Line for finesse fishing 2024
EGbassing reply :
Just got my first spinning reel for finesse fishing. (ned rigs, shaky heads, drop shot, etc.) It's a size 3000 Pflueger president XT. I was planning on using straight flouro, but I read that it can cause a lot of line twist and other problems like that. Is that true? I really want to stay away from mono due to the low sensitivity of it, and I'd also rather not have to use a leader, but I can if I need to. 
Darren. reply :
If you are going with a straight fluoro, try to use one of the
more limp varieties out there. Usually that means more $.
I'm thinking of Tatsu, Sunline, etc. And I'd use around 5 or
6 pound test.
Of course I'm in the braid+leader camp and probably will
be forever 
. Once you learn a good leader knot, and get
good at tying it, it's all good from there.
I have 100% confidence in my leader knot (uni-to-uni #1, and
Modified Albright/Alberto #2). Combined with a properly set
drag and a proper rod for your technique, you should never
have a problem with a well-tied leader connection.
Todd2 reply :
I've got 3 different braids/superlines on my spinning rods each with their own pros and cons. Fireline Crystal Ultra 8 might be my new line. Not as slick as the Nanofil but more durable it seems although I like Nanofil quite a bit.
BankBasser reply :
For years I used Fireline Original (sometimes Crystal) tied direct and never really had an issue. After reading about braid to leader a lot here on BR I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and try braid and leader on one of my spinning outfits. So far so good.
A couple issues/concerns I had with a leader knot was having to re-tie often which isn't easy due to some nerve damage in my hands and also whether or not the knot would work well with micro guides. Once I determined a uni to uni knot works fine with micro guides I'm using about a 3 foot leader, which gives me a couple days worth of tying on a few different lures. I don't see there being an issue with the braid to leader knot giving out as long as you tie it well.
I'm using 10lb hi-vis yellow Power Pro with an 8lb Invisx leader. The power pro is already fading after just a week, but that shouldn't be an issue. One advantage to this system I've already used is the ability to break off a snag at the knot and save some braid (ie... $$$). Good stuff there.
As far as using straight fluoro, you can. I've tried both Tatsu and Gliss, but still prefer PP or Fireline over either of those. Just a personal preference is all.
Good luck!
WRB reply :
Spinning reels will twist any line if the end is attached to something that doesn't allow the line untwist. Fluorocarbon, copolymer, hybrid, single filament lines twist the same amount. Braid also twist because it's a yarn, not a single filament line, the twisting doesn't show up quickly.
You can untwist line by running it behind a boat a few minutes a slow speed without anything tied on the end.
Tom
EGbassing reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 5:14 AM, WRB said:Spinning reels will twist any line if the end is attached to something that doesn't allow the line untwist. Fluorocarbon, copolymer, hybrid, single filament lines twist the same amount. Braid also twist because it's a yarn, not a single filament line, the twisting doesn't show up quickly.
You can untwist line by running it behind a boat a few minutes a slow speed without anything tied on the end.
Tom
I'll keep that in mind. So straight flourocarbon doesn't twist more than a braid + flouro leader combination?
The Fisher reply :
I had bad line twist problems with straight Fluoro I now use 10# Power Pro to a 8# Seagur Invizix Leader or straight coploymer 6# Silver Thread AN40 with very few problems
WRB reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 5:17 AM, EGbassing said:I'll keep that in mind. So straight flourocarbon doesn't twist more than a braid + flouro leader combination?
No, the braid twist when it's between the reel and FC, mono, copolymer or hybrid line leader. Line only gets a twist with each revolution of the spinning reel bail roller that wraps the line onto a fixed spool.
Tom
EGbassing reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 5:31 AM, WRB said:No, the braid twist when it's between the reel and FC, mono, copolymer or hybrid line leader. Line only gets a twist with each revolution of the spinning reel bail roller that wraps the line onto a fixed spool.
Tom
Ok, thanks.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 5:17 AM, EGbassing said:I'll keep that in mind. So straight flourocarbon doesn't twist more than a braid + flouro leader combination?
The effect of twists will show a 1000 times quicker with fluoro than twist in braid. You really have to twist the crap out of braid to get it to behave negatively.
