I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on what line to use and what lbs test. I have heard some good things and bad things about both Mono and braided just needed to get some more info. I like using braided but I would like to get some other peoples input. Thanks
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braid for bobbers, mono for drifting
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[quote Got_Bait]braid for bobbers, mono for drifting[/quote]
+1 [fishin]
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Hey just wondering why braid for bobbers and mono for drift.
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The braid floats and slides on top of the water better, and sticks to it less. This allows you to mend your line easier, and need to less often, so that you can get more natural, uninhibited floats. Also it has no stretch, so you can have good firm hooksets even on long floats or when you have a bunch of line laying on the water.
Even though braid boasts otherworldy pound tests, it can still be cut easily on sharp rocks. It tends to hold more water, thus leading to more frozen guides and reels in colder condtions. It can also really foul up a hole if long sections of it are broken off on snags. Then it takes longer to deteriorate, and easily tangles and cuts of lines of others trying to fish the hole. It is usually very limp causing you to get more undetected loops around your guides and rod tip, and backlashes can be next to impossible to pick out.
If it weren't for some of the benefits that you pick up by using braid for bobber fishing, I would use mono exclusively. I personally like the stretch of monofilament, especially when fighting fish. It is forgiving and really serves as an extension of my rod, and an aid to my drag.
I probably didn't capture the whole picture, plus others might disagree with me, so feel free to chime in. But those were the main things that stood out in my mind.
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[quote Got_Bait]braid for bobbers, mono for drifting[/quote]
+2
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I don't bobber fish, so all I can address is drift fishing. I've exclusivly used braids for my drift fishing over the last few thousand hours. I prefer some braids more than others, Spiderwire Stealth and Tuffline being my favorites, Fireline being my least.
"Superlines" are "high performance" terminal gear, and need more attention than mono, different knots, and more care. One treats a Loomis IMX differently than an Ugly Stik, and most advanced drift fishermen would agree that's there's a benefit to the IMX, just as there is to super lines.
Super lines offer better sensitivity, far less stretch than mono, which translates into quicker and more solid hook sets, and smaller diameter which reduces current drag during your drift. All of which I believe helps you feel bottom better, which in turn, makes you a better drift fisherman.
The detriments are having to keep an eye peeled for frays and knicks, which weakens the line. You have to use a backing underneath your braid to keep your it from cutting into your spooled line. You have to be more technical when fighting fish because braids are less forgiving due to no stretch.
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thanks GotBait one more question what size test do you like to use
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I use both for drift fishing and it all depends how the fish are biting. One thing I do like about braid is it cuts through the water much easier because of the smaller diameter. I have 15lb powerpro and usually run cajun 10lb mono. Takes a bit to get use to the braid. Like both and use both for steelies. Salmon fishing all i use is braid and hydro carbon leaders.
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Well, you probably already know that I am going to tell you that it depends. [:p]
For bobber fishing, I would suggest using P-Line Hydrofloat, or Power Pro (in Yellow). In either case, use the 30 lb test (I think the Hydrofloat is 15 lb diameter, and the Power Pro is 8 lb diameter). Based on the diameters, you could probably go one step lighter with the P-Line or one heavier with the PP. I have been using the Hydrofloat myself, but most folks who have tried both will tell you they prefer the Power Pro. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to once my Hydrofloat wears out.
For the mono it depends much more on the types of holes you are fishing. I have always used 14 lb test pretty much across the board, but sometimes it has been an overkill. I am usually drift fishing steelhead where there is alot of current, sharp rocks and boulders, so my line tends to get more knicks and abrasions, plus I need to keep them away from some of those boulders and chutes or its over. This last trip though, I tried 12 lb and got by pretty good. If you were fishing slower holes with less obstacles or hazards, I'm sure you could get away with 10 or probly 8. Just like anything, try to fish the lightest that you can get away with.
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Thanks for your input. I'm glad that someone chimed in who has had success, and prefers drift fishing braids. There are a few out there who have had great success with it, and continued fishing with it over the years. They are usually pretty good fisherman. It seems to be the ducks that have trouble and cause trouble with it.
It probably won't be long before I give it a try, cuz you are definately speaking my language. What general sizes of the Stealth and Tuffline do you use for steelhead and salmon respectively?
Also, I guess for the sake of not sounding like a hypocrite or a know-it-all, I should add a disclaimer. I have very little experience fishing braids for drift fishing. But I have fished around quite a bit with folks who have been using it, and have several friends who do, and spent quite a bit of time talking to people about it. Most of what I am saying above comes from what I have witnessed on the river, and stories I have heard from them all. I certainly have my opinions, but I always lend an open ear and consideration to someone who is having success.
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I like the Stealth because of the hi-vis yellow, almost a chartreuse, and it's fairly limp line. The Tufline XP comes in a yellow and is really limp. Both come in 10lb or 15 lb for steelhead, and I use the 15lb for Idaho salmon too. Power Pro is good line too, but "bleeds" its color pretty quick.
BTW, I can use the improved cinch-knot with any of the three lines when tying to my swivel. I use Maxima UG 10lb for my steelhead leaders.
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Wow, so you are talking 10-15 lb test, and 2-4 lb diameter? G. Willakers!
Have you found that a 15 lb test braid/super line is equally as strong and abrasion resistant as 15 lb test mono would be? As a general rule, I often hear that you should select a braid/super line that is the same diameter as the lb test of mono that you would use in the same conditions. . .
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I am with Huntsman, and agree with what he said. I don't see the point of going to a heavier pound test braided line. I think that a 10 to 15 pound test braid is sufficient, and being so small in diameter provides great casting abilities. You do have to be more careful when fishing, and fighting fish when using braid. I really like the low stretch of the braid over monofilament. Some people can't get used to the properties of the braid, I really like it.
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Plugs/baitdiver= braid
Float Fishing= braid
drifting clean bottom=braid
drifting granite boulder river= mono
sidedrifting= mono
spoon fishing= braid with mono shock leader
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"Pound Test" pretty much means what it says...
Any good steelhead fisherman should recognize that these fish like holding around structure. Be it gravel bars, boulders, logs, stumps, root balls, big rocks, or small rocks. Any line you choose to use is going to wear and is acceptable to abrasion. If you're not checking your line often, be it mono or braid, then you're gonna lose fish. As I mentioned before, braids take a bit more examination than mono, but to me the benefits outweigh this problem.
Checking your line for nicks and abrasions is no different than licking a knot before cinching it tight, or making sure that your hooks are "sticky" sharp. It's a simple chore that saves you fish, whether it's hooking 'em, or losing 'em during the fight.
Fighting fish, especially BIG fish, or those in heavy water is a whole different subject. Super lines are like a dirt bike...you'd best know what throttle control is....
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