Troutski
My impression of the Goldcast is that it has many limitations compared to a spinning reel:
1. The spool housing adds excess weight & needs to be removed to access the line end.
2. The narrow spool doesn't hold much line.
3. Only light limp mono will work - no micro fiber or stiff XT.
4. Drag isn't very smooth.
5. Line pickup is just a short metal pin that appears to have the potential to damage line.
But, with a matched rod, it feels user friendly and some pretty amazing catches were landed on Snoopies & Barbies !
Like most anglers I started with a spin casting reel, commonly known as a Zebco, well they have grown up and know offer a nicer heaver duty line of reels. My question is do you use a casting rod or a spinning rod with these reels?
Chuck
"Troutski" thats pretty serious line - what species are you targeting with what presentation method?
"Troutski" I've gotten a few bass in warmer CA & HI up to 8# or so & 8#(mono) spinning gear seemed fine without resorting to the 20# micro fiber spool. But, I assume you're interested in the Zebco 808sw(?) because you've already got a matching rod? Well, under $40 isn't too big a hit, but geez, those bass you're thinking about are in for a rough pull !
"Hook" there were some recent posts about twisted line remedies.
Troutski,
The bass in Oregon aren't really big enough to be reaching for 20lb or even 16lb line, the max heaviest line I would ever use for bass is 12lb test. I am assuming you are worried about line abrasion, getting tangled around structure, and/or snags, if this is the case, then green spiderwire braid would be a good idea, and if you use thin enough braid, you can put it on a larger spinning reel. But if you were going to be jigging or worming for bass, I wouldn't go lower than 6lb or higher than 10lb, I fish light when I am jigging so I can feel any bump or nibble, but you also have to worry about line abrasion when jigging around structure.
If you are worried about line abrasion, I would recommend Trilene abrasion resistant line, its flourescent green, but I have caught many wary, line shy trout with the stuff.