darn wind

[Guest]

19 hours ago, fozzype said:

I would really like to know this too.  To me it is probably in our heads.  I just can't stand to not put a leader on braid, but again no real data either way on if it makes a difference.

The biggest thing to me with braid, mono, and floro is find the right fall rate, stretch, and durability you need for the situation.  Sometimes this is personal preference.

For instance, I fish 1/8 oz shakey head a bunch.  I like 8lb floro for this when fishing 20 or deeper.  The reason for this is the bait gets to the bottom much quicker and maintains bottom contact better than braid.  However when skipping deep docks l, I love the fall rate of braid, the ability to come off the spool, and the toughness around metal on docks.  Another example, is I use mono when spoon fishing.  I like to use a mh or h rod to get a pop when jerking the spoon.  However, I want the stretch of mono when I set the hook.  Also, the mono comes off the spool good, resist abrasion around docks, and is cheap to replace when twisted. 

I have zero issues with braid leaders breaking so I always have one on.  Like to have the nerve to try it without it.

Bo has it figured out and the use of braid is spot on when fishing as deep as he  does.  I like the braids with gore fibers, such as suffix 832.  They fall much better and dont have any drag in the guides or water.  I generally use 30 or 40 lb braid in the 832 because of the smaller diameter of comparative braids. 

20 lb. test braid is thinner that 8 lb. floro and as far as abrasion resistance i just to not any issue with braid not holding up to the task.  why is it that those that use floro are always cutting off and retying everytime they catch a fish because they find a fray???  yes, braid will finally abrade and you have to visually check it, not just feel the line.  but, i have to retie way less than i needed to with mono or floro.  yes, there a few issues with braid such as the line digging in, but some of that is caused by the type of braid itself and also by what backing you have on the reel.  many use way too heavy of a backing and the surface of the braid laying on the spool have peaks and valleys in it from following the heavy line underneath it.  issues with casting braid on a bait caster can be difficult if you do not have a very educated thumb.  the limp braid fluffs up off the spool very easily and then runs back over itself causing a backlash.  really not the braids fault but operator error.  bottom line is to fish with what seems to work for each individual.  for me the better attributes of braid far outweigh any of what some look to be shortcomings.

bo

[Champ188]

Until fish learn to talk, we aren't going to have definitive answers as to questions of line visibility and other things. My personal opinion is that line visibility does make a difference in ultra-clear water. My reasoning is that I've witnessed it firsthand on Lake Ouachita.

Not going to debate it because I may be wrong. Likewise, Bo may be wrong. Since fish aren't going to talk and tell us, it's probably best that line is made in all variations and sizes so that we can all fish our convictions. And it IS a proven fact that we all catch more fish when we believe in our equipment and tactics .

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Champ188 said:

Until fish learn to talk, we aren't going to have definitive answers as to questions of line visibility and other things. My personal opinion is that line visibility does make a difference in ultra-clear water. My reasoning is that I've witnessed it firsthand on Lake Ouachita.

Not going to debate it because I may be wrong. Likewise, Bo may be wrong. Since fish aren't going to talk and tell us, it's probably best that line is made in all variations and sizes so that we can all fish our convictions. And it IS a proven fact that we all catch more fish when we believe in our equipment and tactics .

kind of like boat brands and motor brands.  you have to have confidence in what you are using.

bo

[vernon]

19 hours ago, merc1997 said:

i hear you, but if i had it, i would own one of those trollers and the other high dollar electronics to go along with it.   so, one just has to get along with what they got and be happy to have that.  and, you are so right, you can't take it with you.

bo

You know, I was anticipating some ultra logical, super responsible, adult like response to my comment and I was all set to post some smarty pants comeback (I do that now and then 😜) that would have allowed me to  appear totally irreverent and somehow kind of above it all.

Well, you sure sucked the life out of that idea!

You might have just said more about money, material objects, happiness and personal satisfaction in that one sentence than anybody else ever in all the lectures and books in the history of the world....

You're a wise man Bo and I sincerely hope that before it's all said and done you get a chance to have some extra nice toys to play with cause I think you deserve them.

Color me fortunate and humbled........