Bass Boat Forums
Bass Fishing Forums => Fishing Line => Topic started by: Curt on November 22, 2015, 11:58:03 AM
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I never use braid. I tried it "back in the day", when it was new and even when Berkley released Fire Line. For some reason, though, I just never really grew to like it.
I didn't like the inconvenience of having to carry scissors or use clippers to cut it. I also didn't like the fact that I had to tie specific knots with it.
And, lastly, I don't like the fact that it isn't good around rocks, since a lot of the lakes I fish have an abundance of rocks in them.
I still use mono 90% of the time, although I do mix it up a bit with regard to different brands for different applications.
And I also use fluoro on one or two outfits. Right now it's pretty much only for fishing the Salty B-Bug. I spool that rig up with 17 lb. Bass Pro Shops 100% fluoro. I've found this line to be an excellent value for the money and it has never, ever failed me.
But, back to braid. I know that a lot of guys like to use it for fishing heavy vegetation. What other ways do you guys prefer braid over mono or fluoro?
I'm all ears and listening (yes)
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I use braid on at least 8 setups. I use from 8/1 to 50# Power Pro in white or hi vis yellow.
The lighter I use for vertical jigging for the feel. Any time I am fishing vertically in over 25' of water, I will catch a lot more fish on braid than any thing else.
I use 20 or 30 # braid on some of my shaky setups with a 2-3' fluro leader fishing some real narly rocks.
I really like to use 30# braid on spinnerbaits. I think I can feel a fish breathe on them.
I have 2 setups with 50# braid that are used exclusively for Alabama Rigs.
My first experience was with "Fire Line" when it first came out. That was some nasty stuff that caused me all kinds of trouble, especially wind knots. I left braid for quite a while then I tried Power Pro and haven't looked back. There may be a better one but I won't know unless someone buys me some. As far as cutting goes, I carry pliers, scissors, hook disgorger and my Pop Snagger tool on a calf mounted holder so cutting is not a problem for me.
(https://www.bassboatboards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv13%2FJigMan%2F20151122_145344_zpsdotfkcmx.jpg&hash=b042efab2d18530da640e1dc9f6f7b531ee08718) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JigMan/media/20151122_145344_zpsdotfkcmx.jpg.html)
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If I'm fishing on the bottom I am using braid. Power Pro for me too.
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I use braid on at least 8 setups. I use from 8/1 to 50# Power Pro in white or hi vis yellow.
The lighter I use for vertical jigging for the feel. Any time I am fishing vertically in over 25' of water, I will catch a lot more fish on braid than any thing else.
I use 20 or 30 # braid on some of my shaky setups with a 2-3' fluro leader fishing some real narly rocks.
I really like to use 30# braid on spinnerbaits. I think I can feel a fish breathe on them.
I have 2 setups with 50# braid that are used exclusively for Alabama Rigs.
My first experience was with "Fire Line" when it first came out. That was some nasty stuff that caused me all kinds of trouble, especially wind knots. I left braid for quite a while then I tried Power Pro and haven't looked back. There may be a better one but I won't know unless someone buys me some. As far as cutting goes, I carry pliers, scissors, hook disgorger and my Pop Snagger tool on a calf mounted holder so cutting is not a problem for me.
@Jig Man & @transamz9 What knots do you use with your braid? And what knot do you use to tie to the fluoro leader?
If I remember right, I used to use the Palomar knot, back when I was experimenting with braid.
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Curt I use only one knot for all lines. It is the Pitzen also known as the 16/20. It is fast and easy. It holds all lines. I can tie it with gloves on my hands.
Sometimes I use the Alberto's knot but if it is windy I go for the Double Surgeon's knot. It is not as good as Alberto's but a lot faster and easier to tie.
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Is this the one you use? You use it for braid, mono and fluoro?
https://youtu.be/JYgBOoKXbPQ
And this for joining lines?
https://youtu.be/J56O3CZVu7M
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Two things to consider about my fishing; 1) do to the size of my boat I only carry 5 rods, 2) most of the water I fish is stained to muddy. 2 rods braid, 3 Fluro.
If I am fishing jigs or plastic in the weeds I use 30# Power Pro braid. Most anything else I use 10# Fluro. I know for most that may seem lightweight but I have never lost a fish due to a broken line and I have pulled some 6 to 8 pound bass out of some mighty heavy weeds.
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Yes Curt. Those are the knots I use. However, I do 5 wraps with the Pitzen and 6 with the Alberto's. On that Pitzen, I hold the loop in my off hand and let the bait swing around the line to make the wraps instead of wrapping them by hand. That is why I can tie that knot with gloves on.
After watching that video I think you can see why I use the double Surgeon's instead of the Alberto's in the boat.
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I could not imagine NOT using braid, especially on my swim jig setups. Looks like you were using that really stiff stuff curt.
I like using Power Pro or Suffix 887. And I tie a regular palamor with no issues.
I like using the braid scissors and actually use them on all my line.
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I like using the braid scissors and actually use them on all my line.
