Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Spinning Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Abu Garcia/Garcia/Mitchell => Mitchell => Topic started by: sandbar on September 18, 2022, 03:44:04 AM

Title: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: sandbar on September 18, 2022, 03:44:04 AM
Does anyone have the manual for a 408 that gives line weights and capacities?
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: foakes on September 18, 2022, 04:39:16 AM
408 & 308 have the same line capacities, Steve —-

But, of course you know —- there are (2) spools for these little reels —- deep & shallow.

Here are the specs on both.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: sandbar on September 19, 2022, 01:33:00 AM
Thank You Fred
I guess I will need to determine which spools I have.
I don't own any 4lb line.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: Midway Tommy on September 19, 2022, 03:23:29 AM
4# line isn't terrible, but I've always thought it was tough to see & tie, plus, depending on the make, it has a tendency to cut itself on the knots.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: Donnyboat on September 19, 2022, 11:03:54 PM
Interesting Tommy, so what knot could be used, you preference, cheers Don.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: philaroman on September 20, 2022, 12:13:44 AM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on September 19, 2022, 03:23:29 AM4# line isn't terrible, but I've always thought it was tough to see & tie, plus, depending on the make, it has a tendency to cut itself on the knots.

doesn't 6# coil too much, on all your beautiful UL's w/ tiny spool diameters?
try 4# "Ice" lines...  tiny bit thicker & tougher than regular 4#
AND smaller spools make it cheaper to experiment


Quote from: Donnyboat on September 19, 2022, 11:03:54 PMInteresting Tommy, so what knot could be used, you preference, cheers Don.

my fav light mono terminal knot is Becker/Orvis -- a bit bulky,
but among strongest & tag end points "down" to catch less rock-snot
https://www.101knots.com/orvis-knot.html (https://www.101knots.com/orvis-knot.html)
can tigten extra & stop at Step 6, for good temporary loop
ignore final Step 8 -- if you sinch it tight, tag end will be approx 45* angle to hook-shank
can trim long for weak weed-guard

Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: Midway Tommy on September 20, 2022, 02:33:32 AM
So, I exclusively use any/all of the Cardinal 3 variations for my UL with 6# Clear Trilene XL. I've really never felt line memory was an issue with that combo, but then I don't fish trout with a spinner. If I haven't used the outfit for a few months I'll hook it on a tree and stretch it. Takes about 5 minutes.

As far as knots go, I'll use a loop knot on the line end of a leader where it connects to a swivel, but every other knot I tie, hooks, lures, jigs, swivels, etc., is a Palomar. Overall, they're the strongest and most versatile, plus they're quick and simple to tie. The type of fishing I do doesn't necessitate joining two lines together except for backing and I never have to worry about getting to the backing knot.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: sandbar on September 20, 2022, 09:44:50 PM
Great info guys
Thank You
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: foakes on September 20, 2022, 10:15:39 PM
I use 4 & 6 lb. Trilene XT mono —- and so far in 40+ years of fishing since Trilene became available —- have never had the line break at a knot.

But I change out my line annually —- and I tie simple but proven knots.

Most of my fishing has been for trout & bass.  And mostly average to smaller fish.

But I have landed many fish in the 5-6 pound class, and one a little over 12.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: DougK on September 22, 2022, 06:06:57 PM
4lb Maxima is what I used on my 308 for forty years, the small spool holds 100m which makes everything simple. Good old improved clinch or uniknot worked fine. Biggest thing caught on that was a 15lb carp, which ran out to the spool knot.. still surprised that everything held ;-)

Nowadays using Daiwa J-braid 8 in 8lb, Red Phillips knot to about 3ft of 6lb Seaguar Red fluoro, then a San Diego Jam knot to the snap or lure. I had to learn new knots for braid and fluorocarbon.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: Balvar24 on February 17, 2023, 05:05:53 AM
I've been using 2lb.  As long as the drag is working, I've had good luck.  Casts farther than 4 lb.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: handi2 on February 17, 2023, 05:22:35 AM
Why not the improved clinch knot?

The improved clinch knot has a knot on the end of it so it can't come loose.

You can't pull Knot thru a knot

The simple arbor knot is fine
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: Gfish on February 17, 2023, 04:13:23 PM
M.G. Spools from days of yore. Note the icons for shallow vs deep. From a 1940's 300, drag knobs made out of aluminum. I guess if they are both full of line you can still grab the right one.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: cbamer on February 24, 2023, 08:53:09 PM
Those are really cool, especially if you're trying buy one at a yard sale that is full of old line...
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: scrinch on February 28, 2023, 10:04:38 PM
Quote from: Balvar24 on February 17, 2023, 05:05:53 AMI've been using 2lb.  As long as the drag is working, I've had good luck.  Casts farther than 4 lb.
I've found 2lb works fine for Sierra pan sized trout unless my line gets caught on a rock, log, weed, etc. I definitely get bit more with 2lb than with 4lb or 6lb where I fish.
Title: Re: 408 line weights and capacity
Post by: Gfish on March 03, 2023, 01:58:04 PM
I always double-up the line and tie a simple clinch knot if it's less than 10lb. Mono. The thicker diameter mono clinch can slip if tied this way.