Braid Education 101

[blitzburgh]

Originally Posted by Jim Day

It's a thicker diameter so it feels more like normal line, easier to tie and it is easier to untangle.

Jim

[Devildawgjj]

Originally Posted by tagyak

i have 65# spectra on my reels. the story that was told to me was it is easier to cast with less back lash. also it is very comforting to know that it will take alot of fish to bust my line.
i use a modified albright to attach my fluorocarbon leader. wrap it 12x down and 12x up. my local tackle shop told me to apply wax, (bees or lip balm) it will allow for the line to pull tightly easily.
how do you like that reel?

I will try the albright with the wax. I wonder if the yucatan knot is just as good? Thank's for the tip!

I love the reels functionality. It's just like my SHA 40; except it accepts braid, it's quieter (no clicking on the turn), and it's $60 cheapter than the Saltist Black Gold that I was going to get (the only differeance of 1 more CRBB).

[jorluivil]

Ever single fish that I've caught was landed on 50# or 65# braid with a top shop of 30# mono or 30# floro.

[GregAndrew]

65# braid is better for direct connections to Mono/Fluro cause the smaller diameter braids will more easily cut into the leader.

[catchnfish]

use a weak knot on your weights

[Devildawgjj]

Originally Posted by catchnfish

use a weak knot on your weights

I don't know any.....

[IB Fish"N"]

I use 65lb braid with a 25 to 30lb floro leader. It is also a must for the kelp runners.

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

Ever single fish that I've caught was landed on 50# or 65# braid with a top shop of 30# mono or 30# floro.

I actually fish mostly 20# and 30# braid. 20# is fantastic for halibut because it's so thin you can actually use far less weight and still stay on the bottom. I've caught more fish including yellows on 20# power pro with 15# and 20# fluro topshots, then with any other spectra combination.

For splicing to the topshot I use a Tony Pena knot. Easy to tie and works great and I've never had any problems with the spectra cutting into the leader or topshot.

I mean it's not all I use. I've got rigs with 130# and 200# spectra on them, and I once got a 90# Yellowfin on 65# spectra with a 50# fluoro topshot. That said locally I mostly fish 40# and under, and unless there's big fish around I'm usually fishing 20# and 30# spectra.

Jim

[Billy V]

Originally Posted by Jim Day

For splicing to the topshot I use a Tony Pena knot. Easy to tie and works great and I've never had any problems with the spectra cutting into the leader or topshot.

Thats a great knot, and I use it on most of my connections Spectra to Fluro.

Sometimes I use a twisted leader knot to do the same connection while fishing in the dark - it looks like a mess while your tying it, but once you cinch it down it cleans up and is very strong.
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[Devildawgjj]

Update: I spooled my reel with 300yrds of 65# spectra, with 200 yrds of 85# Dracon backing.

I tried the tony pena knot with 20# mono, but couldn't keep the connection. The mono kept sliping out of the braid. So after a few more assiduous attempts, I gave up and tried the modified albriet.

I must say, it's easier for my meat skinners to tie. It's just a couple of loops.....Just to test my connection, I tied the spectra end to my fish scale with a San Diego jam knot and then pulled on the mono end with a glove. (I know, not very scientific, but a heuristic one). And let's just say that the line snaped before my jam knot and the albriet (wich is more of a concern of course) at 27lbs -/+ .5oz.

I would like to see how my 30 and 40# floro do....

[Coastalobsession]

Go with 50lb test and a 40lb shock leader. I use FINS braid and have found it to be one of if not the best braid on the market. IMO thier customer service also rocks!