Braided line

[GB2pair]

Hi All,

I just recently purchased a bait casting reel and with the advice of the guys who work at the tackle shop, I decided that I would try braided line (I got the fire line translucent 12lbs). I wanted to know, everyones thoughts on the use of a mono leader (if I should or not) and what kinds of knots should I use to tie the leader or the knot that I should use to tie directly to the lure.

Cheers,

 

[MikeyMikey]

Did the guy at the store tell you how you should shop for braid lines?
I don't think he/she did since you bought a 12lb fireline.

When it comes to braid lines, you buy based on the diameter not the # rating.
Because 50lb test braid is line 12~14lb test diameter of mono lines.

As for knot for braid, just use this knot.
http://www.fish4fun.com/palomarknot.htm


leader is upto you.

 

[GB2pair]

Thanks Mikey,

I would like to get your thoughts on braided vs. mono lines. I want to be able to do some casting for bass and pike but also some trolling for pike when I get access to a boat (all with my baitcast reel). Which one would you recommend?

Cheers,

 

[HyperFox]

Steel leader for anything with teeth man.

Personally I use the Sand Diego Jam Knot, (What we know as a 6 loop noose up here. or Jam knot)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... knot&vt=lf

http://www.netknots.com/html/san_diego_jam_knot.html

They also have the palomar knot there too, animated.

 

[disspatcher]

If you are running 50lb braid like Mikey, no steel is needed for a leader....if pitching for bass ect, then YES a f/c leader is a must!....3-4' anyway. Look up on youtube how to tie/join f/c to braid.
Just watch your hook sets, braid has NO stretch and will straighten out your favorite hooks pretty easily!

 

[Sike-1]

If you are running 50lb braid like Mikey, no steel is needed for a leader....

Ive lost over 10 jigs this season alone being bitten off by hammerhandle pike fishing 50 lb power pro.

 

[Bigfisherman]

If you are running 50lb braid like Mikey, no steel is needed for a leader....

Ive lost over 10 jigs this season alone being bitten off by hammerhandle pike fishing 50 lb power pro.

I've lost a few too, but suprisingly caught 4 pike without a leader!

 

[Garry2rs]

Here's some more info...
-Braid is many, many tiny fibers. It is much less abrasion resistant than a single plastic line. Add to this the fact that ten pound test braid is the diameter of many two or four pound test mono lines and you will see why the advise about choosing braid by diameter not by line strength is dead on!
-Not all braid is created equal. Power Pro and Tuff-Line XP are very fine for their strength.
-Fireline is not braided, it's the same basic fiber, but the filaments are fused together, not braided.
-Spiderwire invisi-braid is braided but is a very loose weave.
-You don't need mono under braid to stop it from slipping on the arbor, just use a small piece of tape.
-Braid doesn't wear out your guides and won't pull the hooks out of a fish's mouth any more than mono or fluoro will.
-It will cut your hands if you wrap it around a pull, put you can feel it happening, so you need to be dumb enough to pull that hard or keep pulling.
-And, in my opinion, if you straighten a hook out, it wasn't a fish...you were snagged...GRIN.

I have accidentally caught plenty of Pike and Musky on 30 and 50 pound Spiderwire, Fireline and Power-pro, without a leader...BUT I caught these fish on things like spinnerbaits, where the hook goes through the roof of the mouth and the teeth ride on the wire. 100+pound fluorocarbon or tungsten or steel wire leaders should be used for toothy critters.
I would also suggest 80 test Power Pro or Tuff-Line XP, if you intend to throw musky size baits.
Garry2rs