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Braid for surface fishing (23 posts / 5,271 views)
Leigh83
Posts: 142
Post #1 28 Jun 2022 21:12
0
Evening,
I'm looking for any recommendations on a decent floating braid for surface fishing if anybody has any pointers it'd be most appreciated 👍
Cheers
Leigh
levi levi
Posts: 221
Post #2 29 Jun 2022 22:25
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In reply to Post #1
I use Guru pulse (I think it's called) awesome line and never let down on floaters up to 38lb in weedy waters
Leigh83
Posts: 142
Post #3 29 Jun 2022 23:03
0
In reply to Post #2
What diameter are you using Levi ? Is it the pulse 8 ? Thanks for the recommendation I'll take a look 👍
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #4 29 Jun 2022 23:38
0
In reply to Post #1
Fireline Crystal
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #5 30 Jun 2022 06:20
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In reply to Post #1
I used 20lb whiplash for a while (made sense, diameter, and could cast it a fair way) and swear blind it effects the catch rates, stopped using it, Whether they can see it or it moves the bait unnatural I couldn't decide but I swear blind it costs you fish

Be interesting to hear other peoples thoughts on braid types and success, I.e plenty of fish not just the odd one
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #6 30 Jun 2022 17:15
0
In reply to Post #5
I've used braid for 'traditional' (freeline / controller float) floater fishing for years - depends on what and where you're fishing for but I think its definitely an advantage over mono no matter how spooky the fish. Used with a soft(ish) through action rod and a little care when playing the fish, its better because -

a) you don't need to strike / take up the slack and pull the fishes head off - a gentle half-sweep and your connected
b) casting is easier as you can use a lot thinner diameter for the relative line strength
c) lines like crystal are harder to see (although I'm not a carp so cannot guarantee this) as they are way thinner and maybe don't 'feel' as blatant when brushed up against

FYI still use a 4-6' mono hooklink smeared in mucilin to buffer the last few feet (forget fluro its pants) or multi strand for a shorter hooklink 'bolt' type effect when they're feeding with confidence - usually use a gardner flatliner and fish it helicopter style so I can swop out the float quickly if the fish push further out - have also been known to put a power gum section at the swivel end of the hooklink for aggressive fish/takes just to mitigate bumping fish off on the take . .

Clued up carp that have been hammered all need to be feeding confidently - irrespective of mainline type.

(On this basis / failing the above I'd always use the beachcaster method!)
Leigh83
Posts: 142
Post #7 2 Jul 2022 20:21
0
In reply to Post #4
Hi Belch,
Is that the fused stuff ?
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #8 2 Jul 2022 23:21
0
In reply to Post #7
Yes 8 strand fused . .
Leigh83
Posts: 142
Post #9 21 Jul 2022 22:59
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In reply to Post #8
Cheers bud appreciate the clarification 👍
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #10 22 Jul 2022 23:41
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In reply to Post #9
Also use it for trotting a float for barbel / chub on a centre pin - floats brilliantly and much easier to 'mend' than mono
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #11 23 Jul 2022 05:44
0
In reply to Post #6
Pretty much the reason and how I was using it, 5 foot mono hooklink and move on from there, several sessions I could not buy a bite and they were taking the odd freebies that were feed around the hookbait, I.e little amount of bait and that's with a size 10 buried inside the hookbait. Strange, maybe it's me but confidence is low, like when you mend the line with stick float fishing, it's direct, not like mono that creates a more natural bow in the line. Went back to 12lb mono mainline and started to catch again on said water

Might give it another go, can cast it miles compared to mono, to fish you cannot normally reach, just need to get them taking the bait that's all
Old-Cornishman
Posts: 688
Post #12 23 Jul 2022 08:37
0
In reply to Post #11
I've also gone from braid to 10lb mono and I am convinced for the lakes I fish it gives me better overall results. I put up with the reduced range in return for less fish seeing the line and leaving the area.

Try fly fishing tippet for your hook link, more expensive but better than mono if you get a good one.
I've found that the carp in some lakes can be quite careless so almost anything will do but in others something special is required for good results. When they start to spit out freebies you know they are being careful! Obviously depends on their experience and possibly age / sight.
I've just run out of my usual hook link material and tried a different (supposedly good) one from my local tackle shop. Unfortunately after using it yesterday that is destined for the bin.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #13 23 Jul 2022 17:56
0
In reply to Post #11
I think it does / can depend on the lake your fishing and how they've been fished for surface wise - personally havent noticed a difference between spooking off braid or mono - cute fish will cut across it with their fins - some will spook; some simply dont care!

For me the most important thing is getting a competitive feeding situation going in the first place; then presentation becomes less relevant. Nash riser pellets with a smattering of large 'match the hook bait' pellets are ideal for this as they seem to feed with more confidence intially and can gobble the tiny floating and sinking risers easily.

The other thing is mixing it up - a bit like river fishing; sometimes a really long hooklink is needed - other times a short (12") attached to a heavy controller (MCF Eggs were the best for this - wish someone / Korda would re-release) seems to spook them less and hook them quicker!

Fireline Crystal is great stuff IMO - try pre-making a load of golf ball sized PVA mesh bags loaded with riser pellet and freeline!
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #14 23 Jul 2022 21:16
0
In reply to Post #12
Nice one mate, similar experiences to me by the sounds of it

Agree with that too, some waters on some days you can catch them on virtually anything. This was a deep water that I was fishing at the time in summer and I find it a good tactic during the days, getting them to take an hookbait was something else

Is the fly line leader a fluorocarbon?

scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #15 23 Jul 2022 21:21
0
In reply to Post #13
For me the most important thing is getting a competitive feeding situation going in the first place

Strange one that, when boilie fishing I have always give them some bait but when surface fishing I much prefer an hookbait on fish or in the areas where they are patrolling, minimal freebies, eat it or starve

Filling it in makes total sense but can't say it's pulled any trees up for me in the past, plenty of birdlife though, now if we were fishing for ducks and gulls we would all be world champs lol, if only the fish were as obliging
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