05-01-2006, 11:59 PM
Don: The braided lines are much smaller in diameter, and therefore make less contact with the water, which is where the vibration is absorbed from your line as it works its way up from the lure to your rod tip. Less resistance in the water with braid results in a greater "telegraph" of the lure and strike. Some still claim that mono is less-sensitive because it stretches more in the water, which it does, but when a lake trout chomps a jigged lure the way we fish them, THERES NO WAY that it stretches the mono. The hits aren't nearly hard enough to stretch anything, and the fish sure doesn't pull on the line or lure enough. If these hits were hard enough to stretch even 2lb. mono, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
So, braid is more sensitive, but in no way related to less stretch. Thinner line means less water resistance, and better sensitivity. One thing to note, however, is that when you hook a fish, you have no stretch "insurance" against an error. The fish can and will shake and tear hooks out easier with mono if you don't match its movements with your rod. In my business, however, I'll take the extra strike detection at risk of the angler not being as able to keep a fish hooked. My fishermen have a far more difficult time detecting strikes than reeling up a lake trout once they finally hook one.
Personally, I still fish with mono. I know what a hit looks like! (notice I said "Looks" like, not "feels" like!)
Oh, for braid, I'm using 20# Stren and Powerpro. Can't tell them apart. I've heard the Sufix braid is wonderful, but haven't had a chance to try it. Don't like fireline or spiderwire.
Jim
[url "http://www.fishflaminggorge.com"]www.fishflaminggorge.com[/url]
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So, braid is more sensitive, but in no way related to less stretch. Thinner line means less water resistance, and better sensitivity. One thing to note, however, is that when you hook a fish, you have no stretch "insurance" against an error. The fish can and will shake and tear hooks out easier with mono if you don't match its movements with your rod. In my business, however, I'll take the extra strike detection at risk of the angler not being as able to keep a fish hooked. My fishermen have a far more difficult time detecting strikes than reeling up a lake trout once they finally hook one.
Personally, I still fish with mono. I know what a hit looks like! (notice I said "Looks" like, not "feels" like!)
Oh, for braid, I'm using 20# Stren and Powerpro. Can't tell them apart. I've heard the Sufix braid is wonderful, but haven't had a chance to try it. Don't like fireline or spiderwire.
Jim
[url "http://www.fishflaminggorge.com"]www.fishflaminggorge.com[/url]
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