason for the light line was as much about the presentation, as it was about the fish not seeing the line. The line was also monofilament. I fished Lake Mead and Havasu quite a bit, but back then quagga mussels were not an issue. This brings me to my question. Would you risk fishing 4 pound test on a lake like Mead or Mojave during a tournament, if you were having trouble getting bit on 6 or 8 pound test?

[@ronaldpendergrass9260]

Here’s my one time experience with4lb line. I was fishing on Lake Allatoona in a area where I have caught multiple 5lb spots. I was fishing a Carolina rig and broke off. I wasn’t paying attention and retied my leader. I went to put the spool of line up and seen 4lb test, I was what the hell. But I decided what the heck. First cast one took off with it,like oh shit. Played it slow and when it came up at the end of the net, I thought OMG this is way bigger than my 6lb spot I have mounted. She jerked so hard the opposite way and broke my leader!😞

[@Antznewz]

you already know what randy thinks about using braid to fluoro

[@KyleDaybreak]

What is the best knot to use with light fluro?

[@catboyzee]

Hi Randy, what line test do you recommend for 1/4 to 3/8 oz jig? Thanks.

[@williamlaws2353]

Billy said not much difference between 4 and 6 or 6 and 8. But quite a difference between 4 and 8

[@papawrichard3553]

My son caught a 16 lb catfish on 4 lb. mono.

[@reel3156]

I landed a 30lb king on 6

[@dallaswood4117]

The only downside is where I fish it’s very rocky and four or even six pound test turns to basically zero pound test if it gets nicked up at all and where I fish the lines is always getting nicked up

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

I have used nothing but braid for years... at the beginning of July I stripped off all the old stuff and filled both baitcasting & spinning reels with Spiderwire braid. And I hated it! I asked on here about going to fluoro & got several helpful responses. Thank you! So, I've got 8lb Seaguar on the spinning reel & 14lb Berkley Vanish on the baitcaster(I wanted to go all Seaguar, but I had to go with what my store had)... and it feels sooooo stretchy, like I'm fishing with rubber bands! LOL I know it's not really like that, it's just that I am so used to braid. Anybody else feel like that when switching from braid to fluorocarbon?

[@charlesbeall2589]

THINK?

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

@@charlesbeall2589 um... I'm not sure what you mean?

[@justincase9788]

I just broke 15 pound seagur on a Texas rig today. Not to mention 20lb braid on my frog. What a day I'm having pls help. Biggest top water hit I ever had. I thought I had it then pow. Pls help me with this. Clear water but lots of mats

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Go to 50 lb braid on the frog

[@clay7514]

Check your rod guides too make sure no burs damaging your line. I’ve had it happen

[@morganyoder4277]

I use 6 lb tatsu and have flipped 3-4 pounders. I know that without question 4 lb tatsu would still be strong.

[@SpookyRedz]

Wow really 4 , nice mr Randy

[@williamlewis7509]

I’m good with my 20 lb fluro and 65 lb braid. When you come to Florida do you fish with 4lb test?

[@aaronrobledo5463]

Hey Randy, been looking for a Megabass flipping rod. What would you suggest for flipping heavy cover bushes/buck brush? I mainly use 1/2 weights plus trailer or plastic

[@lanehensley3271]

What type of power rod are you using ?

[@zekepierce1506]

Hey Randy, I don't know if you said this and I just missed it but Are you using this 4lb test as a braid to fluorocarbon leader or straight 4lb fluorocarbon

[@papawrichard3553]

How do you judge water visibility in feet? Anyone??

[@davidsedlacek3855]

Just last week at St Lawrence event Bass elite's we're saying they were using 5, 6, and 7 lb leaders. Nothing new. Is 4 more invisible then 5 or 6. Is invisible, invisible? It's all individual preference.

[@ronniemitchell9221]

I know you have talked me into 6lb on spinning with jerk baits.. what a difference

[@Glock-1]

I figure 4lb test of Flouro is probably pretty good stuff, much better than mono from years ago

[@larryjistel3018]

Finesse situations only... I could not put a $20 swimbait on 4 pound test...

[@dualthreatoutdoors]

Aside from casting distance, how does it make any other difference? If you’re using florocarbon both lines are invisible

[@jeremyantworth5704]

Action and fall rate.

[@lesbridges3460]

If fluorocarbon line is invisible 4 pound line makes no sense. If it isn't invisible why do we use it?

[@kevinpaine4971]

I’ve caught alot of fours on two lb test

[@clintperry799]

I believe you , I just can't go below 8 pound test. 🤔 (12)

[@maxb1985]

I couldn't convince myself to use 4lb line during a tournament. Is it really that much better then 6?

[@HERMETICSUBROSA]

Most lines break at greater than the label .😂..so most #4 breaks at 5-6 on the machine..

[@Antznewz]

oh lord if I have to drop to 4 pound test im going home

[@JoshSees]

I have to disagree on dropshot with less than 6

[@kurtisdavis9526]

I use 4lb test a lot and rarely more than 8lb.

[@Danxiong]

I use .5lb test. U guys are missing fish using 4lb test.

[@anthonysnedden3319]

Try that 4 lb test in fla. Recipe for heartbreak. But Randy is right, strike ratio skyrockets. Test of manhood and fish Playing skills. Young bucks no comprende.

[@thegolfcartshop]

i have a 4 incher

[@HERMETICSUBROSA]

Billy was up there with the best..

[@matthewbaver9859]

Would love to see a tutorial on back reeling

[@menotyou816]

Almost every fisherman cant fish in the condition you described, with the gear you're using, so 4 doesnt help us. Were small lake and pond hoppers. No boaters.

[@kylebaileys3594]

6

[@bizzarbr1ck]

i use 4lb mono stop giving out this free info

[@kylebaileys3594]

Ftwj

[@wolverinex4243]

Just try 4 lbs with your Megabasses. It'll be fun.