I have never had to carry scissors, since I use my teeth on mono and fluoro (giggle)
So this would explain why I view having to carry scissors a nuisance. (shrug)
Due to the feedback here, though, I might be buying some Power Pro during the winter to try in the spring, especially on bottom baits, like jigs and soft plastics.
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A little tip Curt. Braid is more expensive so I do a couple things to get my money's worth out of it. One on some of my reels that hold a lot of line or when I use small line I will spool some Mono on the reel to take up space and not use so much braid. On my other reels that are braid only I will re spool onto another reel. Braid don't have memory and the line on the bottom of the reel never gets used so I pick a reel that has line on it that has already been reversed and pull all the line off of it. I will then tie the line from one reel to this reel. I will put tension on the line and start cranking. This puts the old used up line on the bottom of the spool and new unused line on top. :thumbup:
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Also, I carry a folding razor knife as a pocket knife so I just use it to cut my braid. I don't use scissors either.
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The scissors I use are very small, and I usually keep it in my pocket just like my knife. I also keep a pair in my front tray as well as a pair in my console tray. I think they cost $2 or something like that.
I used to always use my teeth on my line, but the scissors work better, even for removing old knots off of lures that I had once bit off :)
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The scissors I use are very small, and I usually keep it in my pocket just like my knife. I also keep a pair in my front tray as well as a pair in my console tray. I think they cost $2 or something like that.
So they're obviously not any kind of special scissors. How do they hold up to being out in the weather?
Got a picture or a link to them somewhere?
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Oh Curt you can get some like mine at Wally World sewing center. They are less than 10 bones and are sharp as a razor.
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Braid on all my spinning rods with a floro leader......will never go back. Braid on all my rods down in Florida. On my frog rod up here in the north.
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So they're obviously not any kind of special scissors. How do they hold up to being out in the weather?
Got a picture or a link to them somewhere?
$2.49, work as good as any other I have used. I have used one of the pairs I have now for a year or two. Even if they wear out after a year your only talking about $2.49 :)
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/academy-sports--outdoors-braided-line-scissors?repChildCatid=1236256
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OK @Jig Man Thanks! :thumbup:
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Just a couple of specialized setups with 15 or 17 lb floro. All the rest are 30, 50 and 65lb braid. If you aren't using braid where I fish, you are going home whipped and unhappy. (yes)
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If you aren't using braid where I fish, you are going home whipped and unhappy. (yes)
I hear ya there for sure.
I do very little fishing in cover heavy enough to require braid. I'm not saying I shouldn't be using it in some situations, but it's definitely not required.
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I use braid with floro leader on all my spinning reels (10# to 8#). Braid is also used on my carolina rig and the rod I use with jigging spoons. All the rest are either strait mono or floro on the bait casters.
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Back when I used Berkley Fire Line, I was still using spinning reels that didn't have instant anti-reverse. I eventually broke the anti-reverse mechanism right off with hook sets (fp)
Every time I'd set the hook, the spool would slam 180 degrees backwards. My reels back then just weren't made to handle that ind of a beating (giggle)
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$2.49, work as good as any other I have used. I have used one of the pairs I have now for a year or two. Even if they wear out after a year your only talking about $2.49 :)
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/academy-sports--outdoors-braided-line-scissors?repChildCatid=1236256
@JackJ I just checked the link you posted and found some of these on sale (clearance) for $1.98! I think I will buy a few pairs of them!
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/tournament-choice-braided-line-scissors#repChildCatid=645006
Are those the same ones you like to use?
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Just ordered 4 pairs at that price (giggle)
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Yep that is them. Hard to beat for that price!
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Yep that is them. Hard to beat for that price!
For sure. And they even had a small stone on them to sharpen hooks. :thumbup:
Probably the best deal on a fishing accessory in a long time!
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I personally just use one of my pocket knives. Easier to keep up with and I don't have to bend over to get it. It's always in my pocket. (giggle)
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Yep that is them. Hard to beat for that price!
For sure. And they even had a small stone on them to sharpen hooks. :thumbup:
Probably the best deal on a fishing accessory in a long time!
These look similar to the Rapala ones, but with the little sharpening stone, a little better, and SS too. I have problems w/ draw partners 'accidentally' getting them in their tackle bag at the end of a TX, so I'm not as worried at this price.
Thanks for the heads up on these!
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@frugalangler You're welcome! It's a deal that's too good to pass up! :nod:
@transamz9 I think I'd rather squat or bend over to grab something than to dig in my pocket to get it. I guess it's just a personal preference. But I also like cutting braid better with scissors than with a knife. Again, just a personal preference.
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@frugalangler You're welcome! It's a deal that's too good to pass up! :nod:
@transamz9 I think I'd rather squat or bend over to grab something than to dig in my pocket to get it. I guess it's just a personal preference. But I also like cutting braid better with scissors than with a knife. Again, just a personal preference.
