Fireline soft ?

[GBOUTDOORS]

Just put 20# Fireline on my Stradic 4000 seems to be very stiff does this stuff get softer after use? The box said 20# same as 8# dia. mono. and has no memory. It filled the reel from a 125 yrd. package and the reel holds over 200 yards of mono 8#. Anyone using this line and if so how do you like it. I hope to fish later this week with GS in CT. and don't want any trouble. Think maybe I will fill the spare spool with 8# mono just to be sure.

[Slipknot]

The 20 is pretty thick, the 30 is rope. I use 14 on sand. 20 is ok once it breaks in. the 14 tests alot more than 14 by the way.
I don't believe their claims of the diameter. that line is kind of flat so maybe they are measuring the flat part. It will get fuzzy once it breaks in.

If you go with GS, use the mono and you'll do fine. I've used 6 lb mono there with him.

[Got Stripers]

I use 30# spiderwire, which is 6# mono diameter equiv and a very limp line. After reading all the positive reviews from people using fireline, I thought what the heck and spooled up some of their 30#. That was the first mistake, the 30 lb stuff is like rope. It's like comparing apples to oranges. Both are fruits and both taste good, but not everything else about them is the same.

For my style of fishing, I'd probably have to downsize to maybe 14# fireline to get the same casting distance and feel. Since I've really had very little problems with the spiderwire, since I got over that initial braid learning curve, I have no reason to switch. Greg don't figure on braid while fishing with me during the winter, it won't work, you won't catch many fish and you'll be scratching your head wondering why. You may be doing that anyway , but I suggest you take the spare spool those reels usually come with, put on 50-100 yards of 6-8 lb mono.

Tight lines

[bloocrab]

...GB, I ended my season using Fireline......and yes, it definately starts off stiff. But after some usage it will lighten up. If you want to go straight to limp.. ....the Spiderwire or PowerPro Braids are what your looking for. I started off with PowerPro, and learned the hard way about "nesting"...When the line doesn't get retrieved correctly on the spool, there is a chance that when casting...a few of the top layers will try to exit the spool at once....causing the "nesting" effex..... ..the way this happens is as you retrieve, if it doesn't get wrapped tightly...and theres a loose loop a few cranks down....that loose loop may take along with it, all the top layers.....creating the "nest" somewhere along your blank. Another problem will be KNOTS. If you have a knot somewhere on your spool, you'll feel it on every cast. TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM KNOTS. As I'm sure you know, don't pull on a knot, try and untangle it......PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

.....I think Fireline is a good way to start if its your first braid. It will slowly loosen up and allow to learn with it. Unlike PowerPro which requires you to be a bit of an Ace right away...Fireline will gradually put you in the swing of braided lines, which DO increase casting considerably. And don't worry about the residue it leaves on your fingers the first few casts, that goes away too...

....but like GS suggested, bring the extra spool.....

[GBOUTDOORS]

Thanks for the replies I have spooled one spare with 8# mono and think just in case I need it the other spare with some flourocarbon for the low vis. Thanks to all.

[ragfly]

I used 30# fireline all last year and liked it. It does soften up after a little use. The one thing to look out for is sometimes after you cast a loop will appear over the top of the spool. I had to get in the habit of looking after every cast. It happened quite a bit when I had the spool filled to the max, then after I cut some of it seemed to happen less frequently. This year I'm going to Power Pro for the smaller diameter.

[GBOUTDOORS]

Thanks ragfly I put it on the reel but I don't think I am going to like it so will keep two other spools with me just in case.