[Senkosam]

Ever since braid was introduced I found reasons for using it. But as more companies started making, it I've found some brands cheaper and equal to that of the usual companies we've bought line from in the past.
Some use a fluorocarbon leader. Why?
Is mono dead?
What line test(s) do you use and with which lures?
Is line diameter significant?

A line recommended to me has a super-small diameter when going to 6# (2# diam.) or 8# 4# diam.) test - great for casting finesse plastics on light jigs! Line that casts light lures, is sensitive to light strikes at a distance and sets the hook with zero line stretch at that distance, is for me!

10 # or heavier braids also do well using larger heavier lures and for getting larger fish out of heavy cover.

Some winter thoughts. Opinions welcome.

 

[tomloge]

Ever since braid was introduced I found reasons for using it. But as more companies started making, it I've found some brands cheaper and equal to that of the usual companies we've bought line from in the past.
Some use a fluorocarbon leader. Why?
Is mono dead?
What line test(s) do you use and with which lures?
Is line diameter significant?

A line recommended to me has a super-small diameter when going to 6# (2# diam.) or 8# 4# diam.) test - great for casting finesse plastics on light jigs! Line that casts light lures, is sensitive to light strikes at a distance and sets the hook with zero line stretch at that distance, is for me!

10 # or heavier braids also do well using larger heavier lures and for getting larger fish out of heavy cover.

Some winter thoughts. Opinions welcome.

I like to keep it simple. I just use fluorocarbon. Usually 8 or 6 pound test. Very strong line. I've done well with it, for both numbers and size. I used to use braid all the time and did well with that too. But I've done much better with the fluorocarbon.

 

[Senkosam]

No line twist or memory?

 

[tomloge]

No line twist or memory?

I have not had any problems at all with line twist or memory.

 

[Senkosam]

Do you find some stretch is preferrable to braid's zero stretch?

 

[Special K]

I fish Suffix braid 6 & 8 lb test, with a 6 or 8lb flourocarbon leader. The braid lasts longer no line twist. Been fishing thgis for years

 

[Senkosam]

But why a leader?

 

[Jighead61]

I’ve been using braid exclusively since the early 90’s and have used just about every brand on the market. From my experience the best braids are the JDM brands (YGK, Varivas, Unitka, etc.) but are very expensive. My preferred domestic brand is Sufix 832. I use a leader (Copolymer) when necessary and my preferred brand is PLINE XXX Strong. Too many negative experiences with Fluorocarbon so I don’t use it.

Casting
Braid: Sufix 832 (30lb) for all bottom contact and cranking applications
Leader: 17lb. P LINE XXX Strong
Leader: 12lb. P LINE XXX Strong (cranking)

Braid: Sunline FX2 (60lb) for frogging and mat crashing
Leader: Never

Braid: Sunline FX2 (80lb) for punching
Leader: Never

Spinning
Braid: Sufix 832 (10lb) for all finesse applications including drop shot
Leader: 8lb. P LINE XXX Strong

 

[Special K]

I use Seagard flouro leader as it is virtually disappears in water and supplies some shock resistance. Many say it doesn't make a difference, but in my experience I find a 2 or 3-1 ratio in hook ups leader vs no leader. Again just my experience. Especially with smallies in clear water.

 

[jfrancho]

I'm almost exclusively using Seaguar Products.
Tatsu: 6, 15, testing the new 17
Invisx: 15
Smackdown: 50
Currently testing the BasiX 6# Fluoro and TactX 50# braid - These are entry level products that are low price point in their "101" series. So far, they seem decent.
Other lines:
Swimbaiting: 20/25 CXX
Topwater: 30# Tufline SuperCaster (discontinued, zero stretch, coated, floating superline with mono core
Salmon/Steelhead: 8-12# Siglon F
I've been using Seaguar Gold Label and Blue Label leaders when necessary, but I'm even less a fan of braid to leader than braid alone.

At any rate, line choice is such a personal thing, and is dictated by the nuance of your spots. It's not easy to both defend your choices or recommend options to others. What people expect a line to do is really too subjective.

 

[Senkosam]

At any rate, line choice is such a personal thing, and is dictated by the nuance of your spots. It's not easy to both defend your choices or recommend options to others. What people expect a line to do is really too subjective.

Huh?

 

[jfrancho]

What works for you probably sucks for anyone else. What works for everyone else may suck for you. Look at how many heated debates there are over braid. It's a simple concept really: try and decide for yourself.

 

[Senkosam]

It's a simple concept really

Than why do you use so many different lines! I would think a few would do. No on I know of gets that crazy with line companies and types. Plus, if someone was fishing with me and used my setups fishing for what I fish for, I don't see a problem of them not being able to hooking and keeping fish on regardless of the structure, depth or distance.

To each his own...

(BTW, say hi to the guys at Bass Resource for me....
- "You have been warned (and banned) by J Francho")

 

[jfrancho]

Good luck to you.

 

[JOHN G]

you guys STILL at it?????? LOL

 

[jfrancho]

I keep trying to play nice, but Frank is a bitter old fucker. Note, he didn't attack Ronnie for using different lines for different purposes. Frank just can't help being an asshole on open forums. He was an asshole on BR, and I banned him. He's banned from several other fishing sites as well. This is the only place left for him.

 

[JOHN G]

and this place is now the dead end of sites! LOL

 

[kungajim]

I use braid almost exclusively. I do have floro on one set up for spinner baits/cranks. I used to use floro on a finesse rig, but have since switched that to 6-8# braid. I do use 4-6 # mono on my ultralight rigs, but everything else is braid. I love sufix 832 and stick with it. only problem that folks complain about is that the color fades, and that is not a concern for me. very strong, easy to tie, and sensitive for strikes. I use 6 - 65# test based on the application. I dont use a leader, as I find it is unreliable. I prefer to just use a black marker.

 

[Dodge]

i use sufix 832 in 20 40 and 50 lb. i use no leaders because i hate knots going through my guides and i dont think it make any difference in the number of fish caught what so ever. ive fished side by side with gys with flouro on tough days and have seen no difference. i might try Vicious no fade braid next year becuse ive seen nothing but good reviews of it.