What Line for topwater? 2024
bryand82487 reply :
I've finally got a setup that I can dedicate to topwater and can't decide what line braid or mono? Majority of the time I'll be throwing a pop r or a buzz bait with the occasional spinnerbait. The reel is a fuego, if I did go with braid does this reel handle it well? Thanks
BASSclary reply :
Fluorocarbon in my opinion.
Seaguar AbrazX in your size of choice 8-)
roadwarrior reply :
The line choice is not particularly important for "moving" lures.
Surprisingly, I use Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12.
:
bryand82487 reply :
QuoteFluorocarbon in my opinion.Seaguar AbrazX in your size of choice 8-)
I've been thinking about sticking with flouro but since it sinks I feel like I would be able to work baits better with something else.
Micro reply :
Fluoro does sink. So does mono. But its not lead. It's not going to drag you lures under. I've fished frogs and other topwaters on fluoro and NEVER has it pulled a lure down. I think the "sink effect" of fluoro with topwaters is overstated, unless you are using it with with very small topwaters, or using very heavy fluoro.
My preferred line for light topwaters is Yo Zuri Hybrid 8# and for heavier topwaters 10#. I'll use 12# for small soft frogs and spinnerbaits, and 15# for large soft frogs and hollow body frogs.
gotarheelz14 reply :
While fluorocarbon line will never drag a bait completely down, the line itself will sink into the water. So, by the time you start walking that dog or popping that Pop-r, a lot of the line will be underwater.
I personally find this to be a huge pain in the behind. My buzzbaits in particular have simply never worked well with fluorocarbon line. As soon as I started fishing mono again, I noticed a huge decrease in the speed at which I needed to work the bait to get it to stay above the water.
I would personally go with braid though. If you have a soft enough rod/tip you likely won't throw any hooks. Plus, I find it way easier to work topwaters with braid. You don't have to move the rod as much to get the lure to jump from side to side because of braid's near zero stretch.
The only drawback to braid is that it is so limp, that it will sometimes get caught up on the hooks. This has never really been a big problem for me though.
baluga reply :
20# Sufix performance Braid with 6ft 12# FlouroCarbon leader. Its easier to move the bait especially on a long cast.
Mono has downside - stretches and absorb some of the rod action.
dodgeguy reply :
bassfisherjk reply :
I use 8#test mono and don't have any trouble fishing Rebel poppers.
FishinTN reply :
Mono. I'm surprised by how many fluro responses there are. All the shows and pro's Ive heard discuss this also say mono (braid on some situations).
J Francho reply :
I use 8, 10, and 12 lb. P-Line CXX for just about all of my treble hook baits. Fluoro bogs down as it sinks, braid just isn't right for this, and fouls easily - which is weird to me, since it doesn't with mouse/frog baits - and nylon mono is...well...that works too, but it isn't strong enough compared to CXX.
Shane J reply :
I use braid for toads, and mono for buzzbaits.
lightsout reply :
Spool your rod with #10 or 12 yozuri hybrid and never look back.
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
12-14# BPS Excel mono for topwater treble hooks.
17# Vicious (for now-still searching for that perfect 17# line company) mono for buzzbaits and spinnerbaits.
65# Suffix (probably will try Suffix 832 this Spring) braid for frogs.
grimlin reply :
Braid is the worst choice for topwater treble.It does foul easily.
I use P-line CXX in 6# test and trilene XL in 12# test.Usually done with a SPINNING reel since i can switch out spools.I do occasionally use 6# yo zuri ultra soft as well.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteFluorocarbon in my opinion.Seaguar AbrazX in your size of choice 8-)
Are you serious? Fluoro for topwater? :
MAYBE a buzzbait, but nothing that will sit still for more than a split second. It sinks and it will pull the bait under.
BASSclary reply :
Quote12-14# BPS Excel mono for topwater treble hooks.17# Vicious (for now-still searching for that perfect 17# line company) mono for buzzbaits and spinnerbaits.
