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

wavster · 03-29-2007, 09:21 PM

I posted this topic on another board, so I apologize if this is redundant within the kayak fishing community...

I was testing my albright knot with spectra to fluoro and found that my spectra was snapping between
22 & 28lbs. The problem is that it's 50lb spectra. I did some tests with no knots and no fluoro with the
same results. The line is PowerPro spectra that I bought at Turners during the Fred Hall show.

Has anyone else experienced similar findings with their spectra or with PowerPro? It's hardly worth the
price. It cost twice as much as P-line mono and holds only half as much.

The good news is my albright knot is holding very well.

bigderel · 03-29-2007, 09:54 PM

That can't be right unless the product is somehow old or compromised. I'd take it back to Turners and get some new stuff, I'm sure they'd hook you up...I use PowerPro all the time and haven't had any issues. Although I often use a certain type of mono without issues & my last spool sucked. There's bound to be bad apples. Also, most lines test higher than their stated strength...you've seen it before I'm sure - "dude, 8 pound >insert brand name here< is the best! I got snagged on a rock and it anchored a 65 foot yacht!"...

wavster · 03-29-2007, 10:26 PM

I tested both spools and both snapped around the mid 20s (lbs.). I think I would want
to test another spool before I buy it again.

madscientist · 03-29-2007, 11:08 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, 07:40 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, 07:48 AM

Thanks guys. I appreciate the insight.

Matt · 03-30-2007, 09:14 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, 09:57 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, 10:57 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, 11:02 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...

madscientist · 03-30-2007, 01:10 PM

Power hunter, I think. There is even better stuff than that though. Look for the 10x stuff. Refers to the number of woven strands. Most good US stuff is 4x. If you've ever handled cheap rope next high quality rope you'll know the difference. I had a good ebay retailer, I'll try to look it up and PM ya.

Ultimately your line, hook, and swivels (if you still haven't learned to tie a good knot

) are the connection between you and the fish. A weak link there will usually be exposed at the worse possible time.

tylerdurden · 03-30-2007, 03:33 PM

I just got power pro for the first time before the San Carlos trip. Noah's was out of JB. I don't like it because of the coating on it. It is 65# spectra and so far no problems after multiple snags at San Carlos and here in the kelp. It held up nice for one big fish and some mid grade ones since February.

That Japanese stuff Brad uses is awesome, but at ~$20/100 yards (and that's the sale price) very pricy. I really like it.

madscientist · 03-30-2007, 03:38 PM

Tyler, I'm gonna switch to this stuff once I need to respool.

But at $100 for 300m I'm in no hurry.

nmbrinkman · 03-30-2007, 04:19 PM

Brad.. Do you put it on yourself or do you take it to a tackle shop?

dgax65 · 03-30-2007, 04:35 PM

Brad

Is that multi-color line that you had on your reels the Power Hunter? If so, is it any cheaper if you get a monochrome?

zeelaagee · 03-30-2007, 04:59 PM

i hear he has the multicolor on there to show his pride... lol lol lol

(but i guess i shouldn't talk sh!^, i don't even know the man- i just could't resist the opportunity of that joke)

lamb · 03-30-2007, 09:26 PM

zeelaagee, did you just say Brad is gay??

Red card...

There's only one way you can be forgiven - sign up for WCW immediately: lol

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/payments.php

David, spectra is great idea if you plan on getting your big fish out of kelp.

I've mostly had good experience with 30# spectra and 20# to 30# floro leaders. This year I started spooling 40#, only becasue it seems to get less backlashes when casting (I still get them though

). Spectra has its bad sides that are widely known and discussed... Kelp cutting with spectra works much better than with mono - that's what I was sold on.

I got used to it.... Now it feels weird when I'm fishing mono.

In my case - always spectra, always a few feet floro leader.

Always a swivel... I only bothered to learn 2 knots.

That's all I need.

One thing with spectra - it is not as forgiving as mono. You have to make sure your drag is smooth (=quality reel), and that it is properly set.

madscientist · 03-30-2007, 09:32 PM

Good point there Adi, spectra can reveal the limitations of a cheap or poorly functioning reel in a hurry. It can also eats into cheap rod guides.

I don't think the powerhunter is available in monochrome. But a man secure in his sexuality can fish with rainbow line and not fret it.

Aguayak · 03-30-2007, 10:12 PM

Geez, he can fish with it, but won't play with it on his guitar?

That doesn't sound too secure. LOL

wavster · 03-30-2007, 11:02 PM

I appreciate everyone's response. I got so frustrated today because that line snapped just about
every time I got snagged (which was every time I dropped live bait to the bottom). I
was trying to fish the kelp line, but I guess I'm still too close to the kelp beds.

After fishing today, I went by Turners and returned the PowerPro line without incident. I'm
going to try another brand (most likely one of the ones recommended here). I just haven't
decided which. I'd like to see how each feels first.

