Spooling Penn 30 VSW

[fmoore]

Braid or no braid? That is the question. Fishing for sharks maybe footballs off the NH coast. Is the extra cost really necessary and what # test would you guys use. I read the thread on spooling braid, so don't need any advice on that. Just curious how many of you fish and/or reccomend braid.
Thanks for all the input, Fintan

[johnseafood]

I like braid over mono but if trolling you'll need a 100 yard top shot of mono so you have some give. We faught a yellowfin on a 30 with braid this year and we beat the living crap out of it in no time. I think we had it spooled with 80 suffix braid. You have to watch handling it though because it will cut right into you if not careful. All of my rods are braid (offshore,deepdropping,striper,seabass,flounder)

This is just me but I like it

[AquaholicFishing]

I fish with 2 VSWs and they are packed with 50# mono. Just couldn't bring myself to drop the extra $$$ for the braid. But after having to change the mono out twice a year I am thinking of spending the extra $$$ since braid is suppose to last, I think, atleast 3 years. I'll recoup my money in no time. In my opinion I would just go with braid from the start.

[PurpleCedarPlug]

I have 4 of them and use 40lb mono and either 100 or 150lb wind-on leader.

We do change them out ea yr. Have not had a problem with the fish on them with the BFT and YFT we catch here. I feel the drag setting is one of the most important things.

Braid is a great idea if you want to spend the extra $

[Sea Draggin]

80lb Jerry Brown Hollow core with 50lb Sufix superior top shot. This is a setup to go the distance for a 30 wide.

[fmoore]

What do you guys set the drag at with 40-50# test (I'm assuming the drag isn't as strong as the 50). Also, does anyone know what this reel can crank out at full/strike. Just looking for some approx. numbers as I haven't been able to find them anywhere. I guess I should just call Penn.
Thanks for all the help-Fintan

[Sea Draggin]

With 50# line you would most likely set the drags at 12, maybe 15lbs. 1/3 of line strength is the general rule.

[cape_fisherman]

14# on the 40
17# on the 50

That's just me.

[AquaholicFishing]

On your Owner's Registration Card there should be paragraph that gives you your drag settings from the factory. On mine if I turn the preset knob clockwise until just before free spool is lost and setting the lever at the strike position, the drag is 23 lbs. Probably a pretty standard thing between all these reels. But it should be on your registration card as to what your particular reel tested at.

[fmoore]

Thanks guys I think I will go with the braid. It's just expensive. Oh well It'll pay for itself in mono I guess. Or whatever