SUBJECT: # 7299: A ? on Spooling up w/ Whiplash

Submitted by Frick (205.188.196.34) from OTHER on 4/22/2000 5:55:00 PM

Okay, I've got my spinning reel and I've got my Whiplash. Now, do I put some mono backing on the reel before tying on the Whiplash -- or is that just for conventionals? And in either case, what knot should I use? And, again, what knot should I use for my mono leader? BTW, I'm using 20 lb Whiplash that has a diameter of 4lb line; no big fish around here, but I do need to cast far, God and wind knots willing. Thanks! Frick

1. 4/23/2000 8:38:00 AM Submitted by Harrible (24.218.128.248) from MASSACHUSETTS says Here's one approach...
   Frick, you can lay down some mono if you need to bring the Whiplash up to 1/8 or so below the spool rim. I try to use mono similar in diameter to the Whiplash in question, to avoid burying the braid into the mono...I have had success with an Albright knot at this connection. I hit it with a dab of superglue, and roll the knot between thumb and forefinger to smooth it out. I am careful to clip the mono right up against the knot, to keep the braid from snagging on it if ever a fish takes me into the backing...(wouldn't that be nice)....

   You can use a Palomar to connect the Whiplash to a swivel, then a Clinch knot to join mono leader to swivel. A Clinch knot is likely to slip when made with Whiplash or similar braids. I use the absolute smallest suitable swivel that I can find...the 30 lb swivel, although relatively small is even a bit large for light gear.

   Let me know how Whiplash works out for you on spinning gear. I favor Fireline for spinning, but I have both spooled up and am interested in the experience of others...

   Harry

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2. 4/24/2000 9:57:00 AM Submitted by Russ Smith (63.84.32.57) from ARKANSAS says Whiplash
   Harrible, I've been using 20 pound whiplash on a Diawa Emblem XT spinner for quite a while now mainly for freshwater stripers(bass size reel). I love the feel and the casting distance but there is simply no question that this line is too prone to impossible to pull out knots on casts. The force of the cast pulls the knot so tight you just have to cut it off. I've gotten to where I pay attention prior to each cast, it's not just loops on the reel or anything like that, every now and then it just knots.

   I bought a huge spool of the stuff when it first came out and continue to use it because of the way it fishes, but Berkley really needs to look into the knotting problem on spinning reels.

   I actually sent them an email note about this months ago and got a response that they were in fact looking into comments that the line is prone to windknots.

   Russ Smith

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3. 4/24/2000 12:01:00 PM Submitted by Papa Bull from CONNECTICUT says Berkely already has addressed this issue.
   Their response is that they do NOT recommend this line for use with spinning reels. My experience is the same experience Russ related to us. The line is simply TOO limp. This makes it great for casting reels and questionable for spinnning reels. When it casts properly, you can really reach there effortlessly. But don't expect it to be trouble-free. You'll most likely have to cut some knots out of your line no matter what you do. No matter how tight you spool it on the reel (typical advice), as soon as you make a long cast, you're only spooled as tight as the resitance of the retrieve for the full length of the working line, so that would only be a solution on your very first cast.

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4. 4/24/2000 12:36:00 PM Submitted by Russ Smith (63.84.32.57) from CALIFORNIA says Thanks
   I wish there was something they could do, the casting properties are great other than all the knots. I was planning to try powerpro next time I need to buy line but I have a huge spool of Whiplash so that won't be for a while.

   I guess yet another reason for me to buckle down and learn to cast a conventional reel worth a damn but between learning to flycast and outfitting the boat I bought in September I just don't have the patience to go out and practice.

   I will still use it on my spinning gear, it's definitely something you note when changing lures, if the weights change dramatically expect a big knot. I just can't go back to mono though, I was white bass fishing recently and I use 4 and 6 pound mono on my lighter rods, the difference in feel is dramatic. I actually switched to using my striper rod with 20 pound whiplash and suddenly realized alot of the bumps that felt like bottom were actually small fish whacking the grub.

   Anybody know do they make rooster tails in surf fishing sizes say 1-2 ounces? I have so much success with the small ones on white bass and planted trout and they cast very well for their weight. I would think a heavier one would cast close to a kastmaster but with more action in the water.

   Russ Smith

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5. 4/24/2000 12:44:00 PM Submitted by Papa Bull from CONNECTICUT says Russ, it sounds like you need to try some of the fused spectra lines.
   Fireline et. al. They make noise going through the guides and they're a lot stiffer than braids, but not as stiff as monofilament and has the same near-zero-stretch properties as braids. Again, you won't see deterioration due to UV rays, spool memory, etc, and the longer you use it the more supple it becomes. It's better than going back to monofilament and it's better than using braids on spinning reels.

   Just my .02.

