If your rod recommends a certain weight of line is it safe to put on a heavier line and if it is up to how much more can you put on?

I've been know to use 12# Izoreline on my spin rod rated for 6-8# test. I figure as long as i don't tighten the drag down to much no problem. I don't think rod manufactures agree, but the added confidence 12# test gives me when big natives are present is worth the risk.

I build a lot of rods for myself and others. I always try to stay within the recommendations. When the "super" lines first came out a lot of people were overlaoding their lines because the thinner diameter allowed you to put a heavier test line on there. It was almost as if people were loading their reels by the diameter of these lines versus the actual strength rating. As a result there were many rods shattered on the hook set. I think it would be safe to SLIGHTLY overload with mono rather than the superlines because mono's stretch will act as a shock absorber to a point. Ultimately its your choice, but it does matter.

I don't see a problem with running heavier.. I run heavier line at times..If you know when to point rod and let line break your alright...I wouldnt recomend running braided but mono ...TM

I've been trying braided line lately and have found that 20lb braided works great on my lighter spinning rods for float fishing. I always use a leader that does fall at or below the rods rating though. And I've found you don't need to set the hook as hard when running braided - the line does not stretch, so a medium to light hook set will do just fine - just use sharp hooks... If a big fish runs, give them some freedom on the drag and point your rod tip in their direction. When they stop, tighten the drag a little (if you loosened it at all) and start cranking. With some experience, you'll know if your drag is set right by how it feels when you pull it off the reel by hand. Anyway, it can work, you just have to know what you're getting into.
Plus you can cast lighter baits\lures\floats\jigs better with the smaller diameter lines (or maybe it's just me...)

I have an old Loomis 1144C IM6 that is rated 8-12 and I run 20 Lbs. Maxima U.G. on it for nates and haven't had any problems. I keep the drag pretty tight so I can get the fish in quick and use it primarily in a few holes that have alot of wood and I need to be able to control the fish.

The only problem I have seen in doing this relates to drift rods. I have found that using line higher than the rating on the rod, gives it a mushy feel while drift fishing. If you back down to the middle or low end, for the line rating on the rod, your feel on the drift is a lot crisper. Just my $.o2 worth.

30 pound Power Pro on my 6-10 pound jig rod. Gentle is good.........

Thumper - just curious - why 30lb? Seems 20 or even 15 would be plenty, plus it would cast better (at least for me). I'm thinking the 30 will float better and handle abrasion better - is that it?

PP,
Someone on this board made mention last year about the "super-lines". He said 30lb will cut to the bone,while anything less will take the whole finger off. I had to laugh when I saw that,but I bet it holds true.

Those line ratings on the rod are for which line will cast the best, not which line strength will not break the rod.

PhishPhreak -

For me, it's a matter of diameter preference. 30# doesn't dig into the spool as easily, and is easier on the thumb (in my experience). Great stuff for casting spinners and plugs all day for coho.

Yeah, I can see that being an issue on level wind reels. I've been using braded on spinning reels and so far I prefer the 10 to 20lb line on those.