I do a lot of river fishing for smallies and havent been able to find a line that I am totally satisfied with. I have been using the P-line cx 8 lb. and it does ok, but seems to get a lot of week places really easy. Does any one have any suggestions? I would like to find somthing tough that doesn't have a lot of memory. I also do some fishing on the lake at night so I would like to find somthing that is black light vissible as well.
Thanks
Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test). This line is as tough as P-Line and in use, has virtually no memory.
8-)
I bought some Yozuri like RW recommended.
I also picked up some BPS XPS Fluoro in 8lb that sounds good as well.
Thanks for the sugestions. Will the Yo-Zuri show up under a black light?
Vanish Transition Gold (Don't get the red!). This line sinks well, has good abrasion resistance, easy to see above the water and has low memory. Works for me.
Vanish transition looks cool, but it does have a good bit of memory.
Yo-Zuri Ultrasoft is super strong, but I have experienced some memory with it. However, I have only used it this winter in freezing temps, so it's probably pretty soft when it's warmer out. And I don't think it will glow under a UV light.
Obviously personal preference is the biggest factor here, but my suggestion would be Power Pro braid. It has NO memory, is super strong, casts farther than any non-braid line for the strength, and is more sensitive than non-braid lines. Those are facts. However, you almost always have to use a leader because it's pretty visible in the water. If you don't mind using a leader, I'd highly recommend braid. A big plus is that it doesn't stretch, but also keep in mind that there are certain presentations and techniques where you need some stretch.
PM me if you want more info on braid - I use it 90% of the time.
ummm for rivers... a if the current is relativy fast i would go with either 8lb-12lb fireline crystal or vanish but if the current is not so fast try 4-10lb fireline smooth casting or your favorite fluoro depending on the fish
After finally trying RW's suggestion late this past season, I have to admit, I love the Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft. The only thing about it for me was that it is a little difficult to find. It's like a cross between fishing line and string, just the right limpness and low memory.
Try the p line cxx 6lb. The best combination of strength, castability, etc. that I've found for smallies. Next in line is yo zuri ultra soft 6lb.
I have had really good luck with Cabela's co-polymer line. Its tough, low memory, and very easy on the wallet.
I don't know about blacklight visibility
BRAID!!! power pro 20 lb, Fireline 12lb, or any other braid in 20 lb. Because they are small diameter, no stretch, and so strong how can you fish anything but. In super clear water tie 30 - 48"s of flourocarbin leader material on the braid. Braid won't show up under black light but the feel you get makes up for it. You might need 2 different spools one with mono for night fishing and one with braid for days. Give braid a try you won't regret it. P.S. you save quite a bit of money with braid because you straighten most hooks that snag up or you can pull the log up and retrieve your bait. ;D
For my two spinning reel setups I use Sufix Elite in 8 lb test. Since one of the setups is dedicated to drop shoting, line twist was a issue even using a swivel.
I've looked for the Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft but I can't find it anywhere locally. I couldn't find it listed on either the BPS or Cabela's site.
Here you go:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/common/search/search-results1.jsp?QueryText=ultra+soft&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=ultra+soft&noImage=0
Thanks for all the replies. I will try some of these options and see what works best for me.
QuoteHere you go:http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/common/search/search-results1.jsp?QueryText=ultra+soft&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=ultra+soft&noImage=0
Thanks for the link. Going to order the 6 & 8 lb test line. I know I won't be disappointed.
Does anybody have any experience with the clear (translucent?) braids? The river I fish mostly has sharp limestone rocks/ridges spanning the river. Tough on line and they love grabbing hold and snagging. Used regular braid with a lot of success but went to flouro for invisibility reasons. And yes, fishing braid I've straightened my share of hooks and brought a few logs up too. :
Just wondering if the clear braids might be a good compromise?
I use 6# smoke Fireline with a 8#Seaguar flouro leader for jigging.
The same for jerkbaits; except in the bright green fireline.It really helps me to be able to see the line.You can pick up bites with your eyes before you get your slack reeled up after a jerk.
I used monofilament line (of all different brands) for more than 25 years..... But after switching to braided line about 14 years ago, I can't even start to imagine ever using monofilament again..... anywhere.... on any gear.... for any species !!!
