Lines

[BottomBouncer]

Which line(s) do you guys prefer and for what?

Again, I appreciate you vote and info:cool:

[flathunter]

Berkly big game for everything.

[Dave_E]

All types of line to match your need. I've never been disappointed by it.

[ShoreBoundOne]

Stren has always performed well for me.

Mitch

[Flatheadmaniac]

Who uses the Gamakatsu G-power(thanks for listing it), which i use in 6lb test for all of my light work(ALL bass species & Bait catching), 12lb G-power for carp and med. cat work.
Other than that its Berkley Big Game supreme in tests 17-25 lbs for cats on the Ohio r. (30lb test for leader making) and lastly Mason braided dacron line in 50 & 80lb tests for flatheads locally!

[BottomBouncer]

Thanks a lot fellas........keep it coming!

[Ðe§perado™]

I use Berkley and Power Pro lines.;)

[lureboy98]

Fireline for everything. I tried stren and didn't like it.

[BottomBouncer]

You're not the only one who doesn't like Stren........I read all the ratings about it and had nothing but twists and other problems.

[redneck66]

I use Berkley for just about everything as of now. Used the Whiplash last year for the skies but im thinkin i might change to power pro but im not sure.

[BottomBouncer]

I switched from whiplash to Pro after several breaks off on the hook set. I don't think I will use braided anymore unless I'm trolling or have a lot of line out, over 30 yards.

[cwcarper]

Let's see -- Silver Thread Excalibur has always been one of my favorites. I use the 25 lb for cats, 12 lb for carp, 6 lb on my ultralight. Berkley fills all my other needs -- 30 lb big game for flatheads, 15 lb big game for channel cats and carp, 8 lb XT for my bass/eye rods.

[george tinkham]

i voted fore spiderwire but i buy fireline too.

[Ðe§perado™]

BB, What do think about the power Pro line?

[Roosterfish]

I voted for Silver Thread because that Is what I have on most reels (bass gear). However, I'm still looking for the best catfish line, and will be trying Big Game, Sufix, and Ironsilk this year. Also, Whiplash was the best braid ever made for surf casting, but I only have a few spools left and will be trying Tuf Line as a replacement.

[BottomBouncer]

Only bad thing about PP is that it seems to burry in the spool more than others, but it sure is strong......doesn't fray very much if at all.

[mrfish/OH]

I just finished off a 3200 yd spool of 8# silverthread I've had for years. I use it on all my small reels. It's a thinner diameter than say BPS Excell or Trilene for the same test strength. I use 20, 25 and 30# BPS Excell for catfishing. I'm experimenting with some 36# Mason braid on one reel, seems okay.
For my striper fishing only 14# Spiderwire Fusion. I like it so well, I think I have at least 4ea 2500 yd spools, and actually maybe 5 of them- ghost green.
I like to have bulk quanities of line, that way there's never any hesitation to change line when there is any wear.;)
Have heard good things about Power Pro, and plan to try some, still haven't found the right deal on it yet.

[BottomBouncer]

A lot of guys use power pro down in FL. Seems like half like it the other half stick with mono. I'm about finished with my big spool of 20lb. Silver Thread. I use it on my Abu 6500's, 4500BTR and 6500SS. I have yet to half any problems with Silver Thread, I try to find something better but am unable to find. This season I will be Silver Thread on all rigs.
I have some 36lb. Cortland Braid, two bulk spools of it. Haven't used any yet, I did let another guy put some on his 700CT.

[Flatheadmaniac]

I used Excalibur by Silver Thread for years..as i prefer co-polymers over reg. mono lines, but after i found a stronger, thinner co-polymer i switched and havent looked back..maybe if they stopped making G-power, id go back to Silver Thread..but not until then;)

[BottomBouncer]

I THINK THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING IS THAT PEOPLE WHO DON'T USE G-POWER AREN'T AS GOOD AS YOU:eek: :mad: :D :D :D :p

[Flatheadmaniac]

You really need to get out more....all this cabin fever is started to rot your brain!;)
You MUST be bored..lol

[Ðe§perado™]

bb he is just saying if they quit making one line he will go back to what he used before. That is all. Clean your reels or something. LOL;)

[BottomBouncer]

LMAO.........I'm gonna go polish my handle:rolleyes: :p :p :p

[Ðe§perado™]

At least you will be doing something!! LOL:D :D :D

[BottomBouncer]

Let's just get one thing straight here...........I'm not going to offer to clean anyone's handle LMAO:rolleyes: :D :p

[Ðe§perado™]

Im guess you'll be busy enough cleaning your own...:rolleyes: :D ;)

[Caribou Dreamer2]

When i used to fish alot i like stren 12 lbs test for everything.
man when i fished half these lines you have posted never was available.

