I have three open face, fixed spool reals. When using a thirty pound, nylon shock leader, I find no need for a casting aid. However, if I were using braid right through to the terminal tackle, I would always use an aid. A mistake like failing to tighten the drag sufficiently would see the braid cut the tip of your finger to the bone.

As an addition. I always fish two rods and vary the distance I fish from the beach. One reel is loaded with 12 pound breaking strain nylon, one with 12 pound breaking strain braid. I have been using this combination now for well over a year. I must say the new super braids, although expensive, are simply brilliant. I have just taken delivery of two spools of super braid and over the weekend I will spool the other two reels with this product.

My reasons for taking this somewhat expensive decision are many fold. First with super braid I get no line twist at all. My 'fish landed' number is better on the braid, also this line can help cut through weed that may catch on the line. Being finer than nylon I can tie a far smaller and neater knot to attach a leader. Possibly the most important reason being I stay in better touch with a hooked fish as there is no line stretch. This allows the rod to help wear the fish down, which is part of the job it's designed for, absorb any short but powerful runs a fish may make. This may not be so important if using heavy line, but it really helps when using light line, I believe this is why my 'fish landed' tally is better on braid that with nylon. This may not be so relevant with multiplier reels but with fixed spools it is a factor. Braid may not cast as well on multiplier reels, perhaps users of these reels may wish to comment.