I may transfer the existing PowerPro onto my bass rod, since I doubt I'll be catching anything
over 10lbs on that (although last September I got 3 YTs on it)

03-29-2007, 11:08 PM	#4
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, 09:57 AM	#8
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

03-30-2007, 10:57 AM	#9
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, 01:10 PM	#11
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	Power hunter, I think. There is even better stuff than that though. Look for the 10x stuff. Refers to the number of woven strands. Most good US stuff is 4x. If you've ever handled cheap rope next high quality rope you'll know the difference. I had a good ebay retailer, I'll try to look it up and PM ya. Ultimately your line, hook, and swivels (if you still haven't learned to tie a good knot ) are the connection between you and the fish. A weak link there will usually be exposed at the worse possible time. __________________

03-30-2007, 03:33 PM	#12
tylerdurden Bad Clone Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 874	I just got power pro for the first time before the San Carlos trip. Noah's was out of JB. I don't like it because of the coating on it. It is 65# spectra and so far no problems after multiple snags at San Carlos and here in the kelp. It held up nice for one big fish and some mid grade ones since February. That Japanese stuff Brad uses is awesome, but at ~$20/100 yards (and that's the sale price) very pricy. I really like it. __________________ MLPA, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem Let the Fish and Game Commission know what you think about the proposed maps. Be ready for December 9th and 10th.

03-29-2007, 09:21 PM	#1
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	Spectra Question I posted this topic on another board, so I apologize if this is redundant within the kayak fishing community... I was testing my albright knot with spectra to fluoro and found that my spectra was snapping between 22 & 28lbs. The problem is that it's 50lb spectra. I did some tests with no knots and no fluoro with the same results. The line is PowerPro spectra that I bought at Turners during the Fred Hall show. Has anyone else experienced similar findings with their spectra or with PowerPro? It's hardly worth the price. It cost twice as much as P-line mono and holds only half as much. The good news is my albright knot is holding very well.

03-29-2007, 09:54 PM	#2
bigderel UberMember Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On the water Posts: 71	That can't be right unless the product is somehow old or compromised. I'd take it back to Turners and get some new stuff, I'm sure they'd hook you up...I use PowerPro all the time and haven't had any issues. Although I often use a certain type of mono without issues & my last spool sucked. There's bound to be bad apples. Also, most lines test higher than their stated strength...you've seen it before I'm sure - "dude, 8 pound >insert brand name here< is the best! I got snagged on a rock and it anchored a 65 foot yacht!"...

03-29-2007, 10:26 PM	#3
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	I tested both spools and both snapped around the mid 20s (lbs.). I think I would want to test another spool before I buy it again.

03-30-2007, 07:40 AM	#5
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, 07:48 AM	#6
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	Thanks guys. I appreciate the insight.

03-30-2007, 09:14 AM	#7
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, 11:02 AM	#10
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...

03-30-2007, 03:38 PM	#13
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	Tyler, I'm gonna switch to this stuff once I need to respool. But at $100 for 300m I'm in no hurry. __________________

03-30-2007, 04:19 PM	#14
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	Brad.. Do you put it on yourself or do you take it to a tackle shop?

03-30-2007, 04:35 PM	#15
dgax65 Guerro Grande Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 629	Brad Is that multi-color line that you had on your reels the Power Hunter? If so, is it any cheaper if you get a monochrome? __________________ Douglas Gaxiola Team No Fish- Amateur Staff

03-30-2007, 04:59 PM	#16
zeelaagee Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 37	i hear he has the multicolor on there to show his pride... lol lol lol (but i guess i shouldn't talk sh!^, i don't even know the man- i just could't resist the opportunity of that joke)

03-30-2007, 09:26 PM	#17
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,563	zeelaagee, did you just say Brad is gay?? Red card... There's only one way you can be forgiven - sign up for WCW immediately: lol http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/payments.php David, spectra is great idea if you plan on getting your big fish out of kelp. I've mostly had good experience with 30# spectra and 20# to 30# floro leaders. This year I started spooling 40#, only becasue it seems to get less backlashes when casting (I still get them though ). Spectra has its bad sides that are widely known and discussed... Kelp cutting with spectra works much better than with mono - that's what I was sold on. I got used to it.... Now it feels weird when I'm fishing mono. In my case - always spectra, always a few feet floro leader. Always a swivel... I only bothered to learn 2 knots. That's all I need. One thing with spectra - it is not as forgiving as mono. You have to make sure your drag is smooth (=quality reel), and that it is properly set. __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

03-30-2007, 09:32 PM	#18
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	Good point there Adi, spectra can reveal the limitations of a cheap or poorly functioning reel in a hurry. It can also eats into cheap rod guides. I don't think the powerhunter is available in monochrome. But a man secure in his sexuality can fish with rainbow line and not fret it. __________________

03-30-2007, 10:12 PM	#19
Aguayak Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 16	Geez, he can fish with it, but won't play with it on his guitar? That doesn't sound too secure. LOL

03-30-2007, 11:02 PM	#20
wavster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Encinitas Posts: 562	I appreciate everyone's response. I got so frustrated today because that line snapped just about every time I got snagged (which was every time I dropped live bait to the bottom). I was trying to fish the kelp line, but I guess I'm still too close to the kelp beds. After fishing today, I went by Turners and returned the PowerPro line without incident. I'm going to try another brand (most likely one of the ones recommended here). I just haven't decided which. I'd like to see how each feels first. I may transfer the existing PowerPro onto my bass rod, since I doubt I'll be catching anything over 10lbs on that (although last September I got 3 YTs on it)