I have always used mono Berkley Trilene XT 17 lb Low vis Green. Well ever since I was turned on to it. It always worked great but for some reason the past few years I have been having problems with this line. My set up is a ST.Croix P610HMF with Shimano Bantam Curado CU-200. I need to change to something that will be smooth but still tough. Braid or Mano Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

braid would be my choice,its tough and has no stretch and it has better hook setting power, but i will leave the details 4 everyone else, but it my choice

What kind of Braid ? I read Kevin Springer's Article on Samurai Braid,sounds good.

Berkley Big Game 17 - 25 around wood and a decent braid around grass. Braid is like using a weed wacker in grass after you hook up, just slices through.

Hey Frank Good Morning. My problem hasn't been getting through cover cause the 17lb test, weed whacked and 9 out 10 times the branch was retrieved. I have used the big game, they are very similar Mano. I just can't get that same smoothness out of the reel.

I think the same way as Frank... with one exception, deep water jig fishing. I really like using braid in deep open water when I'm fishing a jig. If calrity is a concern, I use an Albright knot to add a fluoro leader 12-20 lb test depending on if there are zebra muscles or not.

That Samurai braid from Daiwa is no joke... I'm telling you guys, try it... it's the smoothest out there and it casts like a dream. You know that sound you get when you have braided line coming through your guides? Not with Samurai braid. I know we mention it a lot, but it's that good.

BC

Wrap that 17 around some water chestnut, hell make it 20 and you ain't gettin him out! Braid will bring em out of that stuff

One thing he would have to adjust would be the hook set. As we all know there is no stretch in braid so it does play a role. You never realize how much stretch is in mono line until you fish all day using both applications.

I always thought Braid was for fishing in heavy cover and mono for more open water. And I have a weird question. Does anyone use lighter line to get more of a fight. Only for rec. fishing not tournys. Just asking cause sometimes I do it. I like the sound of a fish pulling line.

The interesting thing is that you want to match the line to your lure. Not the fight. The fight is great of course. The excitement of that drag ripping off, but you have to take in mind how the bait works through the water. Different line wieghts and diameters directly effect the movement of your bait. There are so many applications and factors that it is to much to list. That is why it is always good to spool your spare spools with a different diameter line. When the fish are really under pressure it will make a difference the way that bait moves through the water. This goes true making the decision of using mono, fluoro, braid or braid with flouro tip.

Jimmy (S.S.),

The rod you use makes all the difference in the world and the amount of drag that you have on your reel. Stiffer blanks will tire out a fish quicker than those "buggy whips" you and your brother were using (ugly sticks)... The line diameter only effects the breaking point during the actual fight... you can use 20 lb test and loosen your drag and get the same affect. If you set your drag really loose and have a soft tapered rod, you could be there for a while, but understand that the longer you fight a fish, the more lactic acid that builds up in their body. That can cause the bass to die after you release it. The best practice is to get the bass to the boat quickly and then pratice "CPR" (as our members like to call it "Catch, Photo & Release")

On a side note bro, it sounds like you need to find bigger bass... then you won't worry about how long the fight lasts, you'll have your hands full just getting them in the boat!



Hope that helps (and I don't me the wise@ss comment I made)...

BC

Ahha. See I never thought of stuff like that. Still learning everyday. And I don't care about wisecracks. I take it as constructive criticism.

Im still standing in awe of 65 dollar fishing line. Normally u see me at the local wallmart frowning at 10 dollar spiderline.

I just dont think the OL is gona belive me when I tell her the neccesity of 60 dollar fishin line.

Thanks for all the info guys very helpful, it will make buying easier Saturday at bass pro shop.

what kind of fishing line is 60 dollars?

http://www.tackledirect.com/daiwa-300yds-samurai-braided-line.html


course it says 300 yards a spool....and maybe a lil cheaper then what I said, but still pricy lol.

I would recommend going for the 150 yds. It lasts all season. If you were going with power pro you would be respooling half a dozen times and also loose alot of fish with the mysterious power pro breaks. Use samurai for half the season then unspool and reverse the line and respool it back on. With backing 150yds is good for 2 applications. Here is another link to purchase it.

