|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUBJECT: # 9141: Anyone using braid in the surf?
Submitted by Gerry, SFHP from VIRGINIA on 5/11/04 7:21:00 AM
I'm trying to get a handle on using braid on a surf rod. Working with 50 lb. Power Pro. Does anyone do this? Do you need a shock leader or just tie it straight to the terminal tackle.
I seem to have a lot of trouble with using a shock leader with braid. Seems like the knot becomes a very weak link in the system. Been using an Albright Special but I can really notice it coming through the guides. A double-uni is even worse.
Kind of feel like I'd do better to go back to Big Game or Sufix Superior.
- 5/12/04 10:12:00 PM
Submitted by
ArtsNFlies.com from ALABAMA says Try a Uni
I like a uni knot for joining mono to braid. I double the braid before tying the knot.However, given a choice I'd rather use a swivel to connect the two.
- 5/14/04 2:26:00 PM
Submitted by
Surf Dog (192.85.47.2) from NORTH CAROLINA says Braids on Surf Rods
Please do not put braided line on your surf rod. You won't make any friends if you're out in a busy surf with lots of fish on. Braided line is much stronger than mono and will cut other lines like a razor. You end up costing people their lures and possibly a fish. DON'T DO IT!
- 5/17/04 10:10:00 AM
Submitted by
Fish Hunter (66.82.9.55) from NORTH CAROLINA says Braid
I have to disagree. I have been using Fireline on my conventionals for about 5 yrs now and braid does not cut mono like a razor. I have seen mono cut mono, mono cut braid and braid cut braid. The urban legend is not true.You will have great sensitivity with braid, but on a heaver setup it can work you more due to that sensitivity. You can generally fish a lighter weight as the braid seems to have less drag in the water.
Try doubling the braid and then a uni to uni, but double the number of wraps on the braid. 3 to 4 wraps with the mono should still be adequate.
- 5/18/04 5:36:00 PM
Submitted by
ArtsNFlies.com from ALABAMA says Braid is great!
I was skeptical about using braid on my surf rods. But when I finally try it (Fireline) - what a difference! Yes, very sensetive. If you fish bait you can feel the pick up, the turn, even the hook set!Most casters (at least in my area) are using braid so braid/mono tangles aren't a big issue.
- 5/20/04 4:56:00 PM
Submitted by
Seahunter (68.55.79.15) from MARYLAND says braid on the beach
The trouble with braid is the mysterious line breaks that occur. I fish with a friend last fall who had just re-spooled with Fireline. Twice during the day or reason unknown his line parted on a retrieve and he lost his rigs. Both times the line looked as if it had frayed and broke from abrasion. I use braid on the boat but will never use it off the beach where abrasion is a problem.
- 5/20/04 10:00:00 PM
Submitted by
ArtsNFlies.com from ALABAMA says Abrasion
It's true that braid isn't so great around rocks. Then again, neither is mono. ;-)Never had a myster break with Fireline. I've heard of many mystery breaks with power pro however. A friend has been using the same spool of 30# Fireline for 3 years. Looks like a fuzzy ball of twine. But it still holds very well. I'm not that brave to try it that long however.
- 5/22/04 12:40:00 PM
Submitted by
Frenchy from NEW YORK says Fireline
I've never had an unexplained break when using 20 or 30 pound Fireline. However, I did have a case of brand new 14 pound FL break on the first fish. I checked the line out and it had actually unfused. I also have been using the same spools of 20 and 30 for several seasons. Fireline bleaches out and gets fuzzy with wear but it doesn't affect the break strength.If you're going to use braid, I see no reason to use anything smaller than 50 pound test in the spun braids, and 20 in Fireline. Braid has no stretch, and it doesn't have the same shock strength as mono. I can break 30# spun braid easily if I get it hung up in rocks---all you need to do is point the rod tip at the snag and give the rod a sharp jerk or pop and it'll part easier than 15 pound mono. Also, many braids are not accurately rated for actual break strength---Fireline probably tests out at double its rating, whereas some of the spun braids test out below their rating.
One more thing---don't believe the "mono equivalency diameter" BS on the package. Most braids are actually thicker than what the label reads. For example---30 Fireline is labeled as being equivalent to 12 pound mono, but it's actually about the same thickness as 20 pound Big Game mono. Spiderwire Stealth is probably the worst in this respect.
- 5/23/04 11:14:00 PM
Submitted by
ArtsNFlies.com from ALABAMA says Agreed
I agree with Frenchy about the diameter of Fireline (non-fusion). It's thicker than spun braid of the same test. Still makes a better cast than mono however.
- 7/28/04 5:02:00 PM
Submitted by
jesse (69.138.201.149) from MARYLAND says Power pro
I use prower pro, i tie on a shock leader shorter then most about a three foot 50# leader it's really acts like a rubber band and the end of your cast and send your rig a long way... I've used up to 10oz in strong winds and ripping tides... to tie my leader i use a 21wrap albright knot combine mono to power pro it's been working for me make sure that you set your bail so that it does not close on you during the cast cause that is mostely how you break off.. and it has never broke at the knot. Try this see if it helps you..
