braided line on garcia reel

Question
Hi Jack,
I read that you use Garcia reels. I have a ABU Garcia 5000AL and 5600CA (20 yrs old). I used them for fluke fishing (salt water) and large mouth bass fishing. I switch rods, when fluking I use an All Star 7ft med hvy fast graphite rod. For bass, I use  graphite Berkley 5'6" baitcaster rods. My question involves braided line. I'm thinking of using Power Pro braided line but I'm not sure as to use 10lb. or 20lb. test. All the rods can probably handle the 20lb test line. Do you think 20lb. test line is too much for these reels?

Answer
Marlo; While I am far from an expert on reels and braided line it depends on what you mean by the test rating.  If 10lb braided line is an equivilent of ten lbs of mono or are you talking about line that is the size of 10lb mono.  Same with 20lb.
If you are talking about the true strength of the braided lines as being 10 and 20lb then the reels should handle both ok.  If you are talking abut line that is the size of10 or 20lb mono  then there is doubt in my mind that those are heavy enough reels for the line.  A 20lb equivilent braided line probably has a breaking strength of 80lbs or more and would probably overwhelm both of these reels.  

I hope this has been of some help.  If you are still in doubt I would suggest you contact Garcia's website and contact them and ask what they suggest.   Maybe you should ignore my suggestions and contact Garcia anyway.

Sincerely

Jack L. Gaither
Lake Seminole Georgia