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.