Line Question For The Rock

[J-Doc]

I really think the hybrids like Yozuri and P-Line CX premium are hard to beat...the best of both worlds. I got tired of fluorocarbon breaking at the knot.

In second that. (Pline CX) in low via green. Good stuff.

[Champ188]

Those of you who think line size doesn't matter please continue to think that way. Especially if we're fishing the same tournaments.

[J-Doc]

Those of you who think line size doesn't matter please continue to think that way. Especially if we're fishing the same tournaments.

Lol!

I've always thought it mattered. This year, I'm becoming one of those Arron Martens detail guys. I'm learning more and starting to see differences. Can I put it altogether and make it work? Heck no. That will take years. But I'm on the right path I think.

[Champ188]

This year, I'm becoming one of those Arron Martens detail guys. I'm learning more and starting to see differences.

If you're gonna pick one of those guys to study, Martens is a good one. Especially for those of us who are limited to fishing a couple or three lakes year-round.

For the most part, the Elite Series visits the nation's best fisheries at prime times. That means there's usually a reaction bite available, so power fishing pretty much rules the roost. The derbies start early in the year in the South, moving northward, so for several stops the guys are targeting fish in some stage of the spawn. Then it's on to Chickamauga-Nick-a-jack or some other ledge fishing haven.

That's fine. Not criticizing the process at all.

But for us here on these beautiful White River lakes, other than the 2-3 months our fish are in the spawning phases, power fishing often isn't an option. There are times when even an Eakins-style finesse jig is a bit on the macho side. So it's not a bad idea for anyone to spool up the spinning gear with some fresh 6-pound string (flavor of your choice) and rig up a drop shot, shaky head or a Varmint.

Martens has a lifetime reservation in the top 10 of the Angler of the Year standings, and often resides in the top three. From my view, it's because (1) he's a student of the fish first, (2) he can finesse fish like nobody's business, and (3) he doesn't waste a single second of the day fumbling around or digging for tackle, etc. He's over-the-top O/C when it comes to organization. Of course, he could save himself even more time to fish if he'd stop whining and arguing with others about being on his spots, but that's another issue entirely.

I'm just saying, there are times when I could leave the spinning rods at home entirely and never miss them. But there are a lot more times when I've learned to save the day (and save face at the weigh-in) by downsizing and paying close attention to detail.

More power --- or finesse --- to ya, J-Doc.

[J-Doc]

Well said and I agree. My son caught a keeper Kentucky on a cricket and bobber last week. Surprised me. Sometimes finesse is truely finesse.

I agree, Martens does need to stop whining. Lol!! Must be the O/C coming out in him.

[abkeenan]

Line doesn't matter. We throw huge contraptions of a rigs and fish and still catch the big ones on the lake. I think line matters for what bait and style of presentation you are using plus cover there or not. It may only matter if you are using slow presentations such as drop shot or pesky bottom fish.

^THIS. I agree 100%.

[abkeenan]

I think people misunderstood what Alex meant by "line doesn't matter". I think he was trying to say line size doesn't matter in the sense that the fish see it and would react negatively to larger diameter more visible line. He wasn't saying that line doesn't matter in the sense that it doesn't matter for whatever presentation or application you are using it for. For instance if you used 8lb fluorocarbon for chucking full size Zara Spooks that would be a bad choice or using 80lb braid for cranking DD22's. Certain lines have their time and place for every presentation out there and some suit that situation better than others. But I am in 100% agreement that fish "seeing" the line does not make a major impact. The action the line imparts on the bait is the most important followed by what kind of cover/structure you are fishing IMO. Different tools for different jobs.

[Quillback]

Hard for me to recommend a line, as I use different lines for different techniques. 6# mono for the Spinbait (for now, subject to change upon further review), 8# Invisx for jerk baits, 15 lb. Abrazx for C-rigging, 8 lb. Abrazx for t-rigging tubes, small worms..I could go on...

[Champ188]

My current "lineup" includes:

• 6-pound BPS Excel mono for shaky head and drop shot

• 8-pound Maxima or P-Line mono for jerk baits (on medium power casting gear)

• 10-pound P-Line mono for middle to deep crank baits

• 10-pound Trilene 100% FC for finesse jigs (although experimenting with Cabela's 100% FC and liking it so far)

• 12-pound P-Line mono for Flukes and floating worms in spring

• 15-pound Trilene 100% FC (or Cabela's) for football jig, hula grub, C-rig (10-pound FC leader), jigs around docks, spoons or flipping anything in the bushes

• 17-pound P-Line mono for all topwaters, spinnerbaits or square bills

[*T*]

Well, line size/type is important, but I put it somewhat lower on my priority list. I use quality lines in the 8 - 15 lb range at Table Rock and most Missouri lakes, mostly 10 & 12, and am successful by some standard. Line visibility at depth and in low light scenarios not so much of an issue. I'm sure that for shallow water & ultra-finicky fish on flat-water, bluebird sky days it can pay off. But as I mentioned on another post, finding the aggressive, active fish and feeding them baits you know they will bite is my (over-simplified) "top of the list".

Good fishing!