Hi all,
I've joined a lake where braid is allowed.
Do I put braid on one set of reels or do I stick to using the fluro coated mono I'm already using?
The lakes quite small, no casts over 100yards. Bait boats are allowed so most people use them. It is very weedy most of the year and in certain swims fishing the snags locked up is a necessity.
I've fished it and my friend has been on for a year and isn't using braid mainly because he has to use his reels on other lakes. I'm fortunate enough to have multiple reels so can change one set over to braid if needed.
Rods are 3lb tc so nice and forgiving.
What are your opinions? Should I put braid on or am I just doing it because I can?
Thanks.
I've joined a lake where braid is allowed.
Do I put braid on one set of reels or do I stick to using the fluro coated mono I'm already using?
The lakes quite small, no casts over 100yards. Bait boats are allowed so most people use them. It is very weedy most of the year and in certain swims fishing the snags locked up is a necessity.
I've fished it and my friend has been on for a year and isn't using braid mainly because he has to use his reels on other lakes. I'm fortunate enough to have multiple reels so can change one set over to braid if needed.
Rods are 3lb tc so nice and forgiving.
What are your opinions? Should I put braid on or am I just doing it because I can?
Thanks.
In reply to Post #1
The later. Braided mainline has its uses, but mono is still the best option IMO. I use braid only in certain situations as a main line. I've been using braided lines since the mid 90's, they aren't the be all and end all. I still prefer mono for most carp fishing situations. It's only when lure fishing that it's all I use. It's all about what using braid will give you over mono - it's less abrasion resistant, expensive, lacks stretch... but is thinner, casts further and has no memory. Horses for courses, but from what you have said, it sounds like you want to use it because you can, not because you need to. Tight lines mate.
The later. Braided mainline has its uses, but mono is still the best option IMO. I use braid only in certain situations as a main line. I've been using braided lines since the mid 90's, they aren't the be all and end all. I still prefer mono for most carp fishing situations. It's only when lure fishing that it's all I use. It's all about what using braid will give you over mono - it's less abrasion resistant, expensive, lacks stretch... but is thinner, casts further and has no memory. Horses for courses, but from what you have said, it sounds like you want to use it because you can, not because you need to. Tight lines mate.
Definitely don't use braid. If something goes wrong, like you get cut off or something snaps, any fish is going to struggle to get free of braid given its nature. Although similar can be said of any line, mono is far safer than braid would be in the situation you describe.
Use a helicopter rig also for fish safety.
Use a helicopter rig also for fish safety.
I loved using braid but not the damage it caused. Ruined the new delkim alarms. Cut through the sensor and the case, can even see rear on the ceramics on the rods. That was using 22lb Gardner hydro sink. Brillaint braid apart from that but then any braid may have done the same
In reply to Post #4
What the hell were you doing with it?
I have used that braid for a couple of years now, bait boating rigs out with the rods sat on the Delkims with no issues whatsoever, I even made a point of checking with Lee at Delkim that this would be ok and he said there is no way it will damage the sensors and it hasn't.
Personally having used braid I find it a game changer and would only go back to mono if lake rules dictated it.
What the hell were you doing with it?
I have used that braid for a couple of years now, bait boating rigs out with the rods sat on the Delkims with no issues whatsoever, I even made a point of checking with Lee at Delkim that this would be ok and he said there is no way it will damage the sensors and it hasn't.
Personally having used braid I find it a game changer and would only go back to mono if lake rules dictated it.
Braid for me. Using mono nowadays feels like a retrograde step in terms of feel, indication and in dealing with weed.
It's always braid for me now. Takes a bit of getting used to and you have to be sensible, but for the feel of what you're fishing on it's hard to go back to mono.
In reply to Post #7
Lol, lots of mixed reviews. Is it really less abrasion resistant than mono? I'm not interested in casting distance. I'm interested in the low/zero stretch and abrasion resistance because of the weed. The line I use now is low stretch so really I'm looking for abrasion resistance I suppose and the no stretch would just be a bonus.
Lol, lots of mixed reviews. Is it really less abrasion resistant than mono? I'm not interested in casting distance. I'm interested in the low/zero stretch and abrasion resistance because of the weed. The line I use now is low stretch so really I'm looking for abrasion resistance I suppose and the no stretch would just be a bonus.
