Fish You Can Catch With a 20lb Braid – 8 Ideal Fish Species

When choosing fishing lines, the main specification that is considered is weight, and fishing lines come in different line weights, among which 20lb is quite common. So today, we will discuss what a 20lb braid fishing line can do, and how it can help you on different fishing trips.

So, let’s begin the article focusing on the advantages of a 20 lb braided fishing line:

Advantages of Using 20lb Braided Line

Using a 20lb braided fishing line comes with several distinct advantages that can enhance your fishing experience. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. High Strength

A 20lb braid is incredibly strong for its thin diameter, making it capable of handling big fish and more aggressive fish. This strength ensures you can tackle big catches without worrying about the line breaking.

With a 20lb test rating, this braided line can withstand up to 20 20-pound tests of force, making it suitable for a variety of fishing environments and species.

2. Thin Diameter

The thin diameter of a 20lb braid allows you to spool more line onto your reel compared to thicker lines of the same strength. This is particularly useful for long casts and deep-water fishing.

The reduced air resistance and smoother texture enable longer and more accurate casts, helping you reach fish that are farther away.

3. High Sensitivity

Braided lines have minimal stretch, which means a 20lb braid provides excellent sensitivity. This lets you feel even the slightest nibbles and movements, improving your hook-setting performance.

The sensitivity of lighter braid lines gives you immediate feedback from your lure, enhancing your ability to detect and respond to fish strikes.

4. Abrasion Resistance

Braided lines are known for their abrasion resistance, making them ideal for fishing in areas with rocks, vegetation, and other underwater structures. This durability ensures that the line can withstand rough conditions without getting damaged easily.

Due to their strong construction, braided lines generally have a longer lifespan compared to monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.

Speaking of lifespan, we have a dedicated guide on fishing line lifespan. Do give it a read!

5. Versatility

A 20lb braid is versatile enough to be used in various fishing scenarios, including freshwater lakes, rivers, and saltwater environments. Its adaptability makes it a go-to line for many anglers.

This line can handle a variety of fish species, from medium-sized freshwater fish to larger saltwater species, making it a reliable choice for diverse fishing expeditions.

Fish Species Ideal for 20lb Braid

1. Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)

The strength and sensitivity of a 20lb braid are perfect for bass fishing, especially in heavy cover or around structures. The thin diameter allows for long and accurate casts, while the minimal stretch helps in detecting subtle bites and setting the hook effectively.

2. Pike and Musky

They are aggressive predators that require a strong line that can withstand their sharp teeth and powerful strikes. A 20lb braid offers the necessary durability and abrasion resistance to handle the rough environments where pike and musky are often found.

3. Walleye

These fish have a subtle bite that can be hard to detect. The high sensitivity of a 20lb braid allows anglers to feel these light bites, while its thin diameter ensures that the line can be used effectively in deep water where walleye are commonly found.

4. Catfish

Catfish are big, and strong, and often live in rough, rocky areas. The 20lb braid is tough enough to handle the size and strength of catfish and the challenging environments they inhabit, ensuring a successful catch. Its high abrasion resistance is crucial for withstanding contact with rocks and debris.

5. Redfish (Red Drum)

They are known for their strong runs and are often found near oyster beds. The strength and durability of the 20lb braid make it ideal for managing the powerful runs of redfish and navigating the abrasive environments where they live. This line helps maintain control even in tough conditions.

6. SnookSnook

They are aggressive and often found around structures like mangroves and docks. The 20lb braid provides the strong pulling power needed to pull snook from these obstacles and withstand their aggressive strikes. Its minimal stretch ensures that you can quickly set the hook when a snook bites.

7. Sea Trouts

They have delicate bites and are often found in clear, shallow waters. The sensitivity and casting distance of a 20lb braid make it easier to detect their subtle bites and successfully reel them in, even in clear water conditions. Its low visibility helps avoid spooking these cautious fish.

Check our recommendations on Best Fishing Line For Trout, Mono, Fluoro or Braid!

8. King Mackerel

King mackerel are fast and powerful swimmers, often making long, swift runs when hooked. The 20lb braid’s thin diameter allows for long casts to reach these fish, while its strength ensures you can handle their speedy, aggressive runs without breaking the line.

You should also read our article on when to use and avoid braided fishing lines.

Should I Use a Leader with a 20lb Braid?

Using a leader with a 20lb braided fishing line is often a smart choice, and here’s why:

Visibility

Braided lines are highly visible in the water, which can scare away fish, especially in clear water conditions. A fluorocarbon or monofilament leader is much less visible, helping to present your bait more naturally and increasing your chances of getting bites.

Read a detailed comparison between braided lines and monofilament lines.

You might also find it interesting: Best Fishing Line Colors That Fish Can’t See!

