New Combo

[20lbSloughShark]

I am liking the tape method, but it has not been needed yet. I'd say I am good enough now for opener to come. One problem with 50#+ braid, I am going to start buying one 300 yard spool for both reels to keep costs down, and It also has to go on a spinning reel. I guess I could just buy both 50# and 20#, but I am not made of money. I found a place I can buy 300 yards for $20, and I think I'm buying 20# again. Overall I am really liking the reel. It is rock solid, casts good (myself...sometimes), drag is good, I think it will work great for me. It has a longer cast, and a much slower retrieve than my spinning reel, and I think it will do wonders with spoons.

[h8go4s]

It sounds overkill but put 50-65lb braid on there. Casts sooooo much better and no backlashes. That's why muskie guys like myself