[Flatheadmaniac]

Is'nt it basically just like the other "super" lines in that its a very fine braid and slips on the spool....so you have to put mono as a backing?
I have read on other MB's that this is the case!
Man what a hassel, you have to use two types of lines on one spool..geez!

Biggest problem i have is those fine braids cant take much if any abrasion..you might get 20 yrds more distance(that extreme, but will go with that) but in return if have to be careful using it around wood and rock...which in MY case is in every type of water i fish.."find the structure, find the fish"..right?

As for the "sensativity" factor...if you use a good quality mono or co-polymer along with a smooth reel and good quality composite rod..you have all the sensativity you need!
I fish a lot of "finesse" type baits and rarely miss fish or have a hard time feeling whats going on.
With the cost of some of these so called "super"lines and tha hassel, i still dont see an advantage to using them over normal lines???

My buddy Duane uses the FIRELINE, he likes it a lot, but i change my line a lot through out the season, with the cost of those lines i'd be spending way more than i need to jusyt on line.

[Roosterfish]

The advantage of superline is simply a smaller diameter to pound test ratio when compared to mono or a copolymer. There are also many disadvantages (poor abrasion resistance, mystery break-offs, and higher cost just to name a few). I would agree that a high quality mono/ copolymer would be much better when abrasion resistance is a major concern (when bottom fishing), and would never consider using a braid in this situation. However, I would argue that the advantage outweighs the many disadvantages in certain fishing situations. Distance casting lures with spinning gear is one such situation. Line diameter is a MAJOR factor in distance! While mono or copolymer will outcast a super braid of the same diameter, the much smaller diameter of the super braid will increase distance over the other lines. When distance really matters fishing lures, I would suggest using a super braid. If you have ever been casting to stripers/ hybrids that are busting shad 10 yards beyond your reach, you will know how much distance can sometimes matter! We have seen great technological advances in the fishing line industry, and hopefully in the near future there will be lines available that is both super thin and abrasion resistant

[Flatheadmaniac]

BUT with running a backing for super lines and casting long range for hybrids..you have to also run a shock leader to with stand hard casts with 2-4oz lures and to withstand any cut offs like gill plates..so now there are 4 knots in your set up... backing to reel, backing to superline , superline to leader, leader to lure??????

Thats way too many knots to worry about and tie for my taste.
As far as super lines out casting mono or other types..i wont totally agree with that statement..if they are used on the EXACT same rod & reel combo..then yes...but the extra distance can be made up with some improvements in GEAR or switching to CASTING tackle instead of spinning.

[Roosterfish]

I missed this type of in-depth tackle discussions on the other site. Some people are passionate about politics, but my passion is fishing tackle. LOL
I don’t use a shock leader because the thin diameter of the braid allows me to use 30lb test as a main line. I rarely cast over 3 oz, and have never has any cut offs. The mono backing really is not that big of a problem. In fact, it gives you great security to know that you have 300 yards of braid and an additional 200 yards or so of backing (a fish will need to make a huge run to spool you). Also, you can eliminate the mono backing by using tape (this will also eliminate the extra knot).
I’m not suggesting that braid (or any line) is the most important aspect of casting, but braid will get the most distance out of any spinning gear. I think that the aerodynamics of the lure is the most important aspect in casting distance, the rod is a very close second, the line, and then the reel (this would only be for spinning). When using conventional tackle, the reel would be more important than the line. However, I can not imagine using a casting reel to make a few hundred 100 yard+ casts in a period of a few hours. It would kill me if I had to pick-out a backlash when a topwater blitz was on! When throwing lures long distance, spinning gear is more convenient, and braid has made long distance with spinning gear possible.
If you don’t need the extra distance then there is no need to change to braid. But, I’m not a very good caster, I’m only 5’6” and need all the help that I can get. LOL If you do need extra distance try some high quality braid (those Z’s come with an extra spool). I think that you will be surprised at the extra distance that you can achieve with your tackle. I’m heading to the river today for some winter cats, and will be testing some IRONsilk. It is supposed to be incredibly abrasion resistant, and that is more important than distance when bottom fishing.