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6. 4/24/2000 1:31:00 PM Submitted by Frick (205.188.200.38) from OTHER says Okay, if not Whiplash, then what?
   Well, okay, I haven't filled my spinner with Whiplash yet -- and based on the above discussion, maybe I won't. Assuming I don't, then, what's the prefered alternative? I have Ripcord SI on one of my other reels and love it; only, I can't afford any more of the stuff. So -- what now? Thanks, Frick

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7. 4/24/2000 1:45:00 PM Submitted by Russ Smith (63.84.32.57) from CALIFORNIA says Lines
   I actually have both Fireline and Ripcord SI. I have 20 pound Fireline and 17 SI, I don't like the Fireline as much in terms of casting distance and feel(cuts too much) and it also tends to flatten out which makes it spool funny on a spinner. But it doesn't knot like Whiplash. I've had the same problem to a lesser extent with knotting and SI but with a different rod and reel so not a fair comparison.

   It'll be a while before my spool of Whiplash will be gone, I just have to deal with the occasional knots, it's wonderful to fish with other than that.

   Russ Smith

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8. 4/24/2000 1:50:00 PM Submitted by Damon M. (198.26.132.102) from CONNECTICUT says Harrible
   If you're looking for a good low profile swivel, look at SPRO tackle. They make a tiny swivel which I believe is rated to about 85 or 90lbs and is less than half the size of the Berkley 75lb barrel swivel. I used them extensively last season with good results. Its hard to believe such a tiny swivel carries such a strong rating, but they held up very well.

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9. 4/24/2000 2:26:00 PM Submitted by Billybob (208.221.183.153) from CONNECTICUT says O.K. Papa, I'm putting you on the spot.
   I bought a spool of 50 specifically for a VS 200 I got for christmas because at the time most reports were promising.I put some mono on the VS when I got it, and haven't put on the whiplash yet.As you may remember, I don't have a real conventional arsenal, but I do have some old Penn's (squidder, 350, 309, etc.). Should i try the whiplash on the VS, or forget about it?

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10. 4/24/2000 3:23:00 PM Submitted by Albert (199.41.248.135) from CALIFORNIA says Anyone use that new PowerPro???
    I've used the Ripcord SI stuff, and was disappointed. Broke off 2 fish during the winter using #40, not to mention the wind knots when casting. So I'm looking at the new Power Pro braid. I came across some in a tackle store in San Raphael, but didn't buy it. Good thing, cause it's cheaper in Cabela's by about half. It has a nice feel, more body than other braids I've used. So it's what I'm gonna use on my new ABU 6500CS M. Probably, gonna go w/ the #30 rating....

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11. 4/24/2000 10:52:00 PM Submitted by Sergio (200.34.47.190) from Mexico says You wont be dissapointed Albert
    with that 30 lb PowerPro in the 6500CSMag, just make sure that you wind that first 3/4 of the spool very tight and use Alberto's knot to join the shock leader to the braided line. The line is good and as a bonus it even warns you with some sound like electric sparks if you are about to backlash *g*. If you do backlash, the line is not too prone to cut itself. Spooled properly you will need more than 300 yds of line to fill the CS M to the top. I have caught some very nice fish with it in the last month and I think that I will use it to replace Fireline as running line and also as backing after a mono topshot. Hope this helps. Sergio

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12. 4/25/2000 8:06:00 AM Submitted by Papa Bull from CONNECTICUT says Billybob.... do this.
    Put it on your Van Staal. You'll most likely need a lot of backing since the VS has the mother of all spool capacities.

    The 50 lb should behave much nicer than the 30, just because it's going to be a little thicker - around the 10 to 12 lb range most likley. I would also recommend not filling the spool all the way to the rim because that may have been part of the problem with the Suveran.

    I put the same 30 lb on a Daiwa S3500ia and it's working very nicely with a 20 foot monofilament leader. This keeps the braid from being right at the lips edge and gives you that all important forgiveness you get from mono without sacrificing very much sensitivity. Monofilament stretches an average of 33%, while Whiplash is somewhere between 2 and 5 percent stretch.

    If you're not happy with this setup, then spool your conventionals, but I think it will work out OK for you. Might as well try it, huh? It casts much better than even fireline when it isn't tying itself in knots on you, and spool design may have a big role in this. (difference between the Suveran and the Daiwa).

    Let me know.... p.s. It's about time to get ready for LARGE, don't you think?

    Shoot me an e-mail!

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13. 4/25/2000 8:10:00 AM Submitted by ThunderRod (170.154.57.95) from MASSACHUSETTS says Rooster tails in surf fishing sizes, say 1-2 ounces........
    Yes Russ, they do make larger Roostertails. I bought a 1 oz silver for the same reasons you state, but I haven't used it much. It's hard to keep the blade turning for it's weight.

    I fish mostly in currents though. Perhaps in calmer waters.......?

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14. 4/26/2000 5:14:00 AM Submitted by Harrible (24.218.128.248) from MASSACHUSETTS says Damon...about SPRO swivels
    I have looked closely at those "inline" SPRO swivels...and indeed they are very slim and stated to be strong. I do not doubt that; however, I cannot get past how sharp the corners are in the eyes where you tie.....why they did not go a little further in completely knocking the edge off that corner is beyond me. I am amazed that they do not pose a threat to one's line. Did you experience any problem with this?

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