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red jkg · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 10:41 am Post subject: Braided line question

I have fished mono line all my life and keep hearing how much better braided line is. I use a low profile baitcasting reel and primarily sight fish for Reds and Drum. I also throw light weight lures. I would appreciate anyones opinions on any type line they might recommend. Thanks

ziacatcher · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 11:15 am Post subject:

I use exclusively spinning reels and I like 20 lb FINS windtamer line. I have to wrap mono around the spool first and then put the braid on to prevent it from spinning on the spool. Don't know much about how you have to rig up baitcasters

bulldog1935 · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 11:45 am Post subject:

Braid is for 2 things - increase the capacity of your spool, or make it elephant proof. Both have their uses in the surf.

I'll keep using Seaguar red in the bays. My Lew's Super Duty took almost 170 yds 12-lb, that's plenty.
My Tica Libra spinning reel holds about the same.
I like buying Red in 1000-yd bulk spools.

the topic comes on TKF about once/mo.
Some people have complained about the smaller diameter braid sliding inside itself and freezing up baitcasters.

ratherbefishing · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 11:57 am Post subject:

I have had issues with braid on one low profile baitcast reel. If the level wind was not in the middle, the cast will go out and catch when the line attempted to come off the side of the spool opposite of the level wind.

Easy fix is to remember to have the level wind in the middle of the spool when casting and all is well.

You will enjoy the increased capacity with additional strength of line.

Oh, if there is nothing to tie the line to, you will need to put a few wraps of mono on the spool first. Otherwise, it will spin (experience talking).
_________________

gkrane · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 4:23 pm Post subject:

BayFly · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 5:53 pm Post subject:

Like you I have used mono for many years, but especially due to it's degradation from the effects of UV light, and it's stretch I changed to braid about ten years ago. I use an inline or bait caster reel, a Shimano Calcutta B with 30# Sufix and start the day w/ 3' or so of 15-20# fluorocarbon leader. I tie the braid straight to the reel without a problem. I also put the same setup on my wife's Shimano spinning outfits and she likes it, but did not at first, due to my use of 20# braid. The 30# has been less subject to wind knots between the reel and the first guide. Her wind knots are probably largely due to the light artificial baits we throw. Enjoy braid if you decide to go that route!

bulldog1935 · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 8:29 pm Post subject:

gkrane · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 9:57 pm Post subject:

Bulldog said " I like paying drag to worthy fish"

I couldn't have said it better. That about sums up the whole game. Smile

BayFly · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2018 10:57 pm Post subject:

On the cost aspect of braid vs mono, braid last so much longer than mono, especially with being able to swap ends with the braid vs being concerned about the UV effect on mono, thus possibly changing it out prematurely or at least a lot sooner than you might even swap ends with the braid. This plus the fact you get a much more solid hookup with the braid. As a baitcast user one of the primary differences I have experienced is it's easier to get a backlash out of braid, and if you have a real bad backlash with braid some patience will result in you getting it out and no harm done to the line. Whereas with mono a real bad backlash will result in a kinked line you might not ever get straighten out again. I know I'm probably the only one here who experiences backlashes, but just in case you do. Rolling Eyes

bulldog1935 · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 4:18 am Post subject:

got a birdsnest last fall when the reel fell off the rod in the cast - my old Lew's SW25 - it never quite got along with this one reel seat.
I had a spare reel ready to swap out and respooled the old Lew's that night because I had the big spool of Red with me.
This year I have rods and reels re-mixed, and that won't happen again.

Johninaustin · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 1105

Don't bother with a mono wrap on the baitcaster, just put a piece of electrical tape on the spindle. No more movement.

As for the braid digging into the rest of the line, whe you load up the reel do it under tension so the line packs down solidly.

I use braid on everything, my only use for mono nowadays is heavy leaders for such things as Spanish Mackerel.

For bulk spools of braid, go here. https://www.banggood.com/search/fishing-line.html?sbc=1

bulldog1935 · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 9:30 am Post subject:

My new Lew's SuperDuty has a tie-off in the spool to anchor and start braid.

SeanHHH · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 5:34 pm Post subject:

I stubbornly (and ignorantly) resisted braid for years on my baitcaters that I use on the flats. Twelve pound Big Game served me well for years, so why change?

I changed one reel once upon a time and have proceeded to go full on braid. Even converted a few spinning reels to braid, although not on my daughters spinning reel. She is subject to wind knots on braid so her Shimano still has Big Game spooled up. And she usually outfishes me, lol.

For me the three big takeaways for braid are sensitivity, low stretch and durability. The only con is suppose if there is one would be cost.

gkrane · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 6:03 pm Post subject:

If you do decide to use braid make sure you are not too close to anyone else that may be fishing mono. Not if, but when you get gear crossed you will cut them off. The braid vs mono debate has been going on forever and people take an almost religious stance in their point of view. After using it for all different types of applications the only thing I find it useful for for is increasing spool capacity. YMMV.

ziacatcher · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2018 6:48 pm Post subject:

Another Pro is that braid is so sensitive that you can feel a fish burp on your lure