Some of my experience likely has to do with the fact I fish a sissy drag. Some of the best fish I've taken in recent years have been on account of me opening the bail once the fish gets hung up as opposed to horsing it out of the rocks and compromising the line.

Rocks and braid don't mix. I use braid in the canal and on the sand; mono in the rocks.

I think you'll find most better or more experienced anglers fish that way..Not sure where I fit in that equasion.it's just a natural progression.Young buck thinks tight drag, 45 lb fish, 200 lb strong man it's a no brainer..:laugha:
You learn from your mistakes.

both have their place.

plugging- braid only

eeling- mono all the way- it floats so I can pretty much dead stick an eel where I know the bass may be. Dead sticking 50 lb cortland master braid is asking for disaster.

This is how a thread is supposed to be.....lots of great information and technique! None of that "your way is wrong, my way is the only way" crap! Very interesting to hear other folks thoughts on a subject like this....always learn something new! Thanks guys!:wave:

I don't really dead stick eels much.Fireline in 30 lb is more like mono in that aspect.I have used it to what I call float jigs in the current..A technique I have come up with out of the necessity of using the stiffer/thicker braid..The hits can be bone crushing..:)

Every kind of line type has some inherent defincies either in it's construction or it's use.

Braid for instance on a spinning reel, in my humble opinion, sucks for popping plugs on open still water like a beach, no problem in a waterway or inlet opening where there is enough current to keep the plug moving and thus tension on the line but in an open water situation like a long expanse of beach, that milisecond where there is a small amount of slack, your bound to have issues especially with a pencil popper that is zipping along waving it's head like a warning finger.

Barnacle covered rocks like those found at Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeths or the ledge and rock shores of Beavertail and Newport can be lethal to braid as well. The canal is different in that your rock issues are in close proximity to where your feet are planted, your most likely to have problems with kelp strands attached to the bottom rather than the rocks along it's steep banks.

Some braid brands need time to get to know. I had this problem with Power Pro but persistence paid off and now I know what I can do with it and what I cannot. I use Power Pro 80% of the time.

Also, some reels behave better with some brands of braid than others. I have a Cabo PT60 ( The poor man's VanStal) it absolutely hates power pro but lay on Fireline and it purrs like a kitten. Conversly on my conventionals I use nothing but Stealth by Spiderwire. The 50lb in the canal is just about perfect.

Once you get to know it's ideosyncrasies (spelling?) there is nothing like it though. Just like anything it's a learning curve to master.

Dead sticking? Is that like dead drifting?

You're simply awesome if you ask me...:hihi:

Yes. The biggest benefit from using braid besides distance is the control/feel you get on a long cast. Your spool also depletes more slowly with lower diameter lines and gives you added distance. Fishing in close there's no benefit, IMO.
Mono works well when line stretch is minimized via short casts...I actually love it for fresh water.
As for braid being bad in rocks, I completly disagree. Its equal or better than mono of the same diameter, IMO. We're talking 40# power pro just for reference.

I mostly fish with braid but on the rare occasion I hook anything decent I always wish I was using heavy mono. With single hooks it may not matter but with trebles, if you need to control where and how far the fish goes, using heavy pressure often pulls or straightens hooks.

I'm another mono-only guy. It stretches. Big deal. Lots of things that stretch are good. It tried Fireline a couple of times, both conventional and spinning. I didn't see anything to get excited about.

Gadabout Gaddis! Loved that show.