Samurai Braid

Good point Nunz... There is no question that it cost a little more than some other braids, but it's worth it. When I first started using Sufix Performance Braid, I thought I'd never switch... then we got our hands on that Samurai Braid... there's just nothing like it on the market. Another big factor is the many different diameters it comes in. When I compared the Samurai to Sufix Braid, You can get a high pound test with a smaller diameter... that's really nice.

Check this out:


Here's the link for Sufix Performance Braid Specs

Just as one example, look at these numbers:

Brand Lb. Test Diameter (mm)
Samurai 18 Lb. .20mm
Sifux 10 Lb. .20mm

That's 8 pounds more with Samurai...

Wow that is crazy, big diffrence in diameter.Was wondering if I would be getting more distance on my cast with a line like that?

Was also wondering some of the diffrences between a 1 piece and a 2 piece fishing poll(aside from the number of pieces!)

Hands down you will be able to cast further. Also you will be able to cast a lighter bait. I have used the braid for smallies, largemouth and saltwater strippers. The line comes off the reel so smooth. No birds nests, no loops, it is amazing. There is no other braid that compares to it. As for a 2 piece rods I have not used one in over a decade. A good one piece blank like the St. Croix series givess you all the advantages by the sensitivity. You feel more with a one piece rod and also the stress and pressure is delivered equally. The primary difference is in the curve and hoop strength of the rod. In higher end rods, the only difference is in the wraps used to strengthen the ferrule at the point of joining the rod. Two piece rods are simply a one piece rod that has been cut in half with a solid insert added to the bottom half. Having this addition changes the flex of the rod in that it allows for a short flattening of the continuous curve from tip to handle. Ferrules used to be made of metal and added a significant amount of weight to a rod, today ferrules are made from a solid piece of graphite of the same material as the rod. I have found that you feel upto 50 percent better (bottom and bites) using better quality rods. I myself used to use the 29.95 Kmart specials. Those are now my three kids rods. It is amazing also how much my confidence has gone up since now I can feel what is going on. Good stuff!!!

I orderd a spool, I just gotta know what 50 dollar fishing string feels like to cast! LOL

My bait caster was a poll/caster combo set(abu garcia). So turns out the poll is a 1 piece and doesnt fit nice and neat in my car. SO I swapped polls and(as soon as I recieve my fishin line) am now going to be swappin back.

It wont be so bad this summer cuz I got a blazer to haul my lil boat so it should fit in the back no probs. Man I am getting excited for spring.

Once again I just gotta feel that fishin line, and thx for the info guys!

Cool Beans man... What size did you choose?

And make sure you put on backing. I would recommend 15 to 20 lb test backing. What do you think Brendan? I have been using the braid mostly on spinning gear with 14 lb test backing. You will truly be impressed. I use the no name knot to tie to the backing. The only difference is I come through the first loop in the very beginning. I also use this knot to tie on a flouro leader.




No Name Knot

The No Name knot is used to connect a double line to the leader, is easy to tie and a very reliable knot.
1. Align your leader and your double line.
2. Wrap the leader around the double line 5 or 6 times.
3. Pass the end of the line through the loop (end of the double line).
4. Wet the line and pull.
5. Trim the excess and you are ready to go.

I got the 15 pound and have no idea what backing is.....
I fail lol

Meh at the 6 dollars shipping...

You need to spool on three quarters of your reel with mono (or called backing)first. Use the knot shown, then spool the rest with the braid. Remember that the braid is so thin and to have maximum performance you need to have your reel spooled completely (filled) when done. Try not to over or under spool. It is very important.

SO roughly 25 to 30 yrds of braid....and the backing is too help add weight to the reel for casting.

I always find it very hard to know how much line I have on my poll when stringing you guys have any tips for that?

LOL I ask alot of questions on here maybe I can just get you guys to come over and do the fishing for me!

