[[email protected]]

Well, it's getting time to start thinking about annual equipment decisions.

I've changed my equipment line-up around this year with several new additions (mostly a few new reels). This, in turn, caused me to match up rods and reels a little differently and therefore I'm making some serious line changes (and, I think line choices may have hurt me some in 2003 so that's another incentive to refine 2004 decisions).

So far: Fluorocarbon on most vertical baitcast outfits (jig & Pig, T-worms, Tubes, etc), Hydird on some spinning outfits (this is nylon w/ fluorocarbon finish), Mono for regular crankbaits, Fireline for the Frog/Rat outfit, etc.

My specific questions are: what do you like/recommend on Baitcasters for Spinnerbaits , and secondly, what on Baitcasters for Topwater baits, like a Spook jr.? (I'm thinking hybird for both of these, less strech than mono, less visible than mono, better long distance casting than fluorocarbon, not sure about bouancy).

Any thoughts/crituque on the logic here (does the same type of line work well for both these specific applications)? I'm looking mostly for castability, and probably some line bouancy for the topwater application.

I'd be interested in knowing what works for you with these two applications and if there is a 'big' reason why (strength, abrasion resistance, castability, stretch, lack of stretch, line sinks, line doesn't sink, etc.).

Thanks.

Joe K

 

[Scottb]

Might sound kinda funny but after going to Angler's Paradise and talking to Bill Capwell, I throw the same line for both: P-Line CXX Xtra Strong in 17# test. Bill asked me what pound test I threw for topwater and I replied 10#. He asked why and I really could not answer. He replied that most topwaters are reaction-type baits (like spinerbaits) , the higher pound test will stay on top better and why throw smaller If I don't have too.
This year I am gonna keep it fairly simple and throw all P-Line CXXX with a couple Stradic spare spools of 20# McCoy's braid on the side for special occassions.

6# on spinning rods.
8# on my hard jerkbaits and lipped cranks.
17# on my spinnerbaits, most traps, topwaters and jigging.

It seems to work OK for me.
ScottB

 

[Jighead61]

Joe,
Braid is the most buoyant line available. Braid line basically floats because it has 0.97 weight ratio, where water has 1.0 weight ratio.

However, fluorocarbon is the most dense line and the fastest sinking, followed by hybrid line. Next to braid, mono is the next best floater.

I've been using braid line for ALL my applications for the past 5 years and will never go back to anything else. That's my personal preference because it has proven to be the best all around line for my needs.

You specified to be using the following :

Fluorocarbon - Jig&Pig, T-Worms, Tubes, etc.
Hybrid - Spinning Tackle
Fireline - Frog/Rat Outfit

I believe you have made a logical choice with these lines and lure/outfits. Don't limit yourself though, switch things around and experiment, you might be surprised what you'll discover.

Remember that nothing is written in stone, use what feels right to you and gives you the most confidence.


Ronnie

 

[Sea Jack]

Joe,

I throw my topwater baits on 20# Big Game, I don't think it hurts as far as strikes are concerned.

I don't throw topwater too often but generally catch good fish when I do, which makes me think that I not scaring fish off with the thick line. The past two years I have a bunch of fish over three pounds and one 5.37 that was a tournament lunker. I mainly fish poppers on this set up, but am known to toss a Super Spook from time to time.

 

[JPBass]

I've been experimenting with braid (20 lb. Power Pro) for my top water stuff. So far I like it. It casts, it floats, and doesn't stretch.

If Mono's your choice for top water try a fly line dressing. It keeps it afloat. If you can't find any fly line dressing try rubbing a little Chapstick on your line. That'll work too.

 

[JOHN G]

Joe: I have used Fusion in the past for topwater...my topwater fishing is extremely limited anyway....

and I use a spinning outfit in that application......

 

[LandSvy06]

line choice

If you fish spinning gear also, consider Bagley's Silver Thread. I have fished many, many lines on spin or cast gear, and stuck with it for 22 years. It does NOT have the no-stretch quality of a braid or fluro. lines. I am of the opinion that those lines are very prone to twist on spin gear. Silver thread is aboud 2 or 4lb test thinner than most comparable line test in other companies, and has nearly no memory once it gets wet. It is copolymer, so not as stretchy as monos. On 6lb Silver Thread I have caught trout up to 20inches, Pike in the 30-35in range (no wire leader) and bass 18-25inches (several in heavy cover).

 

[earthworm77]

Silver Thread is great. I found a place in Alabama that still has the Super Silver Thread...blue/red box. Great light line. I'll be using it as well as Hybrid and I'm going to try P-Line

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks guys for the replies, the info was great.

I'm heading out to NC today for Christmas with the grand-kids. Merry Christmas to all, thanks for your generous friendship during the year, NYBass is a GREAT place.

Joe K

 

[LandSvy06]

Earthworm77 reply

I always liked the blue label, black label, or AN40 (cold water). They just came out with a new Silver thread that I am spooling all my reels up with this year- Cabela's has got it.