EGbassing reply :
One more question for anyone who knows the answer... Would using this hook for dropshots rather than a standard dropshot hook prevent line twist? https://www.cabelas.com/product/VMC-reg-Spinshot-Drop-Shot-Hook/1307365.uts?productVariantId=3603890&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03748132&rid=20&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CjwKCAjw6djYBRB8EiwAoAF6oaXrMGdGFq-hhpH6ABSJTamWOuNDIyebuXLNuc-jB2rydA86EmtVpBoC9T8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Bluebasser86 reply :
Someone needs to tell these poor fish I just lucky catching them on mono on my spinning gear since there's no way I should have been able to feel their light bites in the cold water.
Seriously, the whole mono isn't sensitive enough thing is silly. That's all there was for a long time and lots of bass were caught on way less advanced gear than what we have now.
You can get a good higher end mono like Sunline Defier Armilio and it will handle as good and probably better than fluoro and if you can tell a difference in sensitivity, you're a better man than I am.
Brad in Texas reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 10:03 PM, EGbassing said:One more question for anyone who knows the answer... Would using this hook for dropshots rather than a standard dropshot hook prevent line twist? https://www.cabelas.com/product/VMC-reg-Spinshot-Drop-Shot-Hook/1307365.uts?productVariantId=3603890&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03748132&rid=20&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CjwKCAjw6djYBRB8EiwAoAF6oaXrMGdGFq-hhpH6ABSJTamWOuNDIyebuXLNuc-jB2rydA86EmtVpBoC9T8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
To a degree, yes, these do allow any plastic attached to them to swing more freely. But, do know that not all line twist is created by your bait rolling on retrieves or during casts . . . but occurs back up on the reel, a condition related to the line being picked up.
I use the Gamakatsu version of this sort of hook, though, with its wonderful pinch grip on the bottom where a separate sinker leader can be attached, then down on this separate piece of line to a sinker itself with the pinch grip. It allows one to tie on the hook, no worries about leaving a sufficiently long tag end for sinker attachments. This means you can make very fast sinker leader adjustments, say, you want to go from 4" to 16".
For me? Other than line twist experienced trying 100% fluoro once, it just isn't much of an issue with light braid. As already mentioned, it isn't that braid doesn't twist, it does, it is that it doesn't create handling issues related to twisting nearly as fast.
My order of Rebarb hooks came in yesterday in sizes from #2s and now for other presentations, some purchased larger sizes up to 4/0s. These hooks for drop shots T-Rigged knocked me off of using the swivel hooks. I'll take the increased hook up ratio over any concerns for line twist.
Brad
On 6/6/2018 at 3:16 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Someone needs to tell these poor fish I just lucky catching them on mono on my spinning gear since there's no way I should have been able to feel their light bites in the cold water.
Seriously, the whole mono isn't sensitive enough thing is silly. That's all there was for a long time and lots of bass were caught on way less advanced gear than what we have now.
You can get a good higher end mono like Sunline Defier Armilio and it will handle as good and probably better than fluoro and if you can tell a difference in sensitivity, you're a better man than I am.
Amen! Some of the monofilament lines are so very well made these days, I often wonder why people torture themselves over fluorocarbon usage. Almost every declared advantage of fluorocarbon is "situational" at best: invisibility, sink rates, and so on. I do like and use it for leaders, tried it once straight, didn't like it. I now choose between straight braid, braid with a short fluoro leader, or straight mono. Some advantages to one over the others, for sure, but not as overwhelming as product guys would have us think. Brad
TOXIC reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 3:16 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Someone needs to tell these poor fish I just lucky catching them on mono on my spinning gear since there's no way I should have been able to feel their light bites in the cold water.
Seriously, the whole mono isn't sensitive enough thing is silly. That's all there was for a long time and lots of bass were caught on way less advanced gear than what we have now.
You can get a good higher end mono like Sunline Defier Armilio and it will handle as good and probably better than fluoro and if you can tell a difference in sensitivity, you're a better man than I am.
You are my hero!! ????????????
EGbassing reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 3:16 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Someone needs to tell these poor fish I just lucky catching them on mono on my spinning gear since there's no way I should have been able to feel their light bites in the cold water.
Seriously, the whole mono isn't sensitive enough thing is silly. That's all there was for a long time and lots of bass were caught on way less advanced gear than what we have now.
You can get a good higher end mono like Sunline Defier Armilio and it will handle as good and probably better than fluoro and if you can tell a difference in sensitivity, you're a better man than I am.