Abrasion Resistance

Braided lines are strong but not as abrasion-resistant as fluorocarbon or monofilament lines. When fishing around rocks, coral, or structures like docks and submerged trees, a leader can help protect your line from getting damaged or cut.

Shock Absorption

Braided lines have minimal stretch, which means they don’t absorb the shock of a fish’s sudden runs or jumps very well. A monofilament or fluorocarbon leader provides some stretch, acting as a shock absorber to prevent the line from breaking during these intense moments.

Knot Strength

Connecting your lure or hook directly to a braided line can sometimes result in knots that slip or fail because of the braid’s slick surface. Using a leader allows you to tie more secure knots, such as the Palomar knot or double uni-knot, ensuring a stronger connection.

Targeting Specific Fish

Certain fish species have sharp teeth or rough mouths that can easily fray braided lines. Using a tougher fluorocarbon or monofilament leader can withstand these conditions better, helping you to land toothy predators like pike, musky, or mackerel.

Versatility

Using a leader allows you to adapt to different fishing situations without needing to change your main line. You can quickly switch between different types of leaders (fluorocarbon, monofilament) and adjust the length based on the fishing conditions and the species you’re targeting.

Using a leader, especially fluorocarbon, can improve the invisibility of the line underwater and provide additional abrasion resistance. For most applications, a 15-30 lb fluorocarbon leader is recommended.

Is 20lb Braid Suitable for Heavy Cover?

Yes, a 20lb braided fishing line is highly suitable for fishing in heavy cover. This line’s combination of strength, sensitivity, and abrasion resistance makes it an excellent choice for challenging environments.

The 20lb braid offers substantial pulling power, allowing you to haul fish like mangrove snapper out of dense vegetation, rocks, and other underwater structures without breaking. This is crucial when fishing in areas where fish might try to hide or escape.

Additionally, the thin diameter of a 20lb braid reduces drag, making it easier to maneuver your bait through heavy cover and reach deeper spots. This thinner profile also enables longer casts, which is beneficial for covering more water and increasing your chances of hooking a fish.

The minimal stretch of braided lines enhances sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites, which is essential when fishing in dense cover where bites might be harder to detect.

While a 20lb braid can handle moderate cover, anglers targeting fish in extremely heavy cover might opt for higher strength braids (30-50 lb) to avoid line breakage and ensure successful retrieval.

How Does 20lb Braid Affect Casting Distance?

Using a 20lb braided fishing line can significantly enhance your casting distance due to several key factors:

Thin Diameter

Braided lines are much thinner than monofilament or fluorocarbon lines of the same strength. This reduced diameter means there is less air resistance when casting, allowing the line to travel further through the air.

The thin diameter also means you can spool more lines onto your reel, which is beneficial for making longer casts and reaching fish that are farther away.

Smooth Surface

Braided lines have a smooth texture, which reduces friction as the line passes through the rod guides. This smoothness allows for a more effortless and longer cast compared to lines with a rougher surface.

Minimal Stretch

Braided lines have minimal stretch, which means more of the energy from your cast is directly transferred to the line. This efficient energy transfer helps propel the line further, enhancing casting distance.

Light Weight

The lightweight nature of braided lines makes them easier to cast over long distances. This is particularly useful when you need to cover a lot of water or reach fish that are located far from your position.

Lighter braided lines, such as 10-15 lb, generally offer better casting distance compared to 20lb braid. However, the difference is often marginal and 20lb braid still provides excellent casting performance, especially when using heavier lures.

Explore some of our tested braided fishing lines and choose the one that best suits you. Or if you want to check overall fishing lines of all types, check our tested fishing lines.

FAQs

Can I use a 20lb braid for topwater fishing?

Yes, a 20lb braid is great for topwater fishing. Its thin diameter and minimal stretch help achieve long casts and quick hook sets, which are crucial for light tackle topwater action. The strength of the braid also helps in pulling fish out of vegetation or cover, making it highly effective for catching target species of aggressive fish that strike surface lures.

How do I prevent wind knots with a 20lb braid?

To prevent wind knots, make sure to spool the line tightly and evenly, avoid overfilling the spool, and use smooth, controlled casts. Additionally, using a leader can help reduce the occurrence of wind knots. Keeping your rod tip low during casting and ensuring there is no slack line can also minimize the chances of wind knots forming.

Is a 20lb braid suitable for ice fishing?

Yes, you can use a 20lb braid for both inshore fish and ice fishing. Its strength and sensitivity help detect light bites under the ice. But , it’s recommended to use a fluorocarbon leader to handle the cold water and reduce visibility. The braid’s thin diameter allows for more line on the reel, which is useful for deeper ice fishing spots, and its minimal stretch helps in quick hook sets.