[Zeal]

Any fellow braid users find any difference in lure action by just tying the line straight to a swivel where the lure is attached for ease? Or is direct line tie to the lure favored more? For direct line tie I mainly use the Palomer knot or Uni Knot (aka the Grinner Knot) on the lure. Anyone try a Bimini Twist or Spider Knot for braid (I never attempted it on braid, only used it with mono)?

Any way of not shredding up the casting finger without needing a glove or piece of leather? I destroyed my index finger that way last season and still have a callous from it!

I think the braid I have is Power Pro at the 25lb range, would the 30lb. mono be a decent shock leader if I really feel the need for it? Any good line to line connection knots that won't hinder casting distance?

Overall, I see the surf regulars using mono with heavier mono but I outcast them by a mile and have outfished them because of that distance. Swivels are favored by many but for me I have little trust for hardware since that is one more thing to fail when you get into a serious fish. The connection knot seems to be another thing that could fail and lose my precious toys if I do that. Anyway, that is my reasoning.

Any input?