For braid I've used ..whiplash,spyder wire,,fireline,power pro,calcutta,berkley big game ,cortland master braid ..20# 30#50# 65# 80#... :Last year was berkley .. I'm happiest with Fireline ,, going back ..I also jigged last year conv. with 50# cortland master braid on a big old 980.. I didn't like the small diameter so finished the year with 80# cortland master braid jigging ,, I liked that .. I also use mono on conv... throwing big needles local; .. Larry listening ..Berkley Iron Silk .. I think this stuff got a bad rap ..It came out at the end of mono begining of braid and was very expensive so it never became popular ..Its a reinforced polymer line.. I swear, fishing rocks one fill up last all season and looks good the next .. I've got bulk spools .. 20#,,30#,,40#... Larry I'll fill you up if you want to try .. you'll be amazed how this stuff holds up ... A little stiffer than soft mono's ... loves conv.like ande pink ..

good thread gents, and alot of keen answers,,,,,,,,
:claps: :claps: :claps:

i'm from the Nebe and steve school on this one,

plugging is 30# to 50# Fireline,
with a shock leader of Ande pink 60# to 80# Mono,
usually 10' to 12' of leader material, using the
heavier line for the Fall Run and spot specific.

when eeeeeeeeeling or chunking,
25# Ande BCountry to a shocker
of 50# to 80# either Ande pink or Ande IGFA green,
spot specific again~~~ rocks, COWS, lobster pots, etc.
and i cut back often and will change leaders and hooks
after any fish over 25#'s, regardless of the cost.

iffin i get into the booos i'll switch my shocker
to Ande Flouro 60# clear, but i doan tangle with too
many bluefish~~ by design.

the biggest mistake i made last year, that
DID in fact cost me a MONSTER Striper was NOT
changing my spool after landing 3 fish the night before.
1 over 30; and 2 in the 20#-30# class.

i will always re-spool from that night forward,
hence the necessity for my mega spool of Ande BCountry.
i always have multiple leaders, snelled hooks, and will have a back-up spool
for my PENN750ssm this year for my mono applications.

Monofilament line=Dinosaur tackle=DinoBIG Stripers
:bl: :bl: :musc: :musc: :bl: :bl:

Well I dont normally respond to questions like this because everyone has an opinion but will state my case for mono.

I actually use Yo-zuri Hybrid 25lb (mono-flouro hybrid) and have only lost 10 or so out of an estimated 300-400 fish from break-offs in the rocky areas/points here in Plymouth. And have to say the break-offs were my fault, not the lines. I tried braid in 2000 and was broke off in the rocks on my second hook-up of a large bass while using it. After visiting a few friends in NC that were using Yo-Zuri Hybrid fishing the OBX I never looked back.

I guess it all depends what application and enviornment you are using the line in. Rocky Shorelines - MONO.....Sandy Beaches - Braid....Jigging - Braid.

I did see the video from SWE and its pretty interesting. Needless to say I will fish mono until I find something better for the nasty stretch of shoreline I fish.

Fireman

Just 'Big game' mono because of the stretch, when I load up the rod using a pricey 3+oz. plug and my thumb dosen't do the job of controling the spool and a birds nest shows up I don't lose my plug. I only use conventional reels so I don't know about spinning gear. I'm not knocking spinning gear I just have a middle finger that dose not bend and the bail would hit it. I have tried some of the new lines and lost a couple plugs doing so, which is something I don't enjoy; so for me if it aint broke don't fix it.

Mono is useless for me in the surf except for leaders. In real life experiences I have found braid to be far superior in the rocks. I used to have to respool very often(sometimes every nite) with mono. Now I put on a ton of braid, as it gets down I strip it, and add to backing to even out the spool. I can get just about every fish out of rocks by just dragging them thru, or freespooling them until they free themselves. Check out this pic: Got hung up with a fish on, tried everything to get him loose(friend had just taken a 40#, so was being extra careful). Finally couldn't get him, so just ripped him outa where he was. Ended up having 2 seperate clumps of mussels my braid had gotten stuck in and a 12# blue on the hook.

Eben, thanks for that tip on the deadsticking eels with mono.

Good thread, Brother.

I'm surprised to hear all the guys talking about abrasion problems and the like with Power Pro. I've never had a problem with it, particularly in the rocks. Like Mike, I tend to fish a pretty light drag with either line type and have landed a lot of big fish I may have lost otherwise because of it.