I just flat dispise that kinky, coily, stretchy #@$% !
I personally think that TUF-Line XP and TUF-Plus is a little bit better than other braids..... But there really is no since in trying to compare ANY brand of braid, to ANY brand of mono. It's just apples and oranges.
I really don't like Fireline line or Fusion either. It's darn near as stiff and kinky as mono. Factory insiders report that the only reason it was invented, is because its cheaper to fuse Spectra, than it is to braid it.
But its cool. To anyone who still likes mono, I appreciate you giving me the advantage ;-)
Peace,
Fish
PS, Mono / fluorocarbon makes great leader material.
I agree with the braidians.
braid has a hassle factor fer sure...namely it will wrap around everything from tips to reel handles. but it's like anything else new,
You get used to it and it happens less and less.
I almost always tie a mono or fluro leader.
I think braid is perfect for spinning gear. How else can you spool 30 lb test line on a spinning reel? but the real advantage, and the one that makes it a no brainer for ole avid is that braid is so limp it does not twist......That's right boys and girls.. Line twist is a thing of the past.
I use power pro 50# on all my baitcasters,
PP 15# on my spinning gear
leaders are tied pursuant to conditions.
BTW, I commonly even use 50 lb braid on my big spinning rods for my swimbait fishing :-) Of course 50, 40, or even 30 lb mono, would be completely out of the question.
Peace,
Fish
I agree with the advantages that Fish Chris and Avid mentioned. The only problem I have is I live in a little more cold climate than Fish Chris I believe and this time of year I have braid freeze up while musky fishing. I have tried every brand of braid known to man and it all freezes up when the temps outside dip in the low 30's. I have had this occur with baitcasters and spinning.
I dont think there is a braid out there that wont freeze up on you, I havent found one. Anybody out there ever get there hands on Sufix DNA copolymer? I never have tried it but have heard some pretty good things. info would be great, thinkin about getting big spool of it.
QuoteYo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test). This line is as tough as P-Line and in use, has virtually no memory.8-)
R Dubbs,
I fish Fluoro but its size is close to that of Mono. SO the Ultra Soft 6# test is really the # test of a 12 lb mono? WOuld 8# be close to 14?
Just curious... and if so, sweet
thanks
Cabelas Ripcord Braid
Wow ,
You guys really get into super lines. I used to use the softer Berkley trilene but I stopped suing it because if it EVER saw salt water is turns to crap. Not that I use my rods for salt water much, but still the line deteriates quickly and will just start breaking one day on the water. I don't like super low memory lines. They are too soft for me.
Now, I like to use Stren and Berkley Big game. How boring right? Well I like them for a few reasons. First and foremost, I can pull the heck out of these lines and they take a beating. I don't break lines anymore which means I stop thinking about it when I am fighting fish. I understand I loose casting comfort. It doesn't bother me. If line diameter is too much for you, I step the lb. test down a notch. Another thing that I love about these heavier more dependable lines is that they are more sensitive. I can feel strikes better on these lines. Not to mention, Stren makes a great belt for my pants!
Kidding aside, I stopped playing around with these high end lines and went to the more basic varieties and I have not gone back. I use Stren 10 lb Test on every spinning rod and Berkely Big game for 15 and 20llb bait casters and I don't see myself changing anytime soon.
I beg you to try using Stren 6lb to 8 lb in low vis green. I bet this simple line gets your attention. It is cheaper than other lines too, which means you can strip it off and waste a little less money. Another great thing, it is sold everyhwere!
Berkeley Trilene Pro grade Flourocarbon. Give it a try. Kind of pricey.
I use Gorilla Braid with a flurocarbon leader.
QuoteBerkeley Trilene Pro grade Flourocarbon. Give it a try. Kind of pricey.
Finally. I was waiting for someone to say Trilene Fourocarbon. That line is awesome! Also, braid is very good but sometimes you need to use fluoro or mono simply because it is far less visible, better for finicky fish, and sometimes you need stretch, like when using cranks.
I tried the 8# yellow power pro last year and really liked it. I plan to use it again this year.