65# Suffix (probably will try Suffix 832 this Spring) braid for frogs.
Sufix Seige has the best 17# mono on the market IMO 8-)
BASSclary reply :
QuoteQuoteFluorocarbon in my opinion.Seaguar AbrazX in your size of choice 8-)
Are you serious? Fluoro for topwater? :
MAYBE a buzzbait, but nothing that will sit still for more than a split second. It sinks and it will pull the bait under.
Im pretty sure all line sinks. Yes it goes down faster, but It doesn't make a difference in almost every top-water lure I do/have used.
BadKarma42 reply :
I suppose everything will sink eventually....
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteFluorocarbon in my opinion.Seaguar AbrazX in your size of choice 8-)
Are you serious? Fluoro for topwater? :
MAYBE a buzzbait, but nothing that will sit still for more than a split second. It sinks and it will pull the bait under.
Im pretty sure all line sinks. Yes it goes down faster, but It doesn't make a difference in almost every top-water lure I do/have used.
You have never deadsticked (is that a word, deadstuck maybe?) a swimbait then. You're also then fishing your poppers and what not too fast.
Fluro is the wrong tool for the job, unless you are the innovator of the sub-surface topwater. Kinda defeats the purpose.
BASSclary reply :
To each his own. I've used mono, fluoro, co-poly and braid but I prefer fluoro the best. Its never affected my topwater fishing by bogging my bait down.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I can get a good look at a steak by sticking my head up a bull's arse, but I would rather take the butcher's word for it.
You are the only person recommending fluoro. That doesn't make you "different," it means your not doing it right.
:-X
BASSclary reply :
QuoteI can get a good look at a steak by sticking my head up a bull's arse, but I would rather take the butcher's word for it.You are the only person recommending fluoro. That doesn't make you "different," it means your not doing it right.
:-X
Because I recommended fluoro, that means im not doing it right? ;D
Funniest thing i've read all day.
BadKarma42 reply :
I've read funnier.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteQuoteI can get a good look at a steak by sticking my head up a bull's arse, but I would rather take the butcher's word for it.You are the only person recommending fluoro. That doesn't make you "different," it means your not doing it right.
:-X
Because I recommended fluoro, that means im not doing it right?
Funniest thing i've read all day.
Yeah. What is funny about you being wrong?
When I see Zell Rowland on TV saying that "BR's favorite son" recommended fluoro and it has improved his topwater fishing, then you won't be wrong. Until then, you're wrong.
BASSclary reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteI can get a good look at a steak by sticking my head up a bull's arse, but I would rather take the butcher's word for it.You are the only person recommending fluoro. That doesn't make you "different," it means your not doing it right.
:-X
Because I recommended fluoro, that means im not doing it right?
Funniest thing i've read all day.
Yeah. What is funny about you being wrong?
When I see Zell Rowland on TV saying that "BR's favorite son" recommended fluoro and it has improved his topwater fishing, then you won't be wrong. Until then, you're wrong.
I don't see why its so wrong. Its what I like and what I'll recommend.
Because I prefer it has nothing to do with right or wrong. It has improved my fishing. It doesn't have to improve yours. Its called preference, and its what I prefer.
roadwarrior reply :
During The Bass University seminar, I talked with
several of the pros about line preferences for various
techniques. Frankly, I thought I was done with mono
years ago. Wrong!
For topwater and jerkbaits, it's monofilament almost
exclusively. Fluorocarbon has a significant effect on
topwater baits, dipping their heads in particular.
Apparently, this effects jerkbaits as well.
Although Yo-Zuri Hybrid floats and has some stretch,
I bought some mono for both my topwater and jerkbait
rigs. Those pros might know something.
8-)
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Have fun fishing your poppers underwater.
BASSclary reply :
I will.
OHIO reply :
QuoteHave fun fishing your poppers underwater.
It kind of depends on how fast he fishes them.
