Need some advice on Reel/Line choice - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Billy V · 08-01-2007, 06:56 AM

I am about to make my first nice reel purchase. The Hoo X from Avet.

My question is should I order it spooled with #80 hollow braid and top shot of #50 mono?

or Fill the reel up with #60 or #80 Hollow Braid completely?

I do not now the significance of threading on a Top Shot of line. Can anyone shed some light on the subject for me.

* I intend on using it in LJ Cove from the Hobie.

Thanks in advance
Bill

FISHIONADO · 08-01-2007, 08:05 AM

I'm no expert but this is what I do: I put on 50lb mono on the reel first and fill it just under half way. Then I use a uni-uni knot to tie on 65lb braid/spectra, not hollow, and fill the rest of the reel. There are many good techniques for the leader and they all work but my preference is to use a swivel and and short length of 20-30lb flouro leader. I like the swivel for less line twist and easy knot tying, and a short leader so that the swivel never has to go through the rod guides. I use the same set-up for both fly-lining and with a 2oz slider above the swivel. The main reason for the braid is to saw through kelp if necessary, the bonus is it lasts several seasons.

Some people will tell you that you need to have the line put on professionally so that you get the right tension, I say BS on that because the first time you let out a lot of line that goes away. You can do it completely manual by just holding the line with a rag as you wind it on or now I use a $25 line winder. I buy my braid at Squidco to support my local tackle shops. You can find a better deal on the internet but you will drive local folks out of business.

Hope you catch a monster with that new reel! Dave

Handymansd · 08-01-2007, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

I'm no expert but this is what I do: I put on 50lb mono on the reel first and fill it just under half way. Then I use a uni-uni knot to tie on 65lb braid/spectra, not hollow, and fill the rest of the reel. There are many good techniques for the leader and they all work but my preference is to use a swivel and and short length of 20-30lb flouro leader. I like the swivel for less line twist and easy knot tying, and a short leader so that the swivel never has to go through the rod guides. I use the same set-up for both fly-lining and with a 2oz slider above the swivel. The main reason for the braid is to saw through kelp if necessary, the bonus is it lasts several seasons.

I do pretty much the same thing, but I like to waste money

, so I just fill the reel with Braided spectra, also from Squidco.

h2ofishfo · 08-02-2007, 08:29 AM

dud if u buy a avet reel from sqiudco they fill it free w/spectra & no bottom shot either

all the way so consider buyin your avet from there i have bought 2 from there & they give the seeker rods 1 free rod replacement in store 3yr sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

nmbrinkman · 08-02-2007, 08:54 AM

That is a whole lot of reel for inshore fishing

.. You may want to take a look at the single or 2-speed SX or MX...

zeelaagee · 08-02-2007, 04:31 PM

this topic has me a little confused too.

i just purchased a torium 20 (a thing of beauty) and am getting ready to throw some line on it.

my plan is to use it primarily as a live bait reel on a 8' Tica 17-25# graphite casting rod. was planning on using a 20# spectra backer with 20# mono topshot/flouro leader... but the more i think about it the more i get confused. the dude at the tackle shop scoffed when i suggested using a light backer like that. so now i'm rather unsure.

i have the same rod with a shimano cardiff that i'll make the exclusive jig/iron/trap/grub hucker. have 20# braid on that with a mono leader.

so many different choices- so much confusion.

T-Rex · 08-01-2007, 11:24 PM

If you decide to get the hollow braid with a mono topshot, you may want to consider having the shop splice & glue it for you. It makes for a pretty nice connection.

08-01-2007, 06:56 AM	#1
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	Need some advice on Reel/Line choice I am about to make my first nice reel purchase. The Hoo X from Avet. My question is should I order it spooled with #80 hollow braid and top shot of #50 mono? or Fill the reel up with #60 or #80 Hollow Braid completely? I do not now the significance of threading on a Top Shot of line. Can anyone shed some light on the subject for me. * I intend on using it in LJ Cove from the Hobie. Thanks in advance Bill

08-01-2007, 08:05 AM	#2
FISHIONADO Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 698	I'm no expert but this is what I do: I put on 50lb mono on the reel first and fill it just under half way. Then I use a uni-uni knot to tie on 65lb braid/spectra, not hollow, and fill the rest of the reel. There are many good techniques for the leader and they all work but my preference is to use a swivel and and short length of 20-30lb flouro leader. I like the swivel for less line twist and easy knot tying, and a short leader so that the swivel never has to go through the rod guides. I use the same set-up for both fly-lining and with a 2oz slider above the swivel. The main reason for the braid is to saw through kelp if necessary, the bonus is it lasts several seasons. Some people will tell you that you need to have the line put on professionally so that you get the right tension, I say BS on that because the first time you let out a lot of line that goes away. You can do it completely manual by just holding the line with a rag as you wind it on or now I use a $25 line winder. I buy my braid at Squidco to support my local tackle shops. You can find a better deal on the internet but you will drive local folks out of business. Hope you catch a monster with that new reel! Dave Last edited by FISHIONADO; 08-01-2007 at 10:49 AM.

08-02-2007, 08:29 AM	#4
h2ofishfo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Santee Posts: 821	dud if u buy a avet reel from sqiudco they fill it free w/spectra & no bottom shot either all the way so consider buyin your avet from there i have bought 2 from there & they give the seeker rods 1 free rod replacement in store 3yr sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

08-02-2007, 08:54 AM	#5
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	That is a whole lot of reel for inshore fishing .. You may want to take a look at the single or 2-speed SX or MX...

08-02-2007, 04:31 PM	#6
zeelaagee Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 37	this topic has me a little confused too. i just purchased a torium 20 (a thing of beauty) and am getting ready to throw some line on it. my plan is to use it primarily as a live bait reel on a 8' Tica 17-25# graphite casting rod. was planning on using a 20# spectra backer with 20# mono topshot/flouro leader... but the more i think about it the more i get confused. the dude at the tackle shop scoffed when i suggested using a light backer like that. so now i'm rather unsure. i have the same rod with a shimano cardiff that i'll make the exclusive jig/iron/trap/grub hucker. have 20# braid on that with a mono leader. so many different choices- so much confusion. __________________ Totally addicted!!!

08-01-2007, 11:24 PM	#7
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	If you decide to get the hollow braid with a mono topshot, you may want to consider having the shop splice & glue it for you. It makes for a pretty nice connection.