HELP!!! I live and fish in the US and I'm really confused trying to decide which new mainline to purchase considering my gear and conditions/goals listed below:
Gear:
#1. 9ft 2.75lb Sonik Extractor rod paired with a Sonik Vader X 5000 FS reel
#2. 12 ft. 3.0lb Daiwa Crosscast XT rod paired with a Daiwa 20 Crosscast 35 SCW reel
#3. 6ft 3lb Nash Scope rod Abbrev. rod paired with a Nash GT4000 Series reel
Conditions:
- I normally fish small lakes, a few weedy ponds and relatively shallow rivers
- The avg. size of the carp I've caught is Mid to Upper-Doubles (my PB is 18lbs)
- I usually fish on the bottom (or just off the bottom with a Pop-Up), but I'd like to have the ability to fish on the surface (using an extra spool for my 6ft Nash rod).
*I've been hearing good things about the following Mono lines, but I'm open to suggestions for braid as well. I'm thinking 12lb test will work given the conditions above
12 lb Nash Bullet Mono
12 lb Daiwa Hyper Sensor (Mono)
13 lb Fox Exocet Pro (Mono)
15 lb Korda Touchdown (Mono)
Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Gear:
#1. 9ft 2.75lb Sonik Extractor rod paired with a Sonik Vader X 5000 FS reel
#2. 12 ft. 3.0lb Daiwa Crosscast XT rod paired with a Daiwa 20 Crosscast 35 SCW reel
#3. 6ft 3lb Nash Scope rod Abbrev. rod paired with a Nash GT4000 Series reel
Conditions:
- I normally fish small lakes, a few weedy ponds and relatively shallow rivers
- The avg. size of the carp I've caught is Mid to Upper-Doubles (my PB is 18lbs)
- I usually fish on the bottom (or just off the bottom with a Pop-Up), but I'd like to have the ability to fish on the surface (using an extra spool for my 6ft Nash rod).
*I've been hearing good things about the following Mono lines, but I'm open to suggestions for braid as well. I'm thinking 12lb test will work given the conditions above
12 lb Nash Bullet Mono
12 lb Daiwa Hyper Sensor (Mono)
13 lb Fox Exocet Pro (Mono)
15 lb Korda Touchdown (Mono)
Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I'm also fishing in the USA live in NH but fish in mass, I would suggest going for a lot of a heavier line the only disadvantage you will have is casting distance but under 75 yards you won't have any problems. The two lines I have used is esp synchro xt in 18lb and gardner gthd in 18lb both are bulletproof lines that won't let you down. I know the waters I fish you offen encounter stuff under water you would never expect plus if i fish gets weedy you'll need that extra strength. It only takes rubbing on a underwater obstacle and you line is damaged and your 12 or 13lb line is only half its breaking strain. Both the gardner and esp lines are available from big carp tackle which I'm sure you have used in the past. Neither would be great for floater fishing as they both would sink so I do not have a suggestion for that. There is also the tackle box line test that will show you the actual breaking strains the lines break at and the actual diameter of different lines can vary a lot i will try and post a link for that.
tackle box line tests
tackle box line tests
In reply to Post #1
ESP syncro xt,best all round mainline on the market.Do not get the loaded version as it is nowhere near as good
ESP syncro xt,best all round mainline on the market.Do not get the loaded version as it is nowhere near as good
In reply to Post #1
As bradders has said the esp is good stuff. As a side note you mention surface fishing, the Gardner floater line is really good for than. Of your 3 rods the 6 foot would be the last one I'd use for that personally
As bradders has said the esp is good stuff. As a side note you mention surface fishing, the Gardner floater line is really good for than. Of your 3 rods the 6 foot would be the last one I'd use for that personally
In reply to Post #1
I'm using the standard XT this year too, very impressed with its abraision resistance, only using it close to medium range. I've had it rubbing against and in trees and lillies with no problems.
As a alternative I've used Daiwa Sensor for over 20 years too and have zero complaints, its often overlooked and derided but the fact it's still with us after so long speaks volumes. Its cheap as chips too so its not a biggy to respool if you need to, dont get caught up in all the hype re more expensive lines. I've used it on the same water as the XT and it performed equally well, in fact I may well go back to it, it's caught most of my fish here and abroad. My fishing tends to be close to medium range whatever the bottom may be but I've also used it long distance casting in 10lb and higher breaking strains using bait boats at range.
Daiwa Hypersensor, I've never used it but the chap in my local tackle shop swears by it, he fishes rivers and said hes never experienced any problems with abraision resistance, and he's been using it since it came out.
I haven't used any of the other lines as to be honest I don't like the prices and have never really needed anything other than Sensor. My use of XT was on a whim after trying, and not liking Shimano Technium, and to be fair I like it but I'm not sure about paying for it again.
I'm using the standard XT this year too, very impressed with its abraision resistance, only using it close to medium range. I've had it rubbing against and in trees and lillies with no problems.
As a alternative I've used Daiwa Sensor for over 20 years too and have zero complaints, its often overlooked and derided but the fact it's still with us after so long speaks volumes. Its cheap as chips too so its not a biggy to respool if you need to, dont get caught up in all the hype re more expensive lines. I've used it on the same water as the XT and it performed equally well, in fact I may well go back to it, it's caught most of my fish here and abroad. My fishing tends to be close to medium range whatever the bottom may be but I've also used it long distance casting in 10lb and higher breaking strains using bait boats at range.
