i've never put any new line on the big cat pole I got like 2 years ago. Im not sure how big it is (8-9 feet I guess) with a spinning reel. The line that came on it is still very strong but the memory is horrid. Its 30 lb. I've never bought any line over 12 lb test so i just wondered what you all recommend for the bigger stuff

check the rod and see what it is rated for and go somewhere in the range

for mono i'd go berkley big game in green

braid i'd use power pro

x2

As far as actual brands....I'm a Triline diehard. XL and XT are both great lines. If you can find it anywhere, I recommend some other stuff called Black Widow. I have only found it at a couple stores in my area, but a local shop may be able to order it, or you could probably find it online somewhere - I've never tried finding it online , so let us know if you do find it

if going for braid=spider wire 30pound test outa b able to handle any cat out there if you know how to set your drag...................mono=triline 30outa work

Unless you expect to tangle with some really big cats,in some nasty stuff(big flathead in a logjam)thenyou shouldn't need anything over 20lb line.

trilene or braid depends on what kind of line your interested in

i def. agree i use 6-14 pound for my catfish up to 20 pound area. so it all depends on how you work the rod also. like playing the fish. i use 6 pound a lot of time

I'll add a third to this. The heaviest line I think I have on some of my Great Lakes rods is still only 15lb test (I think, won't be heavier I can say with certainty however) If you know how to set your drag and can play the fish right, there is no need for anything over that 12-15lb test range. Just a thought.

absolutely. its just like fly fishing when it comes to playing them. its all about how you work the rod tip and the reel. and having confidence.

Depends on what your going after. Ouy have to know your fishing hole, id say if you are fishing in a hole that you know there are some nasty logs and rocks down in em id go with som 30 pound triline big game. if there are not that many logs in the area i would go with some lighter line and set the drag and have some fun with it, you dont always have to horse em right in, besides the fight is half the fun.I have a rod with some 14 on it and then i have my flathead river rod and it has some 25 pound spiderwire super mono on it and that stuff is the greatest line that i have ever used in my life it is 25 pound test with only a 6 pound diameter