If he fishes them fast then I don't think it's that big of a problem, but if he goes slow then it will be.
Most people I know don't fish poppers fast though, but that's just me.
J Francho reply :
LOL, fluoro for topwaters. Fluoro's density is probably its chief attribute, even higher than invisibility, which I think is bunk. It isn't going to drown a big topwater, but its going to dip in the water, especially for slower, slack line retrieves - think poppers and spook type baits. I know from experience, 20# fluoro will take down a Mattlures Hardgill floater, so it will have an effect on smaller baits that sit low, like a Sammy 100.
At any rate, I'd like to know EXACTLY how it improves topwater fishing. What baits, what its doing to the baits, what was happening before..... Because this smells like simple pride.
The Rooster reply :
I'm about to find out what's the best line (for me) in topwater fishing since I'm planning to try to make myself learn them this year.
Until now the only topwaters I've ever seriously gave any time to is a buzzbait. And to me, a buzzbait's line choice makes no difference since I never let my line touch the water after the initial splashdown of the lure. I begin cranking nearly immediately and from lure to rod tip the line is in the air above the water the whole time (maybe a foot or so of line in the water just in front of the bait.......maybe), even if I'm just slowly cranking it back in just enough to keep it on top. So for that I think I'll just stick with my spinnerbait/jig rod with fluoro on it. It's worked so far. A buzzbait is basically a spinnerbait with a different blade anyway.
For other slower topwaters such as a walker or pop-r, prop baits, and floating minnows which I twitch when in use, I'll probably go with Berkley XL or Yozuri Hybrid (been wanting to try that for a long time) and it will be on a spinning rod most likely for ease of casting pop-r's.
Jaheff reply :
QuoteQuoteHave fun fishing your poppers underwater.
It kind of depends on how fast he fishes them.
If he fishes them fast then I don't think it's that big of a problem, but if he goes slow then it will be.
Most people I know don't fish poppers fast though, but that's just me.
Look out Speedbead, the kids are gonna try and dog pile ya. ;D
BadKarma42 reply :
Key word being "try."
OHIO reply :
I wasn't disagreeing with him, just giving him something else to think about.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteLOL, fluoro for topwaters. Fluoro's density is probably its chief attribute, even higher than invisibility, which I think is bunk. It isn't going to drown a big topwater, but its going to dip in the water, especially for slower, slack line retrieves - think poppers and spook type baits. I know from experience, 20# fluoro will take down a Mattlures Hardgill floater, so it will have an effect on smaller baits that sit low, like a Sammy 100.At any rate, I'd like to know EXACTLY how it improves topwater fishing. What baits, what its doing to the baits, what was happening before..... Because this smells like simple pride.
lsbass reply :
braid or i go with braid and a mono leader if i need some strech or water is clear.
BASSclary reply :
QuoteLOL, fluoro for topwaters. Fluoro's density is probably its chief attribute, even higher than invisibility, which I think is bunk. It isn't going to drown a big topwater, but its going to dip in the water, especially for slower, slack line retrieves - think poppers and spook type baits. I know from experience, 20# fluoro will take down a Mattlures Hardgill floater, so it will have an effect on smaller baits that sit low, like a Sammy 100.At any rate, I'd like to know EXACTLY how it improves topwater fishing. What baits, what its doing to the baits, what was happening before..... Because this smells like simple pride.
I like lower stretch. I like my bait to sit lower in the water. I dont snag my hooks on the cast as often. From POP-R's to Spooks, to Sammies, to little itty bitty floating bumble bee cranks (If thats considered top-water). Its what I prefer and like.
J Francho reply :
Fluoro only has lower stretch when dry.
BadKarma42 reply :
Don't snag your hooks on the cast as often?
Please elaborate.
BASSclary reply :
QuoteDon't snag your hooks on the cast as often?Please elaborate.
That was reference to braided lines, and very supple nylon mono. Then I cast sometimes the line gets caught on the lures trebles.