[Flatheadmaniac]

I have agree..i love talking tackle too.
One thing you have said just took me by surprise.."I’m only 5’6” and need all the help that I can get".
GEEZ..i thought i was the only SHRIMP on these forums..i too am only 5'6" and know EXACTLY where your coming from..us little guys need all the tricks of the trade to cast just as far as those 6'+ 250lb anglers..lol;) :eek:

I use both spinning and casting gear i will say spinning is easier because the chance of a backlash or birds nest isnt there..but i think casting gear is easier once you get it down..plus with a fast 6:3.1 gear ratio even top water baits can be worked correctly.

I think i remember off another board that you said you also use the big Daiwa surf spinning reels too right?
I love these reels and think they are by far the best long distance spinners around!
Maybe this spring we can hook up and you can show me the ropes of these super lines?..if i can get extra distance..im all for it!
Good luck today,
Scott

[george tinkham]

i use super braid fireline and spiderwire in swiftwater,some whitewater ,many snags and large rocks and it performs very good.saves me lots of money and fish,bass or rivercats.i have saved many lures and sinkers and line since using this stuff.if it was otherwise you can bet the farm i would not pay that much money for 100yds of the stuff.probably only cost a quarter to make it.and half of that is for the spool it comes on.

[cwcarper]

I think there are definitely instances when the superlines are very useful and will outperform mono or copolymer. The smaller diameter/increased distance has already been mentioned. The sensitivity is much greater, which is good for light biting species, and for people who sometimes lose focus and start to daydream when fishing (like me). Also, the no-stretch qualities can be great for instant, solid hooksets. But, the no-stretch qualities are the main reason I don't use the superlines -- I've had the line break on hooksets for flatheads, and for carp the hook pulls loose during the fight. I tinkered with the stuff for a while, but went back to copolymer because changing to a superline had more negative aspects than positive ones for my style of fishing.

[Flatheadmaniac]

I have also messed around with many of the superlines..only use for ME that i have found is for making "hook lengths" for carp..for this purpose they work great.

[cwcarper]

Good point about the hook lengths for carp. I forgot about that. Definitely works great for that. Too bad I had to buy about 500 yards of the stuff to find out I was only going to use it for that purpose :rolleyes: .

[Roosterfish]

Flatheadmaniac,

I just got some 8LB test G-Power for one of my finesse rods. I have been using Silver Thread, but the 8LB G-Power has a 10% smaller dia. than Silver Thread at 8Lb. I'm trying this line on your recommendation, so.........If I lose a fish this year, it is you fault!

[Flatheadmaniac]

Good show..did ya get the clear or smoke color?
I prefer the smoke(its more like steel grey) as it hides very well in clear water.
Where did ya find it..Bass Pro? theres only one store here in Columbus that carrys it..only other places are a select few on-line shops.

Yea the dia. was one of the selling points too, i use it in 6lb. and 12lb. and its one of the smallest dia. co-polymers you can get.
Even on reels that i dont use very much and the line has been on it awhile..it still doesnt come close to the coils that mono gets after about 1 month of the reel setting on the shelf!
Trust me you'll like this line..and if you loose a fish..its YOUR fault as 70% of lost fish are due to ANGLER error..lol;) :D :eek:
Just kiddin, tell me how you like it after the fish turn on.

I have to admit though im impressed, i know a bunch of other anglers that have asked me what line i use..and they went and looked at it..NONE of them was smart enough to notice that its a lot smaller dia. than some other lines..LMAO, they never could figure out how i could cast small lures so far since i dont use super lines..lol
Most guys who use only one certain brand of mono dont realize how much better co-polymer is for throwing lures...its a lot softer and more supple and has less memory than say berkley or stren .

