Spectra Question - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

madscientist · 03-29-2007, 10:08 PM

Powerpro was notorious for spontaneous failure a few years ago on the east coast. I stopped using it after experiencing that first hand. Seems very hit or miss. I've heard there is counterfeit stuff on the market (ebay) as well. Noah's tackle on Convoy can spool you up with JB spectra. Best I've seen short of the high end Japanese stuff.

03-30-2007, 06:40 AM

I lost 3 taddys last week on my jigstick with #30 powerpro... I'd cast, it dug into itself, and gone...... Never again...

All my bait rods are #65 powerpro, never had them snap on sizeable fish, or cutting through kelp. I wouldn't recommend any less than #65, afterall it is like #15 mono diameter.

I like the big game mono for my surface, and yoyo jig rods...

wavster · 03-30-2007, 06:48 AM

Thanks guys. I appreciate the insight.

Matt · 03-30-2007, 08:14 AM

I like Chris, tend to use 65 lb powerpro or like spectra on all my rigs, with little to no problems, I don't see the point in using the light stuff as in my world the whole point is to be overgunned when I get a good fish!! I have been trying the Berkeley spectra with great success in the 65 and 80 lb range also. Just my 2 cents worth, if you go to turner's talk to Ernie, he knows his stuff and is a great guy!

Matt

dgax65 · 03-30-2007, 08:57 AM

Dave

There was an issue with counterfeit Power Pro.

http://www.powerpro.com/press/downlo...ATEGORY_ID=103

I wouldn't think that Turner's would sell you the fake stuff, but it could happen.
I use the 50# PowerPro Spectra on most of my reels and I haven't had a problem. I got snagged on the bottom many times on the San Carlos trip and I had an opportunity to put a lot of pressure on my line and knots. I now have complete confidence in my ability to tie an Albright. On one occasion I managed to bend the Owner 4/0 Gorilla hook without having the Spectra, 50# SeaGuar fluoro, or the Albright knot fail.
Your problem does make me wonder about QC on Power Pro. I would like to test the Spectra on all of my reels to see if there is any variance in parting strength.

madscientist · 03-30-2007, 09:57 AM

The powerpro problem usually manifests in a quick set. I'd have 50lb that was perfectly fine under a steady load but when a quick swing was made it would just seperate like a cotton ball. I've still got some on a few old reels that seems to be fine, but I'll never buy it again. I've become very fond of the japanese stuff. Expensive but much higher quality than most US made line.

03-30-2007, 10:02 AM

what is the name of the stuff you use Brad?

Also, on a related note, I am big fan of the Squidco small high rated black barrel swivels to connect my 3-5 ft leader of fluoro to spectra, never had one break, (knock on wood) Much easier than all these specialty knots...

03-30-2007, 08:57 AM	#5
dgax65 Guerro Grande Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 629	Dave There was an issue with counterfeit Power Pro. http://www.powerpro.com/press/downlo...ATEGORY_ID=103 I wouldn't think that Turner's would sell you the fake stuff, but it could happen. I use the 50# PowerPro Spectra on most of my reels and I haven't had a problem. I got snagged on the bottom many times on the San Carlos trip and I had an opportunity to put a lot of pressure on my line and knots. I now have complete confidence in my ability to tie an Albright. On one occasion I managed to bend the Owner 4/0 Gorilla hook without having the Spectra, 50# SeaGuar fluoro, or the Albright knot fail. Your problem does make me wonder about QC on Power Pro. I would like to test the Spectra on all of my reels to see if there is any variance in parting strength. __________________ Douglas Gaxiola Team No Fish- Amateur Staff

03-29-2007, 10:08 PM	#1
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	Powerpro was notorious for spontaneous failure a few years ago on the east coast. I stopped using it after experiencing that first hand. Seems very hit or miss. I've heard there is counterfeit stuff on the market (ebay) as well. Noah's tackle on Convoy can spool you up with JB spectra. Best I've seen short of the high end Japanese stuff. __________________

03-30-2007, 06:40 AM	#2
Chris Guest Posts: n/a	I lost 3 taddys last week on my jigstick with #30 powerpro... I'd cast, it dug into itself, and gone...... Never again... All my bait rods are #65 powerpro, never had them snap on sizeable fish, or cutting through kelp. I wouldn't recommend any less than #65, afterall it is like #15 mono diameter. I like the big game mono for my surface, and yoyo jig rods...

03-30-2007, 06:48 AM	#3
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	Thanks guys. I appreciate the insight.

03-30-2007, 08:14 AM	#4
Matt Support your local pangas Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lj Posts: 976	I like Chris, tend to use 65 lb powerpro or like spectra on all my rigs, with little to no problems, I don't see the point in using the light stuff as in my world the whole point is to be overgunned when I get a good fish!! I have been trying the Berkeley spectra with great success in the 65 and 80 lb range also. Just my 2 cents worth, if you go to turner's talk to Ernie, he knows his stuff and is a great guy! Matt

03-30-2007, 09:57 AM	#6
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	The powerpro problem usually manifests in a quick set. I'd have 50lb that was perfectly fine under a steady load but when a quick swing was made it would just seperate like a cotton ball. I've still got some on a few old reels that seems to be fine, but I'll never buy it again. I've become very fond of the japanese stuff. Expensive but much higher quality than most US made line. __________________

03-30-2007, 10:02 AM	#7
Chris Guest Posts: n/a	what is the name of the stuff you use Brad? Also, on a related note, I am big fan of the Squidco small high rated black barrel swivels to connect my 3-5 ft leader of fluoro to spectra, never had one break, (knock on wood) Much easier than all these specialty knots...