I use both lines quite a bit, depending on the situation. Only thing I use braid for exclusively is bottom fishing. I find myself liking 25lb big game on the eel rods I cast with on the boat, but I like braid(50# PP) on ones I don't cast as much with. I run 30lb big game on my live bait (shad, scup, etc) rods and wouldn't change it. Braid on all my spinners except the one 7 footer I use on the boat for eels at night and when I have guests on the boat. I definitely can see why a lot of guys like mono at night, as it's a little easier to deal with if you have a problem.

I like to think I could adjust my fishing style to any type of line but there's definitely situations where I feel that one or the other gives me an edge.

I use mono for bait fishing with conventional reels from the surf (15#, 17# or 20#) with 40-50# shock leaders. On my spinning reels, 95% braid. Fireline & whiplash are my favorites. Spectra is more fickle on my spinners, but I use PP on my fw reels. I hate line twist on spinners, so I pretty much stoppped using mono except for spooling up back up spools or to use mono on UL trout reels.

As for all lures including jigs, wood, metal, etc., it's plain awesome. Once I learned how to manage my line better (e.g. howling wind, pencil popping), wind knots disappeared, even with spectra.

I use 50 or 65 lb PowerPro on my conventionals. I could use lighter stuff, but I like the thickness as I have to level the line with my thumb. I fish around a lot of rocks and current and haven't lost a lot of plugs except for obvious user error. I have tried a couple of times to go back to mono but the lack of any feel out there always brings me back to braid.
On the rare occasion when I chunk, I use 25 or 30 lb IronSilk on my squidders, just because it seems right to use it. IronSilk is very smooth on the thumb.

I guess I'm just an ol' fashion guy, I've tried braid a couple of times, went back to mono. The only rig I have braid on now is a conventional jigging rig. With my stiff old hands conquering the braid to leader knots was hard for me.

Al

This subject comes up every now and then. I learn something every time. I use conventional reels only and have settled on braid. The first line I ever used was linen and if I remember correctly it was made by Assinippi line. Used on a squidder, it would out cast any line at the time. Mono was introduced, but was a bear to use as it was stiff and had memory like nothing out today. I like power pro on my 7000 series abu's 65 or 50 lb test. On my 6500 series I use 30 or 40 lb. test. I tried suffix last season and really liked the line, it is soft and smooth, unlike power pro. I used it plugging all last year and the only problem was I found it susceptible to weakening after a backlash. (we all get em!) I lost a good fish due to a break off because of that and I didn't want to stop and check it.
The one thing I do is use a long leader (16 to 20 ft.) of mono. For that leader I use ande back country or any mono that will tie well using a crazy Alberto knot for smooth running through guides etc. Usually after a night of fishing I end up with a 5 or 6 ft leader. The long leader gives me back some degree of stretch allowing a cast without the snap of braid. Especially eeling or using floating plugs.
Great thread guys..............

I personally can't stand braid.I've tried several brands and just don't like it.

I love Ande Backcountry and its the only line I use.

After using braid (suffix- 50lb.) again for about 21/2 mos at the end of last season, I liked it alot but just have no confidence in it after some terrible experiences with dropped(big) fish a few years ago when I tried PP. After reading this thread , I will continue to have one rig spooled w/ Suffix 50 and hope I don't drop a monster in the rocks. I to , like Mike , fish a light drag even with mono.

Steve, with 50lb your just stressing your gear. The confidence factor that you get out of 50lb braid (which actually breaks more like 75lbs ) may cause you to put a touch more hurt on a bigger fish than you normally would with less drag pressure and lighter line. That translates into pulled hooks, at least in my experience. I use 50lb on my conventional tackle at the canal but for plugging the Elizabeths I use 30lb and on the beach 20 and 14 no matter how big the fish are (or aren't more so these days). 30lb braid will land a small whale if you had enough line and you can put a lot of strain on it.

