idh777_.

I previously had problems with mono line (spinning). After doing some digging for info, I was lead to believe that a braided line is the way to go. After receiving the new (braided) line, I did some preliminary casting, etc., to try it out and yes it certainly came off the spool easily, adding distance to my normal casting stroke plus it has minimal visibility in the water. And needless to say, despite thickness like thread, the line was really strong.

However, after a four day fishing trip for "Silvers/Coho" salmon in Alaska I can tell you this line has some problems.
Granted, we fished long hours each day on a river thus continuous casting/retrieving. And we had good luck in terms of catching fish. Now to the line. Attaching line to lure, I used double swivel, etc.. Despite this, I had several instances of suddenly having a twisted mess of line about 20 > 30 feet above the lure. Two times the twisted mess was so tight and the line so thin, I could not untangle and had to cut off that much line. Also, I began to notice the line was changing color in several area. Close examination it appeared to be fraying and in one case I broke the line via pulling by hand. The line apparently has poor abrasion resistance. And finally, using a barrel knot to attached the line to a swivel, etc.; Initial pull on line to test knot, A-OK. But after losing a lure during a cast, I brought the line back in and the end has several twists and a frayed end. Again, I believe this was abrasion on tension areas of the line in the knot. My solution, every hour or so, pull the lure in, hole lure in one hand, line in other and pull as hard as you can to test the know. Twice I broke the knot and had to retie the line to the swivel.

So be aware. I was using 30 lb. test line; perhaps I should switch to heavier braid such as 50 or 60 lb?

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

You didn't mention what brand of braid you are using.....there is a lot of junk on the market

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

IDH777: Yes, I agree you should use heavier line. The reason is the difference in diameters. Braided line is about 1/3 the line diameter of the same strength of Mono. So if you would have used 12 to 15 lb. Mono, then the same diameter in Braid would have been 36 to 45 lb. strength! I use 45 lb. Braid with 12 lb. leader. Just Sayin...RJS

idh777_.

Yea, you are correct I did not mention brand. I hesitate to trash a brand just because my experience was not the best. Just maybe I had a bad batch, etc. I purchased the line from a well known source thus trusted their judgement as to their offering a product.

idh777_.

That makes sense to me as a probable solution and part of the learning curve for me.

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

idh777: Never heard of anyone pulling a Palomar knot apart. I'd give that a try.

bobgin

If you are breaking 30lb braid by hand, you have bad line or the rocks are cutting it. Line twist with braid on spinning reels come from not closing bail by hand but using handle to close bail. Always close bail by hand.

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Yeah, I would never try to break braid by hand, that crap will slice your fingers

idh777_.

Slice your fingers, yes it could indeed. Especially wet cold fingers. I tried to double the line around a glove or jacket sleeve. The braided line certainly has its assets but I do believe there is a learning curve for all of us that want to use it.

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

It's not as difficult as you might think, however I don't tie braid directly to hooks or lures, I use a short mono leader

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Great comments thus far from everybody! Glad to hear that you had success on those Alaskan waters nevertheless and got by with what you were loaded up with in the line department!

Hopefully something that has been said will become the cure on this issue for you. It's kind of a funny thing...way back in the 40's thru 50's or so...braided "dacron" line was the "go to" line formulation. Then along came monofiliment. It was a miracle line by most accounts, and dominated the world for many decades. Then, as if we had made a brand new discovery...braid was back...only very high tech and in a myriad of manifestations!

I am not trying to get any rotten eggs thrown my way, but I've been using "mono" all my fishing life, in various lb test strengths from 4 to 50 and it has done very well by me for all of the fresh and saltwater fishing I have ever done. I'm not a pro, or commercial charter guy...so my experience is only personal. 95% of my rods are set up with mono, but I do have a few with braid...honestly, I don't really like braid, but it does perform for me just like mono. My best application is when I'm jigging down deep in say 100' of water. Also works very nicely on my dipsey diver dedicated salmon rods. The low stretch factor is definitely nice...but I still catch fish when deep jigging with mono too! Sorry if my comments offend anybody...that is not my intention...OK, I'm going to duck now and run for cover!

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

Fishyaker: To each his own said the man who kissed the cow.

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Around here there's always a good chance of a big Tarpon taking a bait that was intended for a grouper, and after he burns up a 20lb drag then comes up and does his headshake and throws the hook you do not want to be using mono as that hook and 100ft of line will zing past your head. Not possible with braid

Justoldjim Loc: JUNCTION CITY, OR.

And do not wind loose line onto reel

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

No need to run for cover FY, I use braid on my baitcasters with a fluro leader and have not had any problems. On spinning gear I prefer mono with a fluro leader. You’ve offended no one, all personal preference. It has served me well in the past and see no reason to change.