to braid or not to braid that is the question

[shrapnel]

I was reluctant as well for a long time until I started fishing salt water more.  In the crystal clear waters braid to mono is standard, once you learn to tie the right knots there are definite advantages for some set-ups.  I caught this 36" 20lb Redfish in January on the same set-up I just caught the muskie I posted, 3000 size spinning reel,  20lb braid except I was using a 20lb fluoro leader in the salt, 12 for the musky.

 

[MOPanfisher]

I am 100% braid.  I am still struggling with getting the braid to mono leader right though, sometimes I do it and it will hold forever, other times I lose the whole thing on the first hook set, baking the mono right underneath the knot.  Tonight I must have done it right because it slid two walleye up to the bank, a 16 1/2 and a nice female 21 incher on back to back casts.  I even have it on my baitcasters.  I can see where finesse like dead sticking a Ned it might have issues as it only takes a breath of wind to make it bow, but I am a long time line watcher so I can see the little "tick" when a crappie hits it.  Still like the Nanofil for the smoother feel but have Power Pro and some Fireline, and at least one reel with Stren Gorilla braid or something.  I like it because I don't like the coils from regular mono, and it seems to last for years, give it a shot of line conditioner every once in a while.  It definitely feels different running through the guides though, takes some getting used too.

[top_dollar]

When braided line helps me.....As mentioned already topwater baits it can certainly be beneficial (an absolute must with frogs in heavy vegetation).  Long line trolling, braided line (metered) is a must but need to be used with 8-10 foot downrigger rods.  Also when throwing a weightless wacky worm, a high vis braid connected to a fluoro leader is the way to go.  When working a jigging spoon I use metered braid with a mod fast casting rod.  It helps when im finding fish at a specific depth.  Its Important to note that if your using braid with a treble hooked lure, you should make sure you have a soft enough tip so the hooks do not rip free.  

When i dont like to use braid....My crappie rig....throwing very light jigs (1/64th oz) I opt for 4 or even 2# mono, which i respool frequently.  I use a 7ft light ex fast st croix panfish/trout rod.  Any 6-7ft light fast rod will work.  When tossing the little jig braid blows too much in the wind.  Jerkbaits...braid gives you excellent jerkbait snap, and will generate tons of bites, but I have had too many issues with fish coming unbuttoned that i now use mono and a fast action rod.  Fish miss jerkbaits alot and get hooked weird, and i think braid just pulls those hooks out.  I also like to toss out a 3 inch keitech on a 16th oz jig, and i much prefer 4 or 6# mono to braid and a leader when paired with a 6'10" med light, extra fast spinning rod.  I can cast further, feel well enough, and most importantly the mono keeps big crappies buttoned up better than the braid.  Those are really the only techniques i use, so thats all i can help with from my experience.

 

 

 

 

[Coosa]

Im all braid all the time on both my baitcasters, but I fish mostly topwater. I have never used a leader. I been using it since I was 15 and now I'm 36.  I use mono on my spin cast. 

[Old plug]

AL  I got 20 lb braod on a medoum action 7 ft spinning rod and ise it solely fr skipping in back of docks abd love it. It really sails along well. only thing about ir is that it can ve a problem in high wind and if you hwppen to power your cast to hard witth certain lures like sinkos it will become ar born with a mbd of its own.

 

[grizwilson]

 

? Not gonna do it. 

RIP as Robin Williams used to say "NanoNano"?

[BilletHead]

 

RIP as Robin Williams used to say "Nano Nano"?

    Griz you forgot to Fil in the gap

BilletHead bought some more of that expensive crap yesterday. 

[dtrs5kprs]

I'll get Ham cured one of these days.

 

 

Ouch.

[grizwilson]

 

    Griz you forgot to Fil in the gap

BilletHead bought some more of that expensive crap yesterday. 

better?

[fishinwrench]

I have tried several different braids and just never could warm up to any of them.  The line digging into the spool, and the sound/feel of the braid coming through the guides is what bugged me more than anything.

I'm curious about how many guys have broken rod tips from getting the braid wrapped around them and casting or setting the hook ?   I have heard of that happening more than 5-6 times and it certainly seems somewhat likely.