[DavidWS10]

I've got a question to throw into this thread. But first, let me give everyone a little background information. Last year I used Spiderline SuperMono XXX 20# test on my catfish spinning combos and was happy with it, except that I wanted a little heavier line. Back in November I switched to Trilene Big Game 30# and am not happy with it. As I am a bank fisherman casting distance and accuracy are paramount. This Trilene Big Game comes off the spools of my reels in coils and has decreased my casting distance by some 30-40%. My primary combo is a Shakespeare Tidewater Freeliner (TWS70FL) on a 13' Silstar "Meat Stick" MH action surf rod. My question is simple. What line should I switch to that works well on spinning reels? I'm presently leaning towards the new Spiderline Stealth in 30#. As always, all suggestions are welcome.

[Flatheadmaniac]

I understand exactly what your saying about the 30lb big game..its great strong line..but not made to cast distance, the bigger the dia. the slower it will flow off your reel creating to much drag...giving you shorter casts....and using it on spinning reels is even worse coils like a spring dont it?..ive found that anything over 20lb test on spinning reels is to big for long casts..sounds like you might need a good thin line..i'll let guys like Roostertail or Mrfish that have knowlege in the superline field answer you.
Good luck on your search, hope you find what will work for you.
Scott

[george tinkham]

well heh heh with a small reel like i use i can probably only get 15yds. of fat line.the spinning reel works great with the superbraid.i can get 100yds of 60# spiderwire or fireline.it is almost impossible to break at that poundage.

[BottomBouncer]

Spool up with some 20lb. silver thread. This is what I've been using on my cat spinning gear.........no problems at all. Have yet to pull out a knot or break one off. I haven't hooked into many large fish, but it doesn't take a 20lb. fish to break 20lb. line. A 10lb. or less fish could put up that much pressure.

[george tinkham]

i used silver thread before going to fireline then spiderwire.i caught a 8# bass on 4# test and the same fish again with 6# test on micro gear.4 1/2' rod.

[Ðe§perado™]

Same fish??? You fishing in the fish tank again George? :D :D ;)

[FishNasty]

I like the Silver thread, the 20lb casts as well as 8 lb line, fishing in the Ohio River I almost cannot use braid for catfish as they all pretty much stink on the rocks.

[marcbodi]

Hi,
I voted for Power Pro but I also use Magathin,Spiderwire,Fireline,Silver Thread.It depends on what kind of fishing I'm doing.

[george tinkham]

golf course ponds,we know the fish pretty well.same fish caught by my father in law on fly rod.i think they enjoy the battle too.there is 8 ponds there,all with nice big fish.lots have been transplanted from other ponds and from a river,many big bass and big catfish.favorite food...hand size bluegill.

[BottomBouncer]

My brother's best friends cousin caught that fish too!

[flathunter]

I also caught that fish, used him for cut bait:eek: :D ;)

[BottomBouncer]

Damit Jack, you ruined it. Now my neighbors nephews daughters teacher won't have a fish to catch:eek: :p

[archer077]

have used silver thread for about 5 yrs was able to find at odd-lots for 2.00 a spool liked it so at one time had almost 30 spools setting in garage and nobody was seemed to want to buy 6# or 4# so had all i wanted

[bob oh]

Bottom bouncer you had breakoffs with Whiplash -- it only was available in 30 and 50# and it seems incredible that it would break on hookset??? It is no longer made so you won't have to worry about it :-)

[BottomBouncer]

Are you trying to make a point of some sort?

[marcbodi]

Hi,
Whiplash was advaible in 20-4 and it had bad spots in it and thats why they quit making it.

[Roosterfish]

Whiplash was the best line ever made! I still have a few spools of 30lb test that I was able to find. I'm still looking for an adequate replacement.

[cwcarper]

I used the 65 lb whiplash and had more than one breakoff on the hookset. I only use it for tying leaders now.

[george tinkham]

how can you break 60# test if you set the drag right?

[BottomBouncer]

Fisherman's still has a descent supply of Whiplash.

When you set the hook, with a sturdy rod and line that has nearly no flex.....something has got to give. I'm glad I'M not the only one who used 65LB. whiplash:rolleyes:

[Dave_E]

What about Ironsilk?