The Rooster reply :
In my very limited experience, fluoro stretches as bad or worse than mono.
OHIO reply :
BASSclary, do you fish your topwaters fast or slow?
BASSclary reply :
QuoteFluoro only has lower stretch when dry.
Don't most lines stretch more after absorbing water? <--- That's what i've always thought, I may be wrong though.
BadKarma42 reply :
QuoteQuoteDon't snag your hooks on the cast as often?Please elaborate.
That was reference to braided lines, and very supple nylon mono. Then I cast sometimes the line gets caught on the lures trebles.
Sounds like a casting/technique issue than a line issue.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteBASSclary, do you fish your topwaters fast or slow?
That question is moot at this point. He is not going to answer anything other than "fast."
An answer other than that will cause nothing short of an interweb collapse...
J Francho reply :
QuoteI like my bait to sit lower in the water.
In other words, not on top? So your not really fishing topwaters anymore.
You can try and try and try this one, but I'm sorry, not too many are going to buy this recommendation at all. I could see fluoro workign as a short leader to braid, something I in fact use with BIG topwater baits for northern pike, like 12" of 100# fluoro attached to 50# braid, but as you are describing it, and as a general recommendation for topwaters, mmmmmm no, it doesn't work dude.
Sorry iif it seems like we're picking, we're not. I'd hate for some kid in your shoes to spend nearly $20 on a spool of line, only for it to simply not work the way topwaters work for everyone else.
BASSclary reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteDon't snag your hooks on the cast as often?Please elaborate.
That was reference to braided lines, and very supple nylon mono. Then I cast sometimes the line gets caught on the lures trebles.
Sounds like a casting/technique issue than a line issue.
Its very possible, I do kinda cast a little awkward.
OHIO reply :
And do you notice that your bait is not on top?
Edit: Why did you delete your post?
The Rooster reply :
QuoteFluoro does sink. So does mono. But its not lead. It's not going to drag you lures under. I've fished frogs and other topwaters on fluoro and NEVER has it pulled a lure down. I think the "sink effect" of fluoro with topwaters is overstated, unless you are using it with with very small topwaters, or using very heavy fluoro.My preferred line for light topwaters is Yo Zuri Hybrid 8# and for heavier topwaters 10#. I'll use 12# for small soft frogs and spinnerbaits, and 15# for large soft frogs and hollow body frogs.
Did everyone forget this post from page one?? BASSclary isn't the only one who has used fluoro for topwaters. I have pondered the effects of it on topwater lures too, enough that I decided not to try it for that, but based on this post, I don't think it would just simply "not work".
BASSclary reply :
QuoteQuoteI like my bait to sit lower in the water.In other words, not on top? So your not really fishing topwaters anymore.
You can try and try and try this one, but I'm sorry, not too many are going to buy this recommendation at all. I could see fluoro workign as a short leader to braid, something I in fact use with BIG topwater baits for northern pike, like 12" of 100# fluoro attached to 50# braid, but as you are describing it, and as a general recommendation for topwaters, mmmmmm no, it doesn't work dude.
Sorry iif it seems like we're picking, we're not. I'd hate for some kid in your shoes to spend nearly $20 on a spool of line, only for it to simply not work the way topwaters work for everyone else.
Its still on top, just more of it underwater than with say a floating line.
I know im not going to win. It can be wrong to everyone else, but its still right to me.
BASSclary reply :
QuoteAnd do you notice that your bait is not on top?Edit: Why did you delete your post?
I felt it was worded kinda bad
OHIO reply :
OK. I'm not trying to prove you wrong or anything, but what does having the bait sit lower in the water do?
What are the advantages of having it in the water rather than on top?
J Francho reply :
I am sure it work with some baits, but will alter the presentation. I am also sure it will actually sink certain baits, as I have observed 1st hand. As a general recommendation, it doesn't make sense. To a great many of us.
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