The lighter lines make me use a lighter touch. Just because you can get a fifty pound line with a very small diameter and pack it on a reel, I have found that it isn't always a good thing.

Another of my hair brained theories!:eek5:

Have switched almost completely to braid when surf fishing. Fish mostly rocky areas and often need the extra strenght of braid to keep the fish out of the rocks. Being able to stop them has increased the number of fish I land. When eeling and jigging you just can't beat the stuff. Have had no problems using 50# Sufix.

While the braid on my cod rod is 5-years old and still in great shape I normally have to change out the line on my surf reels at least ones during the season.

Tried braid a few years ago. Found that I didn't gain any advantage using it except for distance which is not important in 90% of my casting. Went back to mono.

DZ

Another good thread.

Alot has been said on this subject, but each year we see improved MONOs and improved BRAIDS so opinions change.

for me, it really depends on a case-by-case basis.

Boats- I prefer braid.
Light tackle - I prefer braid
Sandy beaches- braid
Rocky areas (Block Island, Beavertail, Cutty,etc.)- MONO:read:
convention reels (ABUS)- MONO on all
My VS 150- I tend to lean towards braid due to the size of the spool, but prefer 20lb backcounty...so I'm experimenting with both.

Big fish Generally-MONO !!! (I have more confidence in my knots and abbrassion resistance)

50 lb suffix is the line for me. Not for strength, because I think 20 or 30 would be plenty (although I do trust knots more with 50 - but that's probably in my head), but because I just find 50 easier to work with. Fewer knots and easier to work with when I do get a knot or tangled up with someone else. A little tip, if you fish with the same person alot in relatively tight quarters and both use braid, use different colors. Eventually you'll end up tangled and it'll be much easier to work out.

I use Fireline on my 650ss spinner for the longer casts with light plugs; I'm trying PowerPro for a while on a 525 Mag, seems to cast well, I use Berkely Bigame & Ande mono on my 970 & 980 mags and my 704 & 706 spinners. It's funny, but the older reels seem to handle the mono much better, probably because they're designed for it. I like the Fireline for the strike feel when plugging at night, and I always use mono for eeling. I allways use a 40 lb. mono shock leader thats twice the length of the rod, that way I'm usually safe in the rocks and I know the strength of my line when my fish is in close.

Steve(Flap), Thanks for the info. What brand braid do you use for spinniing in the surf?

I've tried almost every braid there is, and outside of the original Whiplash, which Berkley discontinued for reasons unknown :doh:, I've found that Berkley Big Game Braid in 50# test gives you the best bang for the buck. It's thin, strong and very abrasion resistant as braids go. And it costs about the same as Power Pro (between $25 and $30 for a 300 yard spool depending on where you buy it).

Sufix is good but overpriced IMO.

Go to the sufix web site for a 10.00 off coupon for a 300 yd spool of braid. Ends up costing me $22 for a 300 yd 50# spool. Plus a lot my relatives buy spools.

My personal braid alternative? (that's been working great for me for many years now...)


FOR those rocky/ craggy spots that make you scared to throw your Habs & BMs (yet you know that's where the biggest Bass prowl? :drool: )


VS300 w/ 25 lb. mono. (I choose a 10' Arra, but most go 11') :fishin: :musc: (Big Game for me...)



As DZ said... distance matters little in most spots at night (yes always certain exceptions notably the Ditch or big inlets)...

When I want (daytime) distance, I'll break out the "lighter" VS250 w/ 20 or 17 lb. mono., & metals or heavy Needles or Johns' (rip) N. & Gales! :smokin:

Of course... the point to be clear is a Spinner with enough mono. holding capacity (& cranking power) to comfortably fish 25 lb. test mono... ;)


The expense of a VS for this not necessary (just a ref. for size & what I use): same could be accomplished with the right Penn or Crack (or Shimano if you don't mind holding an anchor while you fish :) or certain others! (or for those adept enough of course Conventionals) :kewl: