Choosing the Right Line for Bass Fishing: My Go-To Daiwa Lines

By Charles West

If there is one thing I have learned after 20 years of chasing bass, it’s that having the right line can make a massive difference in your success on the water. Line selection is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most critical elements in your setup. Over the years, I have experimented with just about every type of line you can think of—refining and fine-tuning my choices to match different lures, techniques, and environments.

Being a Prostaff angler with Daiwa, I have found a line-up that covers all my bass fishing needs. In this blog, I will break down which lines I use, why I use them, and how they help me catch more bass.

J-Braid Expedition – The Versatile Workhorse

This is my go-to PE line for most applications. Whether I am fishing soft plastics, crankbaits, or anything in between, the J-Braid Expedition gets the job done. I spool it in sizes ranging from PE #1 (12lb) to PE #2 (25lb).

One of the standout features is its thinner-than-average diameter, which makes it perfect for a finesse approach while still holding up in open water or light cover situations like weedy areas. It’s strong, reliable, and highly versatile—ideal for day-to-day bass fishing.

Saltiga 12 EX – For Ultra Finesse Techniques

When I need strength but can’t compromise on diameter, the Saltiga 12 EX is my top choice. It shines in ultra-finesse applications such as mid-strolling, light plastics (1/12 to 1/6 oz), and smaller hard bodies like the 60mm Double Clutch or the Infeet crankbait range. The ultra-thin diameter presents the lure with full finesse but has amazing strength.

I typically use it in PE #0.8 and PE #1 sizes. This line offers a perfect balance of sensitivity, stealth, and strength—essential for those bite-shy bass.

J-Braid Grand – Abrasion Resistance Where It Counts

Fishing heavy structure like timber or rocks? This is where J-Braid Grand comes in. It’s my preferred PE when I need maximum abrasion resistance—especially for power techniques like lipless crankbaits, skirted jigs, or spinnerbaits in tough terrain.

J-Braid Grand gives me the confidence to go after bass in the heavy cover, knowing my line can handle the abuse.

J-Thread Xlink FC – All-Purpose Fluorocarbon Leader

For general lure fishing (excluding topwater), I run J-Thread X-Link FC as my fluorocarbon leader. It offers the right mix of suppleness and abrasion resistance, which helps maintain natural lure presentation while still standing up to aggressive fish and rough environments.

I use this in a range from 6lb to 20lb, depending on the technique and the structure I’m targeting.

J-Thread Nylon – Topwater Tactician

Topwater lures demand a different approach, and that’s where J-Thread Nylon shines. Since nylon floats, it won’t interfere with the natural action of surface lures. I use it both as a leader and as a straight-through line on my baitcasters.

The straight-through style adds a lot of stretch which also helps delay the strike—giving the bass an extra moment to fully commit to the lure, which often results in better hook-up rates. I typically spool up with 8lb to 12lb.

Saltiga X-Link Fluoro – Heavy Duty Fluorocarbon

When the going gets tough—like pulling big bass out of thick timber or sharp rocks I turn to Saltiga X-Link Fluoro. It’s the toughest fluorocarbon in my arsenal, offering unmatched strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance.

What makes it stand out is its ability to maintain a natural presentation despite its toughness with a supple design. If you are targeting bass in brutal conditions, this is the line to trust.

Final Thoughts

That’s a breakdown on the lines I rely on for different bass fishing scenarios. Choosing the right line can help you present your lure more effectively, fight fish more confidently, and ultimately catch more bass.

So, next time you’re browsing your local tackle store, take a closer look at the Daiwa range. There is a line in there that can help take your bass fishing to the next level.