Haha, I definitely can tell a difference in the sensitivity of mono, but I still use it most of the time.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 10:03 PM, EGbassing said:One more question for anyone who knows the answer... Would using this hook for dropshots rather than a standard dropshot hook prevent line twist? https://www.cabelas.com/product/VMC-reg-Spinshot-Drop-Shot-Hook/1307365.uts?productVariantId=3603890&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03748132&rid=20&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CjwKCAjw6djYBRB8EiwAoAF6oaXrMGdGFq-hhpH6ABSJTamWOuNDIyebuXLNuc-jB2rydA86EmtVpBoC9T8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I use them and they help some. I do notice a slight difference when switching to a regular dropshot hook.
My dropshot lines of choice are Kastking Flourokote 6-8# for super clear water and Suffix Elite 6-8# for everything else.
Chance_Taker4 reply :
I use 6 and 8 lb mono on my finesse setups usually Vicious Ultimate and spray ReelSnot on the spools to help with line twist.
Ariffy reply :
Seaguar red label works well
BobP reply :
It’s just a fact of life that small diameter braid on a spinning reel will be easier handling and give you less trouble than mono or fluoro. It twists just as much but it’s not going to jump off the spool in knotted coils. It’s sensitivity is also superior and it lasts a long time. After fishing mono and fluoro for many years I recently switched to braid with a long leader. I can’t see any downside to it and I appreciate the advantages. I use 12 lb Power Super Slick, 10 lb Sufix 832, and Gliss 18 lb Monotex on various reels. They all have very small diameter and I like them equally. I used to be a staunch 6 lb fluoro or mono guy. Now I’m opting for fewer hassles.
Mobasser reply :
I agree with Bluebasser86.I like mono for finesse fishing. I agree the sensitivity thing with flouro is overblown, and I've tried flouro.Sunline mono is good, as is maxima. I use 6 and 8lb test.No problem feeling bites on smaller plastic worms, ned rig, or small hair jigs.Mono is more affordable too. Spool it correctly and your good to go.
EGbassing reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 9:38 AM, Mobasser said:I agree with Bluebasser86.I like mono for finesse fishing. I agree the sensitivity thing with flouro is overblown, and I've tried flouro.Sunline mono is good, as is maxima. I use 6 and 8lb test.No problem feeling bites on smaller plastic worms, ned rig, or small hair jigs.Mono is more affordable too. Spool it correctly and your good to go.
Yeah, I've decided to go with braid/flouro leader. I learned how to fish using flouro and braid and just can't stand the lack of sensitivity in mono.
PatrickKnight reply :
I use braid to a mono leader or straight braid. Mono has many advantages to fluro when it comes to leader material imo. Its more abrasion resistant, better knot strength, its less expensive, and has some stretch (yes this normally is a good thing).
Glenn reply :
I never use braid on spinning gear, and I've never had issues with line twist. Aside from the obvious (spooling the line correctly), here's what causes line twist (note it has nothing to do with the type of line you're using).
EGbassing reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 8:35 PM, Glenn said:I never use braid on spinning gear, and I've never had issues with line twist. Aside from the obvious (spooling the line correctly), here's what causes line twist (note it has nothing to do with the type of line you're using).
That's interesting. I actually watched that video last night and it was really useful. Also, if all of the things in this video are done perfectly, will it just reduce the amount of line twist, or completely eliminate it? I heard from someone on here that just turning a spinning reel handle twists the line due to the design of the reel. Is that true? Also, thanks for your reply.
NYWayfarer reply :
I have one of those Pisicfun line spooling stations. https://www.amazon.com/Piscifun-Fishing-Spooler-Spinning-Spooling/dp/B01CVGOGA0
That combined with liberal use of line conditioner has really helped me with line twist this year. I notice a huge difference.
Glenn reply :
It eliminates it. I've never had line twist issues when I follow those tips outlined in the video. That's why I made the video.
Note, specifically for dropshotting, I use a spinshot hook, which eliminates line twist caused by poorly rigged bait (e.g. "crooked"). But if you rig it right in the first place, you don't need the spinshot hook.
EGbassing reply :
On 6/8/2018 at 3:49 AM, Glenn said:It eliminates it. I've never had line twist issues when I follow those tips outlined in the video. That's why I made the video.