In reply to Post #5
Wish I knew 😂😂 I do a lot of snag fishing and not sure if this has been the issue. I had to send them back to delkim. Was like cheese wire through the case
Wish I knew 😂😂 I do a lot of snag fishing and not sure if this has been the issue. I had to send them back to delkim. Was like cheese wire through the case
In reply to Post #8
If you go by diameter then most decent braid will be more abrasion resistant than the equivalent diameter mono. If you go by BS then some braids are mega thin in diameter compared to the equivalent BS in mono. Like I said, a bit of common sense and you will be fine.
If you go by diameter then most decent braid will be more abrasion resistant than the equivalent diameter mono. If you go by BS then some braids are mega thin in diameter compared to the equivalent BS in mono. Like I said, a bit of common sense and you will be fine.
In reply to Post #10
. . .agree with this. I was on a very weed choked syndicate for years and switched to Nash bullet braid which was like tow rope. Made a massive difference in terms of actually landing fish and sliced through the weed much more easily than the Pro gold that all of us were on at the time . . .absolute sh*te to cast however if you can use boats then the switch is a no brainer IMO, use a decent diameter and not a super thin casting braid. Also use soft / through action rods if you've got them to alleviate the lack of stretch and save bumping them off . . .the fight on braid is awesome and you can feel every twist and turn . . .
. . .agree with this. I was on a very weed choked syndicate for years and switched to Nash bullet braid which was like tow rope. Made a massive difference in terms of actually landing fish and sliced through the weed much more easily than the Pro gold that all of us were on at the time . . .absolute sh*te to cast however if you can use boats then the switch is a no brainer IMO, use a decent diameter and not a super thin casting braid. Also use soft / through action rods if you've got them to alleviate the lack of stretch and save bumping them off . . .the fight on braid is awesome and you can feel every twist and turn . . .
In reply to Post #11
Ok so any braid recommendations?
Ok so any braid recommendations?
In reply to Post #12
If you want it to sink well then I like the Korda sub braid. If not then the Daiwa J Braid X8. Be mindful of the diameter of the Daiwa if you want the abrasion resistance, it's thin for the BS.
If you want it to sink well then I like the Korda sub braid. If not then the Daiwa J Braid X8. Be mindful of the diameter of the Daiwa if you want the abrasion resistance, it's thin for the BS.
In reply to Post #12
. . .have 'heard' Fox Submerge is good - would go for a heavier bs - 55lbs 0.30mm - £65 but should do 3x spools with mono backer . . .
. . .have 'heard' Fox Submerge is good - would go for a heavier bs - 55lbs 0.30mm - £65 but should do 3x spools with mono backer . . .
In reply to Post #12
Gardner Hydrosink gets good reviews - not a casting braid - its quite high diameter for the BS and sinks well.
Gardner Hydrosink gets good reviews - not a casting braid - its quite high diameter for the BS and sinks well.
As an aside does constant use of braid damage the rings , im using free spirit rods factory built and have been contemplating braid but unsure if damage to guides is enevitable
In reply to Post #12
Assuming you want a sinking braid my recommendation would be the Gardner Hydrosink in 22lb which is .035. If you do want a more neutral braid then Power Pro 50lb 0.36 (might be badged differently in Europe). I find the PP sinks but needs a bit more persuasion than the Gardner stuff but it's not what I would call a floating braid.
One thing to watch out for is the 8 carrier braids (Daiwa J x8 , Suffix 832 etc) are great for spodding and cast much better in snag free situations but they aren't quite as tough as the 4 carriers braids.
Assuming you want a sinking braid my recommendation would be the Gardner Hydrosink in 22lb which is .035. If you do want a more neutral braid then Power Pro 50lb 0.36 (might be badged differently in Europe). I find the PP sinks but needs a bit more persuasion than the Gardner stuff but it's not what I would call a floating braid.
One thing to watch out for is the 8 carrier braids (Daiwa J x8 , Suffix 832 etc) are great for spodding and cast much better in snag free situations but they aren't quite as tough as the 4 carriers braids.
In reply to Post #17
So have any of you had experience with any of these.
Ridge monkey rm tec braid
Fox submerge
Gardner hydro sink
Korda sub braid
PB gator braid
Good or bad opinions. Quite expensive so don't want to have to buy twice.
Thanks for all the responses so far. Really appreciate it
So have any of you had experience with any of these.
