Fishing Forum

Just out of curiousity: If I had a reel that was rated 8lbtest/140 and I put 30lb test braided on it (which is the diameter of 8lb test) whats the worst that can happen?
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Welcome to the site Nydhog. I would say the biggest problem you would have is not being able to cast as far but as you stated it is the same size dia so you might be ok. One thing about braid is that it can really ware out line guides, so if you use it a lot, at some point you will need to replace the rod guides but that could takes years depending on how much you fish. If you try putting the heavier line on, let us know how it works out for you.
WH2
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I tested it for a few. Didn't seem to have any issues. Birdsnested though. Purely my fault, but it worked very well.
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Another issue you may have is that the reel may not have an adequate drag for 30 pound line.
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What are you fishing for mainly? Largemouth? There is nothing wrong with using the braided but may be overkill depending on your situation. I would just say put some monofilament backing on the reel before you add the braid. See how you like it. I love braid!
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There is a delicate balance when it comes to strength vs. line capacity. I think it very much depends on what you are targeting. Bass or bream fishing, I just use mono line anyhow.

Braid really shines in deep water fishing, fishing for large fish in heavy structure, or fishing in heavy current. Deep drop fishing for grouper in 100 feet of water for instance, insures a good hookset, where as mono pretty much sucks. Catfishing heavy structure for 50 lb flatheads, the thinner diameter allows heavier test on a smaller reel, still maintaining line capacity for long casts, and wiggle room for runs. The trick in current is, the thinner line has less drag. Where if you were using 50 pound mono, you might need 6 oz of lead. Using braid of the same pound test, you might be able to get away with half that.

Don't decide to use braid because it looks cool, or because your buddy does. The extra expense isn't always warranted. If you don't need braid, why spend the extra money for it. If there is not a distinct advantage to using it, old faithful mono is just as good, and less visible in the water. Many people dont' realize, but braids lack of stretch is also a divantage with some fish. stretch acts like a cushion when a fish makes a blistering run, or gets air borne. The stretch in many instances prevents the hook from being pulled out of the fishes mouth. Some people try to combat that by using a limber tipped rod, but i still say that mono remains on top in many circumstances. I like mono for freshwater fishing (bass, crappie, bream, etc...), trolling offshore, etc....
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couple things.. you won't be able to cast as far and your risking damage to your reel.Its only rated for 8lb,and if you're pulling with 30lb of force your reel can break right off the rod!
Try to stay withing the reels specs,you can go with line 5 or 10lb over but not like dat with 30lb,thats crazy!
I use 4lb braid to 15 in freshwater (same for bay waters)30lb on my salt water poles and up to 40lb for sharks!! Try 10lb,and if your thinking of getting the original spider wire don't!,its the worst brand of braided line
get power pro its about the same price anyway
Remember.. Say no to mono!
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I think your reel will be just fine using 30# line. I do it all the time.
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