fire line problem

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Slipknot

50 lb fireline??? you must have bought firelinexds, that stuff is no longer being made I heard. I never tried the XDS, but must be a reson they are discontinueing it.
I have never had a problem at all with the regular fireline. Try 14 lb. for light stuff, and 20 lb for medium all around duty, and 30 lb if the line will be rubbing rocks qute often.

I'm with Slip, unless it's more then a few years old it's got to be XDS which was intended for casting reels and didn't seem to impress anyone. Berkley did at one point make 50# Fireline; I may still have a spool of it somewhere, it was like cable though so I never used it.

Strength wise I think 30# Fireline corresponds to 50# Power Pro. Fireline has always seemed under rated while Power Pro may be over. I've never done any scientific testing or anything, but that's what it feels like.

[ThrowingTimber]

If it kinks waaay too easily you put it on the reel bass ackwards. Did you have the spool of fireline rolling all around the floor this way and that way when you were putting it on?

[Flaptail]

Your problem is not the needle nor is it the line though fifty is a tad heavy even in the small diameters of tech line. It's the reel. Penn reels do not have the oscillaltions vs revolving of the spool nescesary to properly lay line over it self and lock itself in. The oscillations are slower ( up and down movement of the spool when the handle is turned). They are famous for this problem, especially when using poppers and needles where a pause and pulse is required in the action of the lure. Get yourelf a faster oscillating reel like a shimano/ Daiwa etc.

Also couple things to remember when using any tech line or braid is, 1. have your line put on the spool with a line machine that provides the proper tension. 2. Constantly monitor your bail roller ( I clean and oil mine weekly) 3. Always use a quality ball bearing welded ring swivel between the line and leader.

This should take care of your problem. Monofilament is more forgiving on a slower oscillating reel like a penn 650, braid or tech lines are totally different animals.

[Bill L]

20# Fireline on a 704Z is the balls, absolutely no problems

[Flaptail]

704z has less oscillation than a 650, that's why no problem, shallower, wider spool.

[Bill L]

14# isnt so hot on my 4500