scoop on line types???

I am just now getting back into bass fishing seriously. I used to swear by Trilene XT for baitcasting, and Trilene XL for spinning tackle. I feel pretty good about sticking with this combination, but want to improve if possible. What's the skinny on the "newer" kind of lines available? For example-- braids, flourocarbon, and possible others? And I am having a hard time finding info on what some lines are even made of (e.g., "Fireline", others).....

any info on what would be best for
1) pitchin' soft plastics and jigs (heavy cover)
2) spinnerbaiting
3) crankbaiting
and 4) good all-around line

(the above are what my 4 rods are dedicated to)

thanks in advance!

Here's what I use.

Braid: Main line for C-rig, Single hook top water baits (buzzbait/hornytoads).

Mono: Trebble hooked topwater baits (sooks, popr's etc)

Floro: Just about everything else not listed above.

Of course, you will get an endless amount of answers but here's my thoughts. You already have a good all around line. Some guys use nothing but braid, others flouro... At best I think they are each better suited to more specific applications due to each line characteristics; flouro sinks/clear; braid/ strong as rope; mono/ versatile... I also use and have used Trilene XL for a few years. I think its good line and most importantly, I know it. I just have to change it often and I retie my knots often. I'll also check the last 6' or so and cut it to "freshen" the line- often. I have made many forays into other line but still use the XL. You could use XL for all of your applications by varying the LB. test. I think that lines like braid and even flourocarbon require a fair amount of getting used to and also have their pros and cons. If I have a tungsten sinker on braided line with a sensitive graphite rod it can seem like I'm getting bite after bite and mess with my head- no fun. But, using it for a top water frog like a Sizmic toad over some lily pads has proven effective. (Hard to wait a bit on the "mild" hook set.) I've also been dabbling with the newer and better flourocarbons to spool onto spinning rods. Light tackle, clear water smallie hunting. But, I have had knot failures with flouro in the past. I would use mono for the cranking: nothing wrong with a 12-17lb mono for the pitching (a heavy braid would work here), mono or braid for spinnerbaits... I have fished quite a bit of saltwater and have used Trilene Big Game/ 15lb. test for some big stripers so unless you're a pro and want to horse a 2 lb. bass on 85lb. test, Trilene XL is a good line and you may want to keep it simple, catch some bass, and here and there try a newer line.

thanks for the informative post! I think I'll stick with what I have for now, but dabble in various types as the season progresses....

Initially I thought braid might be good for pitching a jig or worm, but it sounds like that might not be a good idea. This is especially true since the only colors available are dark green (too dark for line-watching) and bright, bright yellow (too bright for my taste)

thanks again...

Scott

Well, braid can be good for a jig. I've used power pro in the green around lily pads. You'll really feel a bite and have the power to get the fishes head up and out. It will also cut through some pads if you hook a monster. I used a sharpie marker and colored the last 6' black. A backing of mono (or some good taping) is also needed to prevent the slick braid from slipping on the spool. It is nice to throw a line with 10 lb diameter knowing it has 30 lb strength!

Good idea on the Sharpie marker, but don't Sharpies have a strong smell? I would be afraid of spooking the fish, particularly with jigs or worms....

thanks again