Braided Line

[BolivarBasser]

So I just changed lines on my flipping/pitching rig from fluoro to braid. While I was practicing in the livingroom, I noticed the new line seemed to add a little more friction than the fluoro. What I mean is when flipping or reeling in, It feels like something is rubbing against the line, or vise versa. The only way I can describe it is friction...almost as if my line was wrapped around the pole or a guide (it wasn't...It is threaded properly through the guides and reel). This is my first rodeo with braided line, and I was just wondering if there is something wrong, or if this is just the nature of the beast when using braid.

To clarify, I am using 30# Spiderwire Stealth braid with 20# mono backing on a 7' Heavy rod with a Quantum KVD signature baitcaster, 7.0:1 ratio. Also applied KVD line and lure conditioner after spooling.

Thanks fellas.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I haven't used that particular brand, but the old Fireline used to have that feel and sound. Is the KVD sauce recommended for braids?

[Dutch]

Spray it with Real Magic or KVD line conditioner. BTW: Bass Pro outlet has a ton of braid for $1.50 per spool.

[BolivarBasser]

Yeah the KVD site, along with the bottle, says its good for all lines including braid. After I spooled it on I sprayed it nice and good with KVD line conditioner, and after a few hours noticed the friction.

[Guest csfishinfool]

Yeah the KVD site, along with the bottle, says its good for all lines including braid. After I spooled it on I sprayed it nice and good with KVD line conditioner, and after a few hours noticed the friction.

Thats normal with the braid, it feels kinda heavy or something. Its just the braid going through your guides. You will also notice it when your fighting a fish. It won't hurt your distance casting or anything. It will take you some time to get use to the braid on a bait caster.

[Dutch]

Once you get used to it you may never go back. I have it on at least a dozen setups. I won't throw it with any thing that has multiple hooks.

BTW: Are the ramps and lots on the lower lake clear?

[BolivarBasser]

I sorta figured it was normal, after feeling how textured the line is compared to mono or fluoro. I just wanted to hear from someone else more knowledgeable than I That it was normal...Thanks csfishinfool. I don't make any casts longer than 30-35 feet with this rig anyways, so I'm not worried about distance much, just accuracy and more importantly feel.

[BolivarBasser]

And I'm not sure about the lower lake Dutch, my guess after the last few days would be no, but I'm very curious as well.

And you said you use braid on quite a few rigs, but I have heard that visibility in clearer open waters is an issue. True?

[BolivarBasser]

I've also heard that Braided line acts like a hacksaw blade on rod guide and baitcasting levelwinds, due to the rough texture of the line and subsequent pressure on the guides/levelwind. Any problems with braid cutting into or making indentions on guides or anything?

[Dutch]

And I'm not sure about the lower lake Dutch, my guess after the last few days would be no, but I'm very curious as well.

And you said you use braid on quite a few rigs, but I have heard that visibility in clearer open waters is an issue. True?

Sometimes it is, especially if the water is cold and the fish are slow. I normally use some type of leader when I am using slow moving baits. For spinnerbaits and buzzbaits I just tie on and hang on.

I use it for all of my deep fishing because of the feel aspect. If I am fishing very deep I don't bother with the leader.