I've been thinking a lot lately about switching to braided line. I've strictly used mono for years, always Trilene Big Game. I'd like to try some braids but don't know which is best and for which applications it would fit. I've talked to Fish Chris and he recommends Tuf Line.
I mainly fish swimbaits, plastics,and ripbaits. The only time I use braid is frog fishin. Do you guys think braided line is a good choice for all these types of fishing? What do you use for these applications?
The reason I am thinking of switching is that I broke off two fish that were probably teeners last year on the hookset. One on a mission fish, the other a hula grub. Help me out Rob, I know you got some awnsers.

Thanks, Jerry

Hey Bucket:

I fish braid for three techniques: swimbaits, frogging, and crankbaits. I would never use it for worms or flipping, or for dragging a jig, or for bed fishing. I use it for swimbaits and frogs because I really want to have authority when I set the hook. I use if for crankbaits because I felt I could reach deeper depths a during the retrieve, yet maintain a high pound strength, since braid has a smaller diameter. I would never use braid for a slow technique, or a close quarters technique. And dont dare use it for spinnerbaits, if you pause the retrieve, the braid always gets stuck in the blade bearing (and I like fluttering big s-baits at night, so braid sucks for this).

Heres a few things. Braid is not abrasion resistance, so if fishing in a rock area be very careful. Braid works great in weeds, like the Delta or your favorite backyard pond. If you use braid always burn the tag end to prevent unravelling. And, I always color the last 20 feet black with a sharpie. I dont like fluor leaders, the fluor cant take the hook sets (no stretch in the braid), and I dont like that knot zinging through my guides, just seems like it may be damaging the knot.

Lately I have been thinking of trying mono for swimbaits. The only reason for this is because I am looking for any little advantage I can find to catch a toad, and sometimes I worry about the visibility factor of braid. Take away the visibilty factor of braid, and I would always throw big baits on braids.

My brand of choice is power pro, but TufLine has worked fine.

You will never want to use braid for crankbaits because it has 0 stretch and that means you WILL lose more fish when you rip the treble hooks out of there mouth!! DONT USE BRAID FOR CRANKS!!

Do you guys ever have a problem casting with a blood knot? I've been trying to decide how long of a flouro leader to use for swimbaits. Also, how about for drop-shot or texas rigging, would you go all flouro?

asiele

Sorry, my post is half way up the page, the question about casting with a blood knot. Just wondering if anyone ever has a problem with it getting caught in a guide.

Thanks
asiele

I never had a problem when I was doing it. I really never liked it though, so that's why i've gone to straight floro on most of my reels. If I have to spend money to eliminate one extra knot and possibly a lost fish, then it's worth it to me.

Hey guys,
What is the best line to spool a swimbait and a all around worm rod with. Let's say 20lb and 10lb, and would you recommend just going straight flouro for the 10lb worm rod?
Also, how long of a flouro leader do you usually use with swimbaits and when you cast, do you have problems with the knot catching a guide?
Thanks for the help
alex