Lake Ontario Fishing Forum Trout Salmon Sport Fishing Charter

I’m a strong advocate of braided lines and have been using them since they first appeared on the market many years ago. When they first came out, I couldn’t wait to spool up and instantly become a professional class angler..boy, was I in for a surprise! After my first experience I was almost ready to hang up my poles and dust off my golf clubs. The first super-line makers to hit raved about the strength and sensitivity of their product, but didn’t mention any of the downsides..like the wind causing loops that were virtually impossible to pick out..and the lack of stretch that caused rods to snap on the hook-set..and the slippery nature that caused it to suddenly start slipping on the spool..etc. I did continue to fish, but happily went back to my old mono-filament line. A few years later a next generation of braided line arrived and I reluctantly decided to give it another shot. Unlike the first one I tried, which felt like sewing thread, this line seemed to have a bit more body and was easier to tie and cast. Over the next several years I still used mono for the most part, but did a lot of experimenting with braided lines. I found a few tricks to combat the problems I first encountered and finally feel that I’ve mastered the beast. Although there are many professional anglers who will argue that there’s a place for mono and a place for braid..I firmly believe that there’s no time that braided lines won’t outperform mono-filament.. providing you make the necessary adjustments. Here are a few tips that I’ve picked up over the years that may help if you’re thinking about making the change.

Spooling the stuff

Most of the braided lines have a slippery feel to them. That’s because they’re slippery! I found this out the hard way. After hooking into a good fish and slightly tightening the drag to make headway I noticed that I wasn’t gaining any ground! I took me a few moments to figure out that the spool was revolving but the line wasn’t! Most reels, aside from the large level-winds, don’t have a way to anchor the line to the spool before filling it. I know a lot of guys who recommend spooling up some mono and then tying on your braided line and finishing up. I, personally, don’t like any extra knots to deal with..especially when you get a big enough fish on to get down to your mono backer! I just put a single wrap of surgical tape on the spool before putting the line on. This is enough to give the stuff something to bite into and solves the slipping problem. I do suggest spooling it on tight (with fair tension on it). If it’s put on loose.. the line tends to work into the spooled line when retrieving. This plays real havoc on the next cast.

What rods to use

These braided “super-lines” have virtually no stretch! When fighting a fish..or a log..if the drag hangs up tight or even burps..something has to give! Most commonly, it’s the fish..and you end up pulling in a pair of fish lips. If the fish is hooked well enough and your line is strong enough..the next thing to give is usually your rod. Or you could try to free a snag like I did.. point your rod at the snag..tighten your drag..and strip the gears in your reel! For spinning or casting I like to use a fairly long rod with a very flexible tip..such as Shakespeare’s Ugly Sticks. Although these aren’t the most sensitive rods, the lack of stretch makes up for it and also gives you the shock absorbing buffer you need for those quick turns or big head shakes. For trolling I use a different approach. Although most of my trolling rods are long, some of them..such as my dipsy rods and board rods are pretty heavy action because of the weights they’re dragging. In those cases, I use either a length of mono or a snubber (much like a bungee cord) to absorb some shock.

Fighting a fish

If you set a hook like those Sunday morning bass guys do.. I guarantee you’ll be pulling in just lips! I set my drag very light and just use some wrist action when setting the hook. I also keep my rod tip high to take advantage of the flex. Obviously, if the situation calls for it, I tighten the drag some if needed. If you’re catching and releasing fish..a little tighter on the drag to make it a shorter fight will really enhance the fish’s chance for survival!

Which line to choose

In all honesty, and I’m not sponsored or affiliated in any way, my absolute favorite braided line is PowerPro. I think I’ve tried almost every one on the market, and even though it’s probably the most expensive, it’s the only one I buy anymore. Any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.

Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Like this post? Click here to buy me a coffee!
Subscribe to LOU's RSS feed!

Link to This Post:

Related Articles
No related posts

Related Product

Lake Ontario United is an online community of devoted individuals interested in helping preserve and make our lakes as rich and enjoyable for future generations as they are today for us.

We are a community composed of professional and amateur fishermen, charter captains, environmentalist, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and men, women and children of all ages interested in everything mother nature has to offer. Come join the best outdoor community on the web.