Bad rod, or reel?

[shrapnel]

I really don't want to give up fluoro for jerk baits I love the lower stretch and the added depth it gives.  However, searching the net apparently this is a common problem with all fluoro due to it's molecular structure.   Makes me feel a little better about the rod/reel.

I'll put the reel on another rod anyway, I'm also going to spool it with Sunline Super FC and use it in non derby situations only for a while, will report back.

[shrapnel]

I think I will also play with 10lb braid to a 4' fluoro leader, maybe the smaller diameter will make up for the fact that braid floats vs sinks.  I haven't used anything less than 20lb braid for any set up, my finesse stuff is 20lb J Braid to 10lb fluoro.

[shrapnel]

Pretty good article http://fishingwithconfidence.net/fluorocarbon.html

I was suprised to read fluoro actually stretches MORE than mono, and does NOT recover from it.  Makes me think locking the spool with my thumb and pulling on a snag could also be a huge issue.

[dtrs5kprs]

Just now, WeekendWarrior said:

Really! I have had nothing but problems with anything under 15 lb. I tried using 12 lb when coming down to TR and broke to many fish off using the tube with it and found out I really don't need to downsize my line at TR, just stay with 15 or 17 lb and do just fine.

It's virtually all I fish.

Invizx 6# for Ned, grubs, drop shot, smaller shakey heads. 8# for shakey (including big shakeys on a casting rod), split shot, tube dragging, some crank and sticks. 10# for finesse jigs, sticks, warts, keitechs, TX rig. Very little 12#. 15# for big junk- FB jigs, swing head, spoons, flipping. 20# for big swimbaits, nasty trash, spooning whites.

I use 15# big game on blades, some TW. Mostly braid on redfins, chuggers, spooks. Usually have a couple of "emergency" reels or spools with mono in the boat, but rarely touch them.

I break off a few fish a year. Nearly always my fault, not due to the line. I absolutely bow and arrow baits loose. I've also straightened out FB jig hooks pulling on them with 15# Invizx and the TM.

[dtrs5kprs]

7 minutes ago, WeekendWarrior said:

And it seems like the smaller lb test lines dont like the cold either 

DS and vertical grub fished with 6# for years in November, December, back before school sports killed my fall trips.

That was even before Invizx, running the old wiry carbon pro.

Back your drags off and take some time to enjoy the little buggers.

[dtrs5kprs]

7 minutes ago, shrapnel said:

I think I will also play with 10lb braid to a 4' fluoro leader, maybe the smaller diameter will make up for the fact that braid floats vs sinks.  I haven't used anything less than 20lb braid for any set up, my finesse stuff is 20lb J Braid to 10lb fluoro.

Little braid is much better, when you need it. 8# is a tough find, but 10# is readily available. The Seaguar Kanzen and Daiwa J-braid are both very soft, tie well, aren't as loud as others. 

Smaller diameter braid also seems to fish better in wind.

[Smalls21]

only issues i have had with FC was red label, and the berkley Vanish-absolute junk.

never had an issue with INvisx or BPS flourocarbon

[dtrs5kprs]

1 minute ago, Smalls21 said:

only issues i have had with FC was red label, and the berkley Vanish-absolute junk.

never had an issue with INvisx or BPS flourocarbon

I'm warming up to red label.

Big difference may be the spools too. I don't buy filler spools. Most of those have a little notch in the lip. I'm convinced that damages line during spooling, at least on the twirly reels.

Line comes off a 1000yd spool smoothly.

[Quillback]

13 minutes ago, dtrs5kprs said:

DS and vertical grub fished with 6# for years in November, December, back before school sports killed my fall trips.

That was even before Invizx, running the old wiry carbon pro.

Back your drags off and take some time to enjoy the little buggers.

Yeah I fish 6# Invisx all winter on my Ned setup, it's been fine.  I do check for abrasions, nicks etc. and if I find them, I'll retie.  Not going to try and sell people on it however because if it ain't working for someone they should try something else.

[Ketchup]

Tried fluro 1 time last year.  Its not for me.