Ridge monkey rm tec braid
Fox submerge
Gardner hydro sink
Korda sub braid
PB gator braid
Good or bad opinions. Quite expensive so don't want to have to buy twice.
Thanks for all the responses so far. Really appreciate it
In reply to Post #18
Used the Fox Submerge in 40lb when I was on Monks, no problems. If I was to use braid again I would not go for a sinking version, they can be a pain. I would be opting for something with a neutral density that you can pin down should you wish.
Used the Fox Submerge in 40lb when I was on Monks, no problems. If I was to use braid again I would not go for a sinking version, they can be a pain. I would be opting for something with a neutral density that you can pin down should you wish.
In reply to Post #18
Steer clear of the ridge monkey stuff. I haven't used it personally but a couple of mates had terrible problems with it and ended up having to argue with RM to get a refund. It turned out to be a faulty batch but apparently loads of it made its way into shops.
Steer clear of the ridge monkey stuff. I haven't used it personally but a couple of mates had terrible problems with it and ended up having to argue with RM to get a refund. It turned out to be a faulty batch but apparently loads of it made its way into shops.
In reply to Post #17
Is that definitely the case with 4/8 carrier Chuffy, I've never noticed any difference but haven't tried testing it.
Is that definitely the case with 4/8 carrier Chuffy, I've never noticed any difference but haven't tried testing it.
In reply to Post #18
I've been using Fox submerge for a good few years now,
Casts great but make sure it's wet before you start.
Very fine diameter but I've never had an issue with abrasion resistance in fact when fishing in weed it cut's through it like a wire giving you a much better chance of landing the fish.
The only reason I'll not use it is if I'm told not too...for goodness sake use a leader with it though.
As far as rod rings go no problem at all.
I've been using Fox submerge for a good few years now,
Casts great but make sure it's wet before you start.
Very fine diameter but I've never had an issue with abrasion resistance in fact when fishing in weed it cut's through it like a wire giving you a much better chance of landing the fish.
The only reason I'll not use it is if I'm told not too...for goodness sake use a leader with it though.
As far as rod rings go no problem at all.
In reply to Post #21
I reckon yes but then never had 8 strand on the fishing rods to directly compare it
but handling the two the 4s definitely seem tougher, also a lot of the sports fishers think the same link
I reckon yes but then never had 8 strand on the fishing rods to directly compare it
but handling the two the 4s definitely seem tougher, also a lot of the sports fishers think the same link
In reply to Post #23
Fair enough and hadn't taken that into consideration. Cheers
Fair enough and hadn't taken that into consideration. Cheers
In reply to Post #17
As said, Power Pro in 22kg or 50lb. Used it for 20 years, home and abroad (proper places, St Croix, Salagou etc)... By far the best.
Worst was some Gardner stuff about 10 years ago, green dye would come off on your hand, and it would shred up and looked like coated multistrand, utter pile of junk.
As said, Power Pro in 22kg or 50lb. Used it for 20 years, home and abroad (proper places, St Croix, Salagou etc)... By far the best.
Worst was some Gardner stuff about 10 years ago, green dye would come off on your hand, and it would shred up and looked like coated multistrand, utter pile of junk.
I'm a fan of PowerPro and fish it in 40lb with confidence. I'd agree with previous comments that it can be sunk, with care and on a tight line.
However, I do like to have the option of having a true sinking braid on spare spools. I used Gardner Hydrosink in 22lb and my initial findings were very positive-sinks well and casts decently too for a thick diameter. However, I have found it somewhat fragile when fished in heavy weed-on several occasions the outer sheath peeled away from the inner core. Initially, I assumed a bad batch but it has happened with a replacement spool too. So, reluctantly I've removed it.
I've replaced it with Korda Sub-braid in 20lb on the recommendation of a very successful angler I met last year. Unfortunately, lockdown has prevented me from using it!
However, I do like to have the option of having a true sinking braid on spare spools. I used Gardner Hydrosink in 22lb and my initial findings were very positive-sinks well and casts decently too for a thick diameter. However, I have found it somewhat fragile when fished in heavy weed-on several occasions the outer sheath peeled away from the inner core. Initially, I assumed a bad batch but it has happened with a replacement spool too. So, reluctantly I've removed it.
