Corpusfishing.com

BobBobber · Guest

Since I'm tired of wasting money on re-spooling eight or more reels, I would prefer switching to a fishing line that works best. I am asking for your opinions.

Do some lines work best in saltwater fishing? (We I moved here from freshwater regions about 1-1/2 years ago.)

Before we lived in Texas, we used Maxima monofilament, tied with a variety of knots. But Maxima is not sold here in Corpus Christi. So I've been trying various lines but with mixed results.

Tried Pro braid and had impossible-tangled wind knots that were frequent.

Tried Fireline 10# which casts perhaps better and 20-percent farther than any I ever used. It seemed to have no memory. We used Palomar knot. BUT it would snap unexpectedly. Once at the bobber when wrapped around it (not held by spring). Several times, it just went kapow, when casting with pyramid sinkers of 3-oz. Lost all terminal tackle. On close examination, it looked like the fused three-stranded line became unfused. I called Berkley and sent in samples with store receipt at their request. They refused to followup when I called after they received it.

Switched to Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting in 10# and 15#, and the 10# also snapped a couple times when casting with 3-oz pyramid. However, after a brief time, I got a knarley wind knots on two separate spools of 15#.

I always use swivels at terminal tackle on all rods. Mostly bottom fish for sand trout and whiting, so no excessive stress on the line, not trolled behind a boat, and not any line stretched from being pulled out by big fish with a tight drag.

I wound some spools myself by hand, and also wound wet with the spools submerged in water. I also had some store-wound dry on their machine.

When we had the boat going, we would let all the line out behind the boat and reel it all back in. That seemed to work well. But until we resume boating again, I cannot do that.

On inspection, none of the line guides on rods have imperfections that could damage lines. Reels are maintained; the rollers on bails rotate freely. In other words, I do not think it's equipment that's causing problems with fishing line.

Additionally. we use an assortment of medium-light to light action rods in lengths from 7-ft to 9-ft. Rods on average are rated for lines 15# or less. Reels are Finor Ahab, Shimano and Okuma. (We retired our Daiwa and Mitchell reels when we moved to saltwater.)

While most saltwater anglers in the Gulf use heavier tackle, we have preferred lighter tackle for many years. Plus, the Gulf and Laguna Madre don't have trees in the water, log jambs, etc., which means that we do not have to horse fish in to keep them out of the snags.

Past freshwater experiences with catching fish as strong as 30# salmon and 18# steelhead show that 12# or 15# line was sufficient as long as we took our time bringing in the fish.

So, what lines have you found work best?

Bluffer · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 12:24 pm Post subject:

I use both mono and braid. As well as flouro for leader material. In braid you cant beat Fins brand 20lb for bay/flats. In the surf I like 30lb mono berkley or what ever that lime green stuff is they spool on at Roys.
_________________
-STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS!-

DOA · Pony Mullet Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 55

I only use power pro 30lb. In the beginning I did experience some wind knots in the beginning. But I've found that the line has to be fairly tight around the spool. Not too tight and not too loose.
Last year I did put on some trilene on one of my backup rods. I let my wife use it last trip and the line was rotten and she lost a big trout at the boat. The line had very little sun exposure before that.
No more mono for me.

The palomar has been shown to be one of the most secure knots in light tackle use. The line will break before the knot fails. It is all I use, and i've only had a problem when I rush and 'miss tie'.

Also, I used to think using ultra light tackle was more sporting, sometimes using 4-6lb line. But you stand higher chances of loosing the fish, or fighting it for so long that the fish becomes too fatigued to be released. With the proper tackle, what used to be a 5-10 minute fight, turns into a 1-2 minute fight and the fish swim off with some fight still in them. This matters to me since I fish 98% catch and release.

ziacatcher · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 1:15 pm Post subject:

I used to use Power Pro 30# all the time. A few years back I switched to FINS windtamer and love it. Have all my reels spooled with it including my big surf spinners. Use 65# on it.

ChuBri · Pony Mullet Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 53

Trilene XL 10# on my light baitcasters. PowerPro 30# on the larger baitcasters and spinning reels. Always Seagaur fluoro for leaders usually 17 or 20#. This is just what I use, your mileage may vary. Always check for nicks and change out if needed.

RttlTrap · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 2:10 pm Post subject:

In my experience, 10# line is too light for throwing 3oz sinkers. I enjoy the fight on light tackle as well, but its not appropriate in all situations. I don't exceed 1oz on 10#. Think freelining live bait with that size rig. To throw 2-3 oz weight regularly, you are most likely going to have to step up or start using some type of shock leader. Hope this helps.

Dave

rabbit · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 4:13 pm Post subject:

you are using too small of a line for a 3 ounce weight. i would use 20 lb mono at a minimum with a 100 lb leader. are you surf fishing or bay fishing? bay fishing i use a spinning reel with 10 lb mono. Very Happy

_________________
Fishing and Kayaking its a rough life but somebody has to do it.

justimm · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 5:16 pm Post subject:

only line i use is Spider wire stealth braid! stuff is amazing! comes off the sppol nice, not stiff like the power pro....and casts better than the power pro
_________________
A woman once told her husband to tie her up and he could do anything he wanted, so he tied her up and went fishing!

ratherbefishing · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 7:16 pm Post subject:

X3 on line too light for a 3oz weight. Need a shock leader that goes a few wraps into your reel.
_________________

troutless · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 7:22 pm Post subject:

I use Ande 15# on my trout rods and bait rods. Then I use Suffex 50-65# on my surf rod with a 80-100 # shock leaders.

Rickxt23 · Pony Mullet Joined: 03 Aug 2012 Posts: 51

P line 12 lb..nuff said Cool

Will Sanchez · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 7:42 pm Post subject:

15lb Ande is super Strong! I use it straight to the lure for topwaters. I retie often. For what this line cost, I change out very often to make sure it is always fresh. Mostly trout fish but when I flounder fish I use a 30lb leader to lure.

ceejkay · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:16 pm Post subject:

im a big fan of power pro 30#, i have it spooled on everything. im actually about to order 1500 yrds of it

blackhawk78418 · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:43 pm Post subject:

#8 fins wind tamer #40 Seaguar fluor leader,it's a little heavy but I dnt have to retie after every couple fish. Its what wrks for me

MakoJJ · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:25 pm Post subject:

Power Pro #30 or 12 lb Berkley Big Game. 20lb fluoro leader for trout. They don't even know what hit them Very Happy

_________________
JJ