Note, specifically for dropshotting, I use a spinshot hook, which eliminates line twist caused by poorly rigged bait (e.g. "crooked"). But if you rig it right in the first place, you don't need the spinshot hook.
That's good to know. I'm leaning towards just using straight flouro now, but I can't decide. I'll have to research it a bit. Also, I'll definitely try to follow the tips in that video. Thanks for your help.
grub_man reply :
6lb mono is all you need. Spool up and go to work. If you want, spool up braid and tie direct. Bass are not line/leader shy.
If you are having to make compromises in order to fish a line, such as adding a leader or going out of your way to manage the properties of the line, are you really using the right line? We aren't surf casting where a shock leader is necessary to handle high loads for short periods of time during the cast.
I'll add a little bit to Glenn's video. Some of the things are rehashed here, but I spell out the way that I handle my spinning reels and line.
I don't understand the issues people have with line twist on spinning gear. Yes, like everyone, I dealt with them for a few years when I was learning to fish, but once I learned a few things, it put an end to line twist issues. The issues are purely user error.
First, DO NOT reel when you hear the drag clicking. If the drag is clicking, you are either reeling line that is at a dead stop, or reeling against line going out. Either way, you are twisting the line like crazy.
Spooling line incorrectly is the biggest issue for line twist. I've tried laying the spool on the floor and checking for twist, flipping it and yada yada yada. It didn't work for me. I finally gave up and decided to try spooling my spinning gear exactly the same way I spool my casting gear. The technique I use is a bit awkward, but I developed it when I was a teenager and convinced that respooling was necessary every few weeks and no one wanted to hold a spool for me. (If I fished for big pay days, I would probably make sure I had fresh line on the reels I expected to use most during the tourney, but I don't.)
1. I put on a nice thick pair of socks.
2. Run the line through every guide on the rod and tie to my backing or my spool.
3. Hold the spool between my big toes, one on each hole on the sides of the spool, to provide tension.
4. With the line coming off of the top of the spool, provide enough tension so it feels like you are fighting about a 12" bass. This packs the line tight enough to keep it from digging too much later on. With braid, a little more tension is not a bad thing.
5. Reel until the spool is full.
6. Tie on a lure and go fishing.
The majority of issues that people attribute to line twist generally aren't twist related. They come from a loop of line sticking up perpendicular to the line laying on the reel. When that loop is formed, during a cast, the line coming off of the spool will tug on that loop slightly, and what happens is you end up with line coming off the outer part of the spool and line coming off from a few rows deep on the spool. As the line comes off at the wrong time, nasty tangles happen and are also referred to as wind knots. Prevent loops on your spinning reel spool and stop wind knots from happening. Close the bail by hand and give the line a small tug to seat it on the spool each and every cast. Make your retrieve. Once you do it for a couple of trips, it becomes a habit and a fluid motion. Also, it helps remind you to keep your off-hand close to the spool so you can gently touch the line and feather it, resulting in a bit more control, similar to thumbing a bait casting spool.
Prevent line twist. Don't throw in-line spinners without a swivel in front. If you must fish in-line spinners, after you are done, cut of the lure and drag a little over a long cast of line behind the boat to untwist it, or walk out the line and reel it in under tension twice. Rig your plastics straight. If you must rig wacky style, pay attention for line twist and drag the line behind the boat and/or walk it out as necessary.
It has probably been close to 15 years since I've had any line management issues on any type of gear. Once you develop the proper technique, things become much more manageable.
Another issue that people mention once in a while with spinning gear, particularly with fluoro or stiffer mono is the tendency for the line to want to jump off of the spool. If you spool it under enough tension, it won't want to jump off so much. If you are using a stiffer line, stop a couple layers sooner than you would stop with a limp mono or braid, as the line won't pack as nicely when using slack line techniques. A few fewer yards on the spool will help keep it from springing off.
Boomstick reply :
First, I second what Glenn said. I wanted to add that on my Pflueger President (not XT), the largest issue I had running straight mono is losing loops on the spool -- which was my own fault. I tend to fill the reel a little bit over 1/8" from the edge of the spool, which works on many reels but on the President, you have to be sure to leave a full 1.8" from the spool. The only issues with line twist were caused not from normal casting, but a heavy wind gust blowing my line around, which is nothing I would deal with under normal conditions.