Daiwa Hypersensor, I've never used it but the chap in my local tackle shop swears by it, he fishes rivers and said hes never experienced any problems with abraision resistance, and he's been using it since it came out.
I haven't used any of the other lines as to be honest I don't like the prices and have never really needed anything other than Sensor. My use of XT was on a whim after trying, and not liking Shimano Technium, and to be fair I like it but I'm not sure about paying for it again.
In reply to Post #5
Some people say they have but I've never had a problem Sensor.
Because its cheap I think some people look for a fault.
Some people say they have but I've never had a problem Sensor.
Because its cheap I think some people look for a fault.
In reply to Post #2
Thanks for the reply. You bring up a good point that I have considered, but I figured 12lb mono would work since the avg. weight of the carp I've caught is under 20lbs. You have me rethinking though! I currently use 15lb braid and 20lb mono on my Sonik 9ft 2.75t/c Xtractor Rods.
QQ, do you know if "The Tackle Box" ships to the US? I normally use BCT or Johnson Ross Tackle for my stuff.
Thanks for the reply. You bring up a good point that I have considered, but I figured 12lb mono would work since the avg. weight of the carp I've caught is under 20lbs. You have me rethinking though! I currently use 15lb braid and 20lb mono on my Sonik 9ft 2.75t/c Xtractor Rods.
QQ, do you know if "The Tackle Box" ships to the US? I normally use BCT or Johnson Ross Tackle for my stuff.
In reply to Post #7
tacklebox ships to the US - make sure they take the sales tax off of the price (should do it automatically) - you will most likely get dinged on import charges though.
other shops to consider for US mail order are carpkit international (Canada) & waveinn (Europe) but check the postage prices on Waveinn as they vary a lot.
I know you seem to have your heart set on mono but I would suggest braid for fishing in north America - mainly due to the wild waters & snags. I have tried all sorts for Ontario fishing for the last decade & 30lb powerpro in moss green comes out head & shoulders above everything else I have come across. reasonable price & you should be able to get it from Walmart.
tacklebox ships to the US - make sure they take the sales tax off of the price (should do it automatically) - you will most likely get dinged on import charges though.
other shops to consider for US mail order are carpkit international (Canada) & waveinn (Europe) but check the postage prices on Waveinn as they vary a lot.
I know you seem to have your heart set on mono but I would suggest braid for fishing in north America - mainly due to the wild waters & snags. I have tried all sorts for Ontario fishing for the last decade & 30lb powerpro in moss green comes out head & shoulders above everything else I have come across. reasonable price & you should be able to get it from Walmart.
In reply to Post #7
I appreciate you pointing out sales tax. Do you ask about sales tax from every Co. you buy from who are located overseas? I just checked and Johnson Ross doesn't charge it.
I appreciate you pointing out sales tax. Do you ask about sales tax from every Co. you buy from who are located overseas? I just checked and Johnson Ross doesn't charge it.
In reply to Post #3
I'm relatively new to the carp fishing scene (about a year 1/2 fishing UK-style gear/tactics/bait) - can you tell why my 6ft rod would be worse than my 12ft or 9 ft rods? Would the 12ft rod be a better choice than the 9ft'r? If so, can you tell me why?
Thanks again for your input!
I'm relatively new to the carp fishing scene (about a year 1/2 fishing UK-style gear/tactics/bait) - can you tell why my 6ft rod would be worse than my 12ft or 9 ft rods? Would the 12ft rod be a better choice than the 9ft'r? If so, can you tell me why?
Thanks again for your input!
In reply to Post #10
A short 3lb tc rod will result in hookpulls whilst surface fishing due to being a bit stiff for the smaller hooks used. Plus will limit your range, and ability to control your controller float. Either of your other rods will be far more suitable
A short 3lb tc rod will result in hookpulls whilst surface fishing due to being a bit stiff for the smaller hooks used. Plus will limit your range, and ability to control your controller float. Either of your other rods will be far more suitable
In reply to Post #9
unlike over this side of the pond, all sales tax is included in the ticket price for European stores. UK it is called VAT & I think it is currently 20%.
JR & Tacklebox will usually deduct it when you create an account with an overseas shipping address - you will see the price drop in your basket when you come to pay. If you don't see it deducted, message them & ask for it.
unlike over this side of the pond, all sales tax is included in the ticket price for European stores. UK it is called VAT & I think it is currently 20%.
JR & Tacklebox will usually deduct it when you create an account with an overseas shipping address - you will see the price drop in your basket when you come to pay. If you don't see it deducted, message them & ask for it.
Berkey Big Game would I recommend as an average, no nonsense mainline. Also cheap to replace and worldwide available.
Guess this line will fit your requirements.
Guess this line will fit your requirements.
In reply to Post #13
thanks!
thanks!
In reply to Post #12
Thank you, makes a lot of sense.
Thank you, makes a lot of sense.
10lb or 12lb Gardner GR60 depending on setup has to be the best line ever, based on how long it has been available on the market and the millions of times it has therefore probably been casted and reeled in by thousands of anglers over that time.
In reply to Post #7
Yes the tackle box does ship to the USA and they do discount the 20% sales tax. Big game as someone else mentioned is a choice i found it very stretchy and it's not the best for casting. I have been using sinking braid recently and prefer that.
Yes the tackle box does ship to the USA and they do discount the 20% sales tax. Big game as someone else mentioned is a choice i found it very stretchy and it's not the best for casting. I have been using sinking braid recently and prefer that.
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