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

nmbrinkman · 08-02-2007, 04:38 PM

I would tend to think 20 lb line may be hard-pressed to cut through kelp if you get "that" fish.. I would recommend at least 50 lb spectra as a backing up to 65 lb. Then your mono/flouro backing can be whatever rating you want. Use a topshot anywhere from 6' to 20' and you should have no problem getting in and out of the kelp. By no means is this the only way nor is it based alone on my limited experience but it seems to be the end result of many guys' experienced based input via this board...

FISHIONADO · 08-02-2007, 07:25 PM

I think the offshore guys like the spectra on the reel first then mono and finally a leader, maybe to save the cost of swapping out all mono often, I don't really know so I hope someone else comments.

The inshore guys go mono first to save the cost of all spectra (and it helps to prevent the spectra from spinning on the reel), then at least a hundred yards of spectra, then a leader to fool the fish. The spectra will saw through kelp when a fish runs for cover and wraps itself up, just keep steady tension and often the fish will do all the sawing action.

h2ofishfo · 08-02-2007, 07:43 PM

yeah i always thought if the purpose was to cut kelp & horse a fish through the kelp then why use a top shot of mono go 65 spectra then 30 flouro a little high but its flouro they cant see it anyways & the stiffness of the line wont hinder presentation

Billy V · 08-03-2007, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h2ofishfo

yeah i always thought if the purpose was to cut kelp & horse a fish through the kelp then why use a top shot of mono go 65 spectra then 30 flouro a little high but its flouro they cant see it anyways & the stiffness of the line wont hinder presentation

I think this is the way I will go. I want the benefit of spectra in the kelp.

Thanks
Bill

yaky yak · 08-05-2007, 06:33 AM

I recently bought a new avet MXL and put 25# mono backing with 300 yds of 30# braid, and use a floro leader using a albrite knot, but I now think I should of went at lest 50# on the braid as I'm not sure the 30# is going to cut kelp.

GHOSTHUNTR · 08-05-2007, 08:25 AM

65# braid is the way to go. There is no advantage to go any lighter than that. Also, you do seem a little overgunned with the hoo-x reel. The MX series is PLENTY of reel for local waters.

nmbrinkman · 08-05-2007, 10:43 AM

And from what I understand.. The MX and the SX have the same drag components. The MX just has a larger line capacity... which is moot anyway since your filling it with braided line...

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08-02-2007, 04:38 PM	#1
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	I would tend to think 20 lb line may be hard-pressed to cut through kelp if you get "that" fish.. I would recommend at least 50 lb spectra as a backing up to 65 lb. Then your mono/flouro backing can be whatever rating you want. Use a topshot anywhere from 6' to 20' and you should have no problem getting in and out of the kelp. By no means is this the only way nor is it based alone on my limited experience but it seems to be the end result of many guys' experienced based input via this board...

08-02-2007, 07:25 PM	#2
FISHIONADO Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 698	I think the offshore guys like the spectra on the reel first then mono and finally a leader, maybe to save the cost of swapping out all mono often, I don't really know so I hope someone else comments. The inshore guys go mono first to save the cost of all spectra (and it helps to prevent the spectra from spinning on the reel), then at least a hundred yards of spectra, then a leader to fool the fish. The spectra will saw through kelp when a fish runs for cover and wraps itself up, just keep steady tension and often the fish will do all the sawing action.

08-02-2007, 07:43 PM	#3
h2ofishfo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Santee Posts: 821	yeah i always thought if the purpose was to cut kelp & horse a fish through the kelp then why use a top shot of mono go 65 spectra then 30 flouro a little high but its flouro they cant see it anyways & the stiffness of the line wont hinder presentation

08-05-2007, 06:33 AM	#5
yaky yak Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Riverside, calif Posts: 130	I recently bought a new avet MXL and put 25# mono backing with 300 yds of 30# braid, and use a floro leader using a albrite knot, but I now think I should of went at lest 50# on the braid as I'm not sure the 30# is going to cut kelp.

08-05-2007, 08:25 AM	#6
GHOSTHUNTR Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Poway Posts: 160	65# braid is the way to go. There is no advantage to go any lighter than that. Also, you do seem a little overgunned with the hoo-x reel. The MX series is PLENTY of reel for local waters.

08-05-2007, 10:43 AM	#7
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	And from what I understand.. The MX and the SX have the same drag components. The MX just has a larger line capacity... which is moot anyway since your filling it with braided line...