The knife I'm referring to is a folding razor that can be worked with one hand and replaceable blade. I've tried the scissors and to be honest I'm not very organized while out one the water so by the time I find where I threw them I have my bait back in the water after using my knife. Lol
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The knife I'm referring to is a folding razor that can be worked with one hand and replaceable blade. I've tried the scissors and to be honest I'm not very organized while out one the water so by the time I find where I threw them I have my bait back in the water after using my knife. Lol
OK.. that razor knife makes more sense than a standard pocket knife. Razor knives are definitely more inclined to be sharp enough to cut braid quickly.
I try to stay as organized as possible and have certain spots where I keep specific tools, so I can usually find them pretty quickly when I need them :nod:
But at the end of the day, it's all about what works best for each individual :thumbup:
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Here's what's been my goto for cutting line (thanks to @sbg for turning me on to these), but they are pricey at about $19 each. But, they work great, even for braided line. I keep this on my belt loop or the little ring on cargo shorts for tournaments. I like to keep the scissors in the little tool rack on the side of the gunwale also, and with these with the hook sharpener they will replace the Rapala ones. http://www.tackletour.com/images11/picboomerangsnip2.jpg (http://www.tackletour.com/images11/picboomerangsnip2.jpg)
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If you want an all in one tool Curt, check out the red and black handle pliers in my pic on page 1. They are called Pop Snaggers. They have pliers, jig eye buster, cutting edge that will cut braid, an line threader and a hook sharpener built into the handles.
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Yep. Frugal is right. Its called "the snip". And it does a great job at cutting braid. And all other kinds of line. I keep it hooked to my side the whole time fishin. For you guys throwin power pro.... give sunline fx2 a try. Especially for your heavier stuff. 50 pound braid and up is all they make but I use it for all my baitcasters with braid. Im tellin ya you will use that power pro for anchor line once you use the sunline. 30 pound diawa samurai braid for my spinning reels. Ive thrown the 50lb in some nasty stuff with a frog or swimming a jig. Its held up great.
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For you guys throwin power pro.... give sunline fx2 a try
Good info. Thanks @sbg :thumbup:
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Ive thrown the 50lb in some nasty stuff with a frog or swimming a jig. Its held up great.
yea let us know how it is when ya finally catch something (giggle) (giggle) (giggle) (giggle) (giggle) (giggle) (giggle) (giggle) (giggle)
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Ha! Held up to this fella pretty good.
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And Green fish know better to live in the South rather than be a popcicle in New Yawk (cup) (yes)
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you musta took 100 pics of that same fish in diff poses u even changed your clothes in a few of em . can I get a photoshop amen i think I hurt my spleen laughin so hard............ (giggle)
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You know i aint smart enough to work a photo shop! (hmm)
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u even changed your clothes in a few of em
(giggle)
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Well, I stopped into Wal-Mart today and bought some braided line for one of my spinning rigs. Gonna take the braid plunge again.
They didn't have any 10 lb. braid, so I had to buy the next size up that was available, which was 15 lb. test. They had Power Pro and a couple of other brands. I know Power Pro is reputable, but I opted to try Mustad Braided line instead.
(https://www.bassboatboards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbassfishingphotos.com%2Fimages%2F2017%2F05%2F02%2F0502171904.md.jpg&hash=753b3f4a342939c2ad43debf2c81f7bd20241383) (http://bassfishingphotos.com/image/pBZZ)
So this evening I proceeded to spool up the braid and then tied a leader to it. In doing so, I had to learn to tie a new knot, since it's been eons since I last joined two lines together.
I chose the Alberto knot that @Jig Man had mentioned. When I first watched the video it looked a little tough to get, but I watched it twice and then tied the knot and it came out perfectly.
So now I can't wait to try it out! I think I'll be using it for a shakey head rig first. :nod:
Oh, and I will let everyone know how I like the Mustad braid.
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switched to the albright knot. way easier to tie in wind and a bouncing boat so far its held up really well.
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switched to the albright knot. way easier to tie in wind and a bouncing boat so far its held up really well.
Thanks. I'll see how the Alberto knot goes. If it doesn't fair well, I will give the albright a try. I've heard of it in the past too. :nod:
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I just checked out the albright knot. Looks the exact same as the Alberto knot to me! (hmm)
https://youtu.be/dDKaoCRT2jo
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Has anyone tried the FG knot?
https://youtu.be/pjzUb5QRKuk
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I used the alberto/albright for years use the FG now. Half the size and stronger. Easy with practice, worth the time.
https://vimeo.com/161852666
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I used the alberto/albright for years use the FG now. Half the size and stronger. Easy with practice, worth the time.
https://vimeo.com/161852666
I just watched this for the second or third time. Make my head hurt! (giggle)
I will eventually give it a try and practice it. Just not sure when (shrug)
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JP dies a better job with the finish here. https://vimeo.com/162826295?ref=em-share
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I think I will practice it today. I am in the camper sitting out storms and taking a day of rest after 6 straight days of fishing.
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I tied it a couple of times. It's not bad. I don't think that I could ever tie it in the boat with all of the wind that we have. I have barely been able to tie on baits lately.
I used 50# braid and 10 # mono. The knot seemed rather large.