I bought a Penn 209 for catfishing and paired it up with a Tiger rod. I first had 30lb big game spooled up and simply couldn't cast it without ten birdnests. I took the mono off and replaced it with 50lb Power Pro and it casts like 50 yards with ease. I think the lack line memory of braid is why it casts much easier.
I tie leaders on using the Bristol knot or Yucatan knot, works great. BTW, this setup is a beast for monster cats!!
