Braided Lines

[KansasBoy13]

I bought some Braided SpiderWire the other day and is there a particular knot to use for it? The two knots i tie which are the palomar and clinch and they just destroy the line... Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[rps]

I read recently that the strongest knot with braid was a double palomer. You put the loop through twice rather than once before you drop the bait through the loop. Tried it. Works great! Before trying it I used the uniknot. Hope one or the other suits you.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I've always had good luck with the Palomar, just make sure you test it. I don't understand what you mean by destroys it?

[KansasBoy13]

When I pull the knots tight it just kinda shreds the braid and unravels it basically. Sometimes when I pull it tight it completely breaks off, sometimes it throws off and sometimes when i set the hook it breaks and its 10 lb test with 2 lb diameter.

[Wayne SW/MO]

When I pull the knots tight it just kinda shreds the braid and unravels it basically. Sometimes when I pull it tight it completely breaks off, sometimes it throws off and sometimes when i set the hook it breaks and its 10 lb test with 2 lb diameter.

I can't speak to the unravels, I haven't used that brand, but I've used a couple other braids, I like Power Pro and TUFF XP, and I haven't had that problem. Frankly I think its defective and I would contact Berkley.

The fact that you're breaking it is another matter thats not that strange to very thin braids. There are two problems that arise with them, first the diameter is so thin that any damage at all is catastrophic, and second the lack of stretch means that pressure from setting the hook allows no leeway for error. When setting the hook on most lines the stretch takes up the overkill, on braids with a higher test you don't reach their limits, but on the small diameter braids you must use very sharp hooks and learn to set firmly but softly.

I personally don't use any thing smaller than 4/15, and I still use some 6/20. I don't use braid on line shy fish such as trout, but I like it for some applications on warmwater fish like top water smallie fishing.

[RSBreth]

Yeah, Wayne nailed it. You are applying more than 10-pounds of force to that knot on the set. I've popped 6/20 before I figured out to set my drag better, and ease up on the "Bill Dance" hook set.

2/10 is neat stuff, but there is a learning curve to the stuff. Cut your hand on it yet? Probaly not, only I'm dumb enough to do that, umm several times.

Funny thing, I'm just getting ready to post a long article on my blog-all about superlines. It'll be up there later, check it out.

[KansasBoy13]

Thanks guys and yep sure did cut my finger on it once right at first...I dunno if I've somehow gotten a lot stronger or what but good gracious I've broke off setting the hook on fish over a half dozen times already this year! Think I'm finally getting myself calmed down to stop that lol...I'm thinkin maybe I did get a bad spool of it, may have to try another brand and/or heavier...

[J-Doc]

I absolutely love braid now that I finally tried it on quality gear. The first time I tried it, it was too course and I just didn't like it. Now, I feel like I can't feel a thing without braid. I can't tell you if it's a Mt. Dew can or a Miller can but I can tell you if it's an alum. can! I can even hear my jig rattles.

I personally prefer Suffix braid over Spiderwire. Suffix has a smaller diameter darn near sewing thread and it's tough. REAL tough. I think I've lost one jig on it and that's because it was tangled in some rocks and the line was cut by the rock I think.

Yeah, the Bill Dance "THERE HE IS!" hookset can even break a rod if you're not carefull so ease up on the hookset and the fish will thank you!

As for the knot, try a "Stren Knot". I think that's what it's called. It starts off like a palomar but when you take the loop back through the eye for your palomar, wrap the loop around about 3-4 times and then tie it like a clinch knot. You'll now have 3 tag ends. It's a very tough knot. If you don't wet the line, it will never tie right so it can take a bit of time and patience to learn it. I've snapped my line before breaking that knot....it's gorrilla tough.

[lonkm]

I usually use Power Pro, but went to the bp store in Branson and they didn't have the right size spool for me. Instead I bought some Stren in 10 lb. I use a improved clinch knot on both of them and havent had any problems.just be sure to wet the knot before you pull it tight. I solved the hookset problem by using rods with fast tips. the fish hook themselves before they feel the rod pressure. I fish right in the brush and trees about 20 to 30 ft deep, trolling cranks. have only lost 2 lures with this line. caught 3 eyes and lots of lmbass.

[tjulianc]

Yea, as lonkm said your really need to lubricate your line very well before cinching it. If you don't want to spit on it, then spray it with some berkley power scent, or some such thing. That way you are wetting your line, and applying scent to it, killing two birds with one stone.