No, the backing is to absorb the no stretch of the braid or you can actually damage your spool. Since there is no give, the braid will compress and expand your spool. If you do not put enough backing you will also be throwing money away on the cost to fill a deep spool. I put about 65 - 75 yards of braid (depending on the spool size). The braid is so thin that it does not take much up on the spool. If you miss judge and put too much backing, just unspool the line across your yard. I have done this many times in the beginning until I became accustomed to how much backing is needed. Remember backing is cheap; it is the braid where the money is.

I see now... I just read that somewhere els. They also recomend turning the drag down a bit to help combat your braid eating into your spool during hook set. I can see now this is gona take some testing. Now that I have a boat I plan on getting into the thick of things and think the braid will help alot.

You should never have you drag locked down anyway. If it is to tight you will end up ripping the hook out of the fishes mouth. I am sure you don't want to fight a fish in and just end up with his lips on the hook . Your drag will surely be a bit tighter than using light mono. You will be fine. Wait until you feel everything your bait touches. Using braid can become very addicting.

I put backing on all my reels. its cost effective, it cushions your good line and it helps with line memory on mano.

I back my reels with Mono regardless of the line I am using... with braid, you have to, or it will spin on the spool... did that first time I used braid with a spinning rod... couldn't figure out what broke on the reel... DOH!

I got my Samurai Braid today. I can't belive how thin the line is. 150 yard spool looks like 15 foot of regular line. Should I have gotten a heavier line? I got the 15 pounds test because I usually use like 8 pound test of regular line. But this stuff is so thin I think I shoulda went alot heavier. Was wondering what u guys usually use. Thx alot

This stuff is thinner than freakin dental floss lol

I use the 15 and the 30. It is incredible how durable even the 15 is. I use the 30 when fishing real heavy cover or weeds. Wait until you see how far your first cast goes. The line sails of the reel. Make sure you put enough backing on the reel. The braid does not take up much on the spool. Make sure you post pics of the first fish you catch with the braid.

Great, Pictures coming up of fish bodies with bloody stumps where their heads used to be!

lol. Only you Frank can have everyone start crackng up.

I know you would use braid for heavy cover and such on a baitcast or spinner but what kind of pole would you use for such.I figure most guys who can afford it would have a pole for just such use and was wondering what that would be.

My baitcaster is on a St. Croix Premire heavy flippin stick. 6ft 10in Heavy. The spinning reel in on a St. Croix Premire medium 6ft 6 inch.


I use it manly on the Frankie fish. He is a Long Island Strain of Bass:

Mine are pretty close to Nunz.

Baitcaster- St.Croix Premier 6'10" Heavy, Mod-Fast Action.

Spinning- St.Croix Premier 6'6" Med Heavy, Fast Action.

Question on spinnerbaits, cranbaits, jerkbaits. I assume mano would still be the better line to use being your hook set is more of a sweep and a little line stretch wouldn't hurt right or wrong ?

BTwizy...

We posted a chart earlier in this post... you should have gone with the 40 lb test (That's about 8lb mono equivelent) Sorry we didn't catch this sooner.

My order of Sumarai Braid came today. Wow guys everything you said about this braid and more. This stuff is worth every penny.

Wait until you feel (I mean feel!!!) that first bite. It is like it sends a signal right through the line!!!!

I am officially embarrassed. I set the pick that Nunz made as my background and lost the picture of my kids! Dam!

Back to the topic of braid, This might sound stupid but I just bought 3 of the best scissors i could find at the pharmacy and not one of them can cut braid clean. Need your best cutter out there boys "shoot"

Hello my friends, I'm finally back after a long absence. I sure have missed good OLe Bassin' USA and intend to keep posting and answering questions from you all. Please let me know if I can help anyone and I'll do the same. Johnnie Crain-Iowa Pro staff -Moderator.

Welcome Back Sir,
Good to see you! Hope all is well and that you're ready to edumacate all these young'uns!

Welcome back Johnnie!!!!!!!!!!

Jeez how did i miss that!
Here's Johnny!


