Braid Education 101

[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!