[george tinkham]

l&s in lancaster used to have whiplash to 80#

[redneck66]

I used whiplash last year musky fishing and its a super tough line. Infact i got snagged once and broke the steel leader before i didnt the line. I have a couple problems with it though. Number one you have to put mono backing on the spool first and i dont like the idea of having two different lines on the same spool. Number two do to the thinner diameter my lures were getting down too far when i was trolling. and number three it seems to dig a little on the spool making that rare backlash a nightmare. I want to go back to mono and my question which one should i go with. I prefer berkley but should i go with big game or the iron silk. Im real curious about the iron silk. Any users out there?

[Roosterfish]

I’ve tried IronSilk in 30lb test. I had planned on using it on two heavy surf rods for catfish. It seems very strong, and abrasion resistant. It cast ok, but it did seem to have more memory than advertised. My biggest concern is knot strength. The fist knot that I tied broke (yes, I always use spit). I will try the line a few more times, but I have a feeling that I will be going with another line. It doesn't matter how abrasion resistant or strong the line, if the knot breaks!

[redneck66]

what kind of knot did you use?

[bob oh]

Yes I was making a point. Whiplash was only available in 30 and 50# last year -- per Berkley. If you broke 30 or 50# line on a hook set the line was defective or you had the line on a windlass and hooked a whale :) Probably defective line... If it was 20# it had to be older line..

[marcbodi]

Hi,
Up to a about ! month ago Dicks and Gander Mountain was still selling Whiplash 20-4.

[FishNasty]

I've got 20lb iron silk also on a surf rod and it does cast nice, can't say I've had any trouble with the knots, however I've only casted with it and haven't actually fished it. I really like my silver thread and may end up going with 20lb silver thread instead.

[marcbodi]

Hi,
I have 17 lb Silver thread on my Salmon rods.30 lb super braids on my dipsy rods.

[Ðe§perado™]

I'm seeing alot of shows on TV promoting Iron Silk line. Is it good any one tried it?

[george tinkham]

i am very happy with fireline and spiderwire...i have not lost a lure since using it for bass.i always sed i wouldn't pay that much for feehin line but now thats all i buy...i ain't even afraid of usin 6$ crankbaits in heavy cover cause i can pull the cover out...no break offs with any feesh either...

[lureboy98]

George I am also very happy with my fireline.

[bob oh]

Couple of things:
1. Marc If they were selling #20 Whip it was left over line. I buy direct from Berkley and they weren't selling any. That doesn't mean there was anything wrong with the line as long as it was taken care of.
2. You have to back any braided line you use on a reel -- but thebacking can be tape, it doesn't have to be other line. The backing stops the braid from slipping around the spool.
3. I used 50# whiplash all year running big dipsies and never had a knot problem. Used Palomar knots, sometimes with a touch of glue, mostly not. I retie about every other trip.
4. Berkley told me they consider Spiderwire Stealth a replacement for Whip.
I also love Fireline -- use it for jigging and sometimes rigging. Also think Big Game is a really good value-priced line and even I can see it in Solar :-)

[Esox]

10# Fireline on most of my spin rigs
20# Fireline on the low profile baitcasters
50-80# Whiplash or Powerpro on Muskie casting reels.
30 & 40# various Monos on Muskie trolling rods.

[george tinkham]

50- 80# superbraid now you're talkin serious business,i like that

[redneck66]

Esox, Im lookin to switch to mono for musky fishing this year. What do ya recommend in the 20-30# range?

[george tinkham]

wow ,first steelies,now musky...guess theres more than bass ,gillies and crappie ,cats in ohio.this site is going to get me around the state some i think...doing some feeshing i never done!!!

[Turkeyfoot]

Redneck66......I used 17# Stren Sensor on pike last year in Canada and got good hook ups with it. Don't see why it would'nt work for muskies as well . Also, strong line for Ohio River stripers in 14# test......TF

[Esox]

I like just about any quality mono, but I think if I had to pick one, it would be Trilene Big Game. 20# might be a tad light for trolling big baits at a good clip.