I have other reels that have line twist issues, but that is largely because the bail does not leave much room for my thumb. I spooled that reel with braid and it's been good to go since.
I would still go with 15lb braid to leader personally if money is a non factor (plus the braid lasts longer) but if you have the fluorocarbon already or are on a budget, spool it up!
EGbassing reply :
On 6/8/2018 at 4:44 AM, grub_man said:6lb mono is all you need. Spool up and go to work. If you want, spool up braid and tie direct. Bass are not line/leader shy.
If you are having to make compromises in order to fish a line, such as adding a leader or going out of your way to manage the properties of the line, are you really using the right line? We aren't surf casting where a shock leader is necessary to handle high loads for short periods of time during the cast.
I'll add a little bit to Glenn's video. Some of the things are rehashed here, but I spell out the way that I handle my spinning reels and line.
I don't understand the issues people have with line twist on spinning gear. Yes, like everyone, I dealt with them for a few years when I was learning to fish, but once I learned a few things, it put an end to line twist issues. The issues are purely user error.
First, DO NOT reel when you hear the drag clicking. If the drag is clicking, you are either reeling line that is at a dead stop, or reeling against line going out. Either way, you are twisting the line like crazy.
Spooling line incorrectly is the biggest issue for line twist. I've tried laying the spool on the floor and checking for twist, flipping it and yada yada yada. It didn't work for me. I finally gave up and decided to try spooling my spinning gear exactly the same way I spool my casting gear. The technique I use is a bit awkward, but I developed it when I was a teenager and convinced that respooling was necessary every few weeks and no one wanted to hold a spool for me. (If I fished for big pay days, I would probably make sure I had fresh line on the reels I expected to use most during the tourney, but I don't.)
1. I put on a nice thick pair of socks.
2. Run the line through every guide on the rod and tie to my backing or my spool.
3. Hold the spool between my big toes, one on each hole on the sides of the spool, to provide tension.
4. With the line coming off of the top of the spool, provide enough tension so it feels like you are fighting about a 12" bass. This packs the line tight enough to keep it from digging too much later on. With braid, a little more tension is not a bad thing.
5. Reel until the spool is full.
6. Tie on a lure and go fishing.
The majority of issues that people attribute to line twist generally aren't twist related. They come from a loop of line sticking up perpendicular to the line laying on the reel. When that loop is formed, during a cast, the line coming off of the spool will tug on that loop slightly, and what happens is you end up with line coming off the outer part of the spool and line coming off from a few rows deep on the spool. As the line comes off at the wrong time, nasty tangles happen and are also referred to as wind knots. Prevent loops on your spinning reel spool and stop wind knots from happening. Close the bail by hand and give the line a small tug to seat it on the spool each and every cast. Make your retrieve. Once you do it for a couple of trips, it becomes a habit and a fluid motion. Also, it helps remind you to keep your off-hand close to the spool so you can gently touch the line and feather it, resulting in a bit more control, similar to thumbing a bait casting spool.
Prevent line twist. Don't throw in-line spinners without a swivel in front. If you must fish in-line spinners, after you are done, cut of the lure and drag a little over a long cast of line behind the boat to untwist it, or walk out the line and reel it in under tension twice. Rig your plastics straight. If you must rig wacky style, pay attention for line twist and drag the line behind the boat and/or walk it out as necessary.
It has probably been close to 15 years since I've had any line management issues on any type of gear. Once you develop the proper technique, things become much more manageable.
Another issue that people mention once in a while with spinning gear, particularly with fluoro or stiffer mono is the tendency for the line to want to jump off of the spool. If you spool it under enough tension, it won't want to jump off so much. If you are using a stiffer line, stop a couple layers sooner than you would stop with a limp mono or braid, as the line won't pack as nicely when using slack line techniques. A few fewer yards on the spool will help keep it from springing off.
Thanks. That was really informative.
Sam reply :
8-pound fluorocarbon line on a spinning rig.
8-pound test braid on a spinning rig, with or without a fluorocarbon leader.
EGbassing reply :
On 6/9/2018 at 8:00 AM, Sam said:8-pound fluorocarbon line on a spinning rig.
8-pound test braid on a spinning rig, with or without a fluorocarbon leader.
Thanks. I think I'll go with the braid/flouro leader combination.
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