I've replaced it with Korda Sub-braid in 20lb on the recommendation of a very successful angler I met last year. Unfortunately, lockdown has prevented me from using it!
In reply to Post #26
I also found the Gardner in 15lb fragile like that if it came into contact with weed so went over to the 22lb, which is nowhere near as bad but you still have to keep an eye on it, especially at the leader knot. If I was fishing in a heavy weed situation I would definitely put the Power Pro spools on
I know Laney uses Sub Braid so it must be ok
I also found the Gardner in 15lb fragile like that if it came into contact with weed so went over to the 22lb, which is nowhere near as bad but you still have to keep an eye on it, especially at the leader knot. If I was fishing in a heavy weed situation I would definitely put the Power Pro spools on
I know Laney uses Sub Braid so it must be ok
In reply to Post #26
I actually had some Power Pro that gave way in 40lb in weed while pike fishing and on my marker float.
Came from two different batches so not just a bad spool.
Not nearly as good as the Berkley Gorilla Braid that lasted for years..
Recently got some Angry Fish Braided super PE line to use on the pike gear and marker float. 50lb, with a diameter of 0.37mm.
It has had a few trips so far pike fishing with no problems, in the weedy water that saw the Power Pro fail.
I don't use braid for carp fishing, while I do for pike. With pike fishing, I do NOT want any gear to give way, leaving a trace with trebles on it around is a sure fire way of killing a pike if the line breaks.
Carp fishing if it is so weedy or snaggy that I can't land fish on 15lb mono I probably shouldn't be fishing there anyway.
That is not to say I fish in the weed for pike, simply that I want to land what I hook in clear water, because of the treble hooks.
I actually had some Power Pro that gave way in 40lb in weed while pike fishing and on my marker float.
Came from two different batches so not just a bad spool.
Not nearly as good as the Berkley Gorilla Braid that lasted for years..
Recently got some Angry Fish Braided super PE line to use on the pike gear and marker float. 50lb, with a diameter of 0.37mm.
It has had a few trips so far pike fishing with no problems, in the weedy water that saw the Power Pro fail.
I don't use braid for carp fishing, while I do for pike. With pike fishing, I do NOT want any gear to give way, leaving a trace with trebles on it around is a sure fire way of killing a pike if the line breaks.
Carp fishing if it is so weedy or snaggy that I can't land fish on 15lb mono I probably shouldn't be fishing there anyway.
That is not to say I fish in the weed for pike, simply that I want to land what I hook in clear water, because of the treble hooks.
In reply to Post #28
You were using the wrong diameter.
Power pro/shimano recommend matching the diameter to your usual mono. You were using 8-10lb equivalent, which I'm sure you wouldn't use for pike fishing in weed.
You want 50lb for carp mainline. 65, 80 or even 100lb for dense weed and snags. Really you want to be able to straighten most hooks to retrieve snagged lures etc.
That's why the braid you have at .37 50lb appears stronger, power pro 50lb is .36
I'd have .41 65lb at least
You were using the wrong diameter.
Power pro/shimano recommend matching the diameter to your usual mono. You were using 8-10lb equivalent, which I'm sure you wouldn't use for pike fishing in weed.
You want 50lb for carp mainline. 65, 80 or even 100lb for dense weed and snags. Really you want to be able to straighten most hooks to retrieve snagged lures etc.
That's why the braid you have at .37 50lb appears stronger, power pro 50lb is .36
I'd have .41 65lb at least
In reply to Post #29
I'd had no problems with Power Pro on the reservoir in the previous season on the marker rod or pike fishing. I had the marker float had come up in broken bottom areas with no signs of abrasion on the braid, Pike fishing I had ledgered, float paternostered and drifted baits well over 150metres with no problems. On an overcast, when I hit a tree at far side of the bay, the trebles brought back part of the branch.
In weed on the current lake it was awful. In clear areas it was fine, but as soon as it rubbed through weed it went awry.
I'd had no problems with Power Pro on the reservoir in the previous season on the marker rod or pike fishing. I had the marker float had come up in broken bottom areas with no signs of abrasion on the braid, Pike fishing I had ledgered, float paternostered and drifted baits well over 150metres with no problems. On an overcast, when I hit a tree at far side of the bay, the trebles brought back part of the branch.
In weed on the current lake it was awful. In clear areas it was fine, but as soon as it rubbed through weed it went awry.
Reading ALL pages