I am setting up a new swim bait rod, and am looking to put Braid on it. I have never used the stuff so I am wondering what you all recommend. So far I was either thinking P-Lines Spectrex IV or Suffix. But I am open to suggestions. I was looking at the 50# class as it is close to the 12# line diameter. It will most likely be spooled on a Shimano Cardiff 300A ,but that to is still being looked into. The rod is a Okuma Guide Select 7’6" MH swim bait rod rated 1/2 -5 oz. and 12-25 lb.
For what it’s worth, i started using fireline when it came out and swore i would never use anything else. I quickly changed my mind when i tried power-pro. I have used it exclusively on my braid reels and won’t change any time soon. I am using an Ambassadeur 5600 AB spooled with 50# and i can cast probably close to 50 yards. Ask anyone who has fished with me trying to use a baitcasting reel and you will see how phenominal that really is. My .02[;)]
I use the new Spiderwire UltraCast and its great line. I haven’t used the PowerPro but I have read a lot of good reviews from people that switched over from the PowerPro to the Ultracast.
I have heard good things about P-line. I havent used braid much but I LOVE how it sounds on the reel and guides. ha ha It’ll sing when a fish bites it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
I really like fireline for most everything, but on my bigwater rods I use powerpro. I am not crazy about spiderwire as it has been my experience that it freys a bit more. I’m sure everyone has thier opinion. PowerPro doesn’t have a pretty of a package. Fireline has crystal (which isn’t nearly as “invisible” as they want you to believe.
Couple of questions here: I am about to learn something: [ol] - I am surprised that you would use such heavy line (50 lb.). Especially on a rod rated at 12-25 lb. And again for swim baits … ain’t that kind of over kill? - Also, you mentioned “swim bait rod”. What is a swim bait rod? What makes a rod a swim bait rod?[/ol]
Also, another question for other readers: What brands of braided lines are teflon coated? I’d like to look farther into that myself.
Ralph my friend, let me explain it to you. I also use 50# for tiger musky fishing and sometimes for smallies at pineview. The faster you can get the fish to the boat, released and on his way the better it will be for his survival. A tiger has a harder time cutting through that diameter of braid or mono and therefore you don’t need a steel leader(they don’t work on buzzbaits anyway). I also fish some nasty stuff where tigers live and anything less won’t cut it. Hope that helps your ? about line. The swimbait thing is on matt.[;)]
We use Spectra when we go fishing in the ocean, only difference is its hollow. Thread your Flourcarbine into the Spectra and super glue, has never pulled out or broke at connections. Less strain on the baitfish I might add, no knot no drag.
Well like Brody said I am setting up this rod for Tigers and Pike and for when I go to California. The 50# braid is like 12lb mono so it will work great on the rod. As for the swim baits it is being set up for big ones in the 3-5 oz range so about 6-9 inches long. I will use a floro leader on it to make it a little more invisable. So I hope this kind a helps, as it is fairly new and I am just starting the obsession. I dont think I will ever be into those 40+ dollars cause I am cheap. But things like the Storm 9" trout ect.
The teflon coating will reduce wear on the guides and cast longer distances. Two words-less friction. It also helps with the hydrophobic qualities of the nylon. Spiderwire stealth is teflon coated it’s what I use when I use braided line, only in certain places so I don’t know about the other lines but I’ve heard good things about powerpro.
There is only one BEST, top of the line 100% MADE IN USA super braid braided line, and that is POWER PRO. No doubt about it, no question about it. I have had no problems with it on all my reels, trolling or swimbait or huge laker spoons, or even 12 oz weight on 3-way swivels on 30 lbs Power Prob braided. Will easily last you over 5 years, especailly the large diamter you are planning to put on. Use only PowerPro from the beginning, there will be no headaches, no lost fish, no line replacement. I simply cannot emphasize it more. And I have propably already made you angrly reading my redundant post.[:)][:)][:)][:)]
Honestly, I have been so acclamated to monofilament line that I shy away from anything else. Braid lines put alot of wear on a reel because they have no stretch and they chew up rod and reel guides. I can’t say that there is no place for it, but braided line isn’t really necessary if you choose the right diameter to strength rating in mono to get the job done. I love Trilene and have used it for years on everything from bluegill to sturgeon. The castability and flexibility of any quality monofilament is more than adequate when applied properly. Not to mention, the cost is much less for good performance. I’ll use P-line fluorocarbon for leader line in situations where line visibility is crucial for water clarity. I never use line too light or too heavy for the purpose. Guaranteed, you will never get better castability with anything else.
fishguru73, I just have to say a few things to the contrary. With a high quality reel or baitcasting reel, there is no increased wear on it. With the drag set right, no damage will occur. I will be changing mine to Ardent Reels, out of Macon, Missouri. They are 100% made in USA, and are of 100% Titanium and Magnesium construction. Enough with reels. Now, for me, the braided casts better because it lays down on the spool more compactl. I actually have far superior castability than when I was using mono. And it is definetly cheaper with braided. I have now head my reels filled with PowerPro for 4 years, and no problems. Not a single cent spent on line, except for leader line. Can’t beat it.
Actually, both mono and braided line have their place.
** Mono is a better line for trolling. the stretch feature of a good mono, makes for more hook ups, and does not tear hooks from fishes mouths.
** Because braid has no stretch, it is more sensitive, and transmits a bite better if you are jigging or require a hard hook up.
** I think that I agree, for everyday all around fishing, mono is the better line, provided it’s a quality product. (even though I have my reels spooled up with Berkley Fireline)
** Also, I don’t believe in a “life time” line. When I mack fish, I change the first 100 feet of my jigging line on a daily basis. For trout and other smaller fish, I figure a change about once or twice a season is good enough. I also check my line for nicks and cuts on a regular basis during the day, and retie as necessary.
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Boy, do you change the first 100 feet of braided as well? It looks liek you are really after the big guys, and by that I mean SISCOWETS, if there are any at the Gorge or Bear Lake.
Nope, discovered Fireline after I quit fishing for macks.
** Always used mono, either 8 or 10 pound for jigging. and always changed the first 100 ft of line daily.
** First started fishing for macks with steel line, dragging flat fish on the bottom. Almost as much fun as sleeping.
** Moved to downriggers, and that was not very productive, and also boring.
** Finally graduated to jigging, and found that to be the most fun, and most productive method of fishing for mack. It took me many trips to the Gorge to finally make my trips VERY productive. It took a lot of trail and error, and experimenting.
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