[ramlund man]

i prefer berkley for all my mono needs---hey ESOX! what the heck are you doing down here south of the border?--i'm still gonna need your input on that musky rig i talked to you about-- i can't wait to get up there and wet a line with ya this spring:D :D :D

[Worm Drowner]

Braided: Berkely Whiplash
Mono: P-Line Floroclear

[bob oh]

Worm, Berkley has dropped Whiplash :confused: :( :mad:

[Worm Drowner]

I know. :( I have to figure out what to use after my cache runs out. I'll likely end up going with T.U.F. Line, Power Pro or Spectron.

[george tinkham]

worm drowner,killer name there!!!

[bob oh]

Pure Fishng told me they consider the Spiderwire Stealth the replacement for Whiplash. I haven't tried it but you can look at it here:
http://www.spiderfishing.com/NonFlash/Products/LineDetail.cfm?ID=2

[Thunderflight]

Can go wrong with Berkley.

I really like their saltwater lines.

TF

[Esox]

Originally posted by ramlund man
---hey ESOX! what the heck are you doing down here south of the border?--i:D :D :D


Tom, is that you?? Dang, they will let anyone in here. I'm going to have to have a chat with Steve.;)
You must get up here soon buddy, Pike are going nuts, Steelies are running. Call me.

[george tinkham]

pike where

[Esox]

Lake St. Clair.

[thebootlegger]

Berkley Big Game
I think the 20lb is the best line for the money, period. Casts well with a few ounces of lead, and strong as hell.
I use the 40lb on my big boy rods, and love it too.

[george tinkham]

i still am stickin with superbraids...they last for yrs.mine is several yrs. old and i still cant break it

[Neapolis]

I just checked, and I have more Stren than anything else, but I have to admit I have a little bit of everything.

[george tinkham]

who all buys new line every year???don't you think that this ritual has been fabricted by professional fishers like bill dance through his fishin line sponsors...i for one think it takes longer than that for fishin line to go bad...i have caught some nice sized fish on line thats several years old...even when i used 6-10# test...

[Worm Drowner]

I might consider changing out mono every year if it doesn't "look right". There is no need to change out braids every year.

[flathunter]

I buy my line in bulk spools, the spools last appx two years, but I do change my line on my reel ever 4 fishing trips

[george tinkham]

especially when you have 60# test...at its worst after 10 yrs its proolly still at least 40# test

[MadCatter]

I have had some spider wire on 2 of my spinning reels for 6 or so years ... The only thing I did do was I took it off one and put it on another so the old used stuff would be at the bottom of the second reel .. That stuff wears like iron .. its 15lb test with the diameter of 2 .. I have never had it fail.

[george tinkham]

i do that too after 8 -10 yrs...

[thebootlegger]

I replace my line atleast a couple times a year, depending on the reel, both mono and braids. I probably don't need to, but I fish in pretty nasty stuff like sharp rocks, logjams, saltwater, etc. I just don't want to lose a fish of a lifetime because my line had a nick in it I didn't notice. It might cost me extra cash during the year, but I think its cheap insurance against a story of one that "got away".

[george tinkham]

i don't blame you,nothin wrong with playin it safe ...me i'm to cheap an i'm going to release it anyway...funny thing is i don't seem to lose as many fish since i been releasin em all...

[thebootlegger]

George,
I know all about that "release karma". 99% of what I catch goes back in. :D

[george tinkham]

i guess there ain't as much panicing...

[Ðe§perado™]

Boot legger, that does work for mono, but I just change out my braids when I start seeing frays or discolorations. But to each his own. It can get real expensive with the line prices go up just about every year.

[george tinkham]

especially spiderwire...i can see payin that for fireline an i think its as good as spiderwire almost

[flathunter]

I have changed from berkly big game, to bass pro excell for my catfishing line, excell is fairly cheap and seems to cast better than big game in 30-lb test....I still change line appx 8-10 times a year...I always want new "fresh" line on my reels.

[george tinkham]

i just watched a good catfishin show on tv an they were catchin em 60#+...they reccomend heavy braided line especially if you have a lot of line out.better for settin hook due to lots less stretch they said.i know i have no trouble with 90 yds. out on hook sets.might be somethin to that.