Obscure reference Number 51 - "The Shining"

Hi Johnnie Crain, Welcome back. I have read a lot of your posts in the past. I just recently re registered with Bassin'usa and getting back into bass mode which I enjoy greatly along with this site. I asked about Braid cutters any suggestions ? thanks.

I've been using the gerber scissors for cutting braid. They work great. We have them in our Amazon Store:

Gerber Scissors at BASSIN' USA

However, you can get them from Bass Pro Shops for cheaper (About $3.00 less):

Gerber Scissors at BPS

Thanks Brendan, The prices on some of the one's I have been looking at are crazy expensive. I just want to cut braid not build a house.

No problem... you just need the right kind. Stainless Steel with Serrated Edge...

Hey guys, here is my 2cents worth of information. First, thanks Anthony F for reading my review of Samuri Braid, the stuff is truly awesome and I use it alot. But I have started using Fluro for flippin and pitchin into heavy cover alot more. I know what your all thinkin, is this guy nuts!!!! Thats a given! But here in Ky during the spawn the water is very clear and I felt I was not getting as many bites as I wanted with braid. The knock on using Fluro in cover was its durablility, but I am using 20# Seaguar AbrazX and have not had any problems. I will still use braid if the water is muddy. Besides the visiblity factor with braid, by only having five or six feet of line out, I noticed I was ripping huge holes in the fish's mouths which made me lose some fish as well. As some others have already said, you can use braid for your main line and fluro as a leader, this gets you the best of both worlds. I would recommend 30# braid and 20# Fluro or 50# braid and 25# fluro for this application.

KSpringer, The stuff is great, I'm doing the exact thing you mentioned, using the fluro as a leader and its working out pretty good and it also saves me money.

I like Kevin's suggestion, but I'm sticking with my Berkley Big Game for flipping heavy wood cover. I just have not found a Fluorocarbon that holds up that well in heavy cover (yet). Even in the gin clear water that we have here in the Northeast, I haven't had many issues using low-vis green mono when fishing heavy cover. I like braid for vegetation mostly and I do like using a heavy fluorocarbon leader for fishing open water.

Kevin,

What brand of fluoro are you using?

Brendan, 20# Seagar AbrazX, the stuff is Awesome!!!!

Kevin,

I've used the InvisX, but not the AbrazX... that good eh?

Yep, I dont like InvisX at all. I love Carbon Pro and AbrazX. Used it over the weekend pulling some green lips from deep in the bushes!!!!

Just wondering what colors do you guys use most for braid? I see it comes in some wild colors and patterns too.

I like the dark green colors personally... I've always used Low-Vis green mono, so it seemed like a nice fit...

Have any of you guys tried the Spider Wire Stealth Camo Braid 20 lb.

I got a free sample 125 yrd spool of that which I was thinking of giving it a spin on my next outing. My plan was to try it out on a 6'6" medium hard spinning setup and work it split shot or Carolina rigged for some worming action.

I was also thinking I would use the light tan segment of the line for hook tie off or possibly a fluorocarbon leader.

I've had some bad experiences in the past with braided line "digging" into baitcaster spools. Any ways to avoid or minimize that?

Hey George, A few months ago someone else had the same problem with braid digging.
I'm not sure which forum it was asked, It could be the one were in now.

George the post is in tackle and equipment, topic braided line.

Thanks Anthony, I'll check it out. I took the rig I described out for a spin yesterday and fortunately I did not have much problem with the "dig in" as I expected I might.

It was ultra windy so the fishing was not too good but I did try out the new line several different ways. I was experimenting with different weight set ups and leaders etc.

I hope the next time I go out it's not so windy. I was looking at 40 mph gusts in my face. Almost got blown off my rock once.

Geo. Thats why you have to put enough backing. It also helps the cost factor. I have three rods that I only use braid on.

The Samuai braid hands down is the best of them all and lasts at least three times longer. It might be slightly more expensive but by not having to respool three times in the season it actually saves you money.

I tries the spider wire and was not very impressed. The braid was not as limp as the other braids. try using the samurai 20 or 30. It is only 4 and 6lb diameter. Makes it a little easy casting into 40 mph winds also.

Hey guys! Sorry I been swamped at work and haven't been here much lately!

I use Power Pro on just about all my rods. Like Nunz I put some Mono on for backing the use a uni-knot to secure the two lines together. Now here is the important part. Once the lines are tied together crank the reel a couple times and then cut you a piece of electrical tape long enough to go around the reel spool, then continue to fill the spool. The tape will keep the braid from digging in on itself. Or you can fill the spool tie on a 1 oz weight and make a cast and peel off extra line (to allow for retieing) then put on the electrical tape. Either way the tape will keep the line from digging in on itself.

I to switched to braid because it last so much longer and the sensitivity is great. If I am in clear water I tie on a three or four foot leader of Flourocarbon LEADER MATERIAL. Make sure that it is LEADER MATERIAL! The leader material will have stronger knot strength and is made for saltwater fishing to take the shock of BIG fish. I have tried regular Flouro for leader but it does not stand up to the hooksets and heavey cover like the Leader Material does.

Hope that helps you out!

Conley

Conley,

Thanks some great advice. I couldn't agree more about putting a piece of tape on top of the backing and around the spool before filling it.

BC

Hey Conley,

I have been using fluorocarbon as my leader on most of my set ups and so for no problems. Berkley Trilene professional grade. Its a little costly but I have been getting some good hook sets.

By the way fishin Mudge I used #30 Suffix Braid with Vanish 6ft 20lb flouro leader using the no name knot. I out fished everyone

Nunz you out fished everyone but the clock. In 5 min the clock caught a 5 pounder. Sorry dude just playing around with you. Hopefully it wont happen again.

That darn clock..lol. When I fished Sunday the ribbed me the entire time. I told then I would be back at my respectable 5 mins late again.......lol. At least I am number one in points.

Hate to keep pounding this subject but I learned a very valuable lesson this weekend. I was out of fluorocarbone line and was fishing a lake that you could see you crankbait in 8ft of water. First day was a bust not many fish caught. Tied a 4ft leader of Big Game green line on to the braid and that helped catch a few. That night went to store and bought some Vanish (only fluro that they had) and tied it on as the leader to all our rods. The next day we tore them up! What a difference it made in our catch rate. 35lb power Pro braid 4ft leader of 14lb fluoro (which I worried about being to big in the clear water) but man what a difference it made in our catch rate! If you dont believe it try it! IT Works!

Hi Mofish,
So here's a novice question. When you tie on a 4ft leader a) what knot are you using to connect the two different lines and b)do you leave the 4ft of leader hanging and then just cast as it would seem the knot may get hung up in the eyelets?
Thanks for the info

I was just reading in the latest Bass Magazine about this... using a double uni knot will get the job done
http://www.marinews.com/Double-Uni-Knot-267.php
depending on the size of braided Line.. it may be small enough to pass through the eyelet.. but most recommend side casting with the knot out.
Hope this helps!

Bassaholic is right it is the Uni to Uni Knot! The knot is small enough that it passes through the eyes just fine. I have never had a problem casting with this knot. Like with all knots and line retie often! Hard lesson to learn but will payoff later check you line very often, if something does not look right retie!


I have a problem casting with the leader just hanging out there and then trying to make the cast. Guess its just a matter of learning to do it. I just reel the line in like always and cast. Hasn't caused any problems for me so far.

Hope that helps you?

Hey Conley,

I had a tournament last wknd, and I tie a fluoro leader to all my lines to. I was catching fish up to when I lost the leader on my jig pole, not re tying the leader thinking the water was not that clear resulted in not another fish on that pole. I agree with you it works well no matter what the water clarity is.

what all do u guys fish braid with topwater,crankbaits ?

Top water, Worms, Jigs,and Carolina Rigs for me, heck everything but crankbaits. I just like the feel I have with braid. Still like mono or flouro on the cranks.

all top water, even walking style baits, like sammie or zara spook- i got 2 try this out, what about jerk baits and the fluke or floating worm? and do u use it in clear water? just wondering/ because i love the feel of braid,but only use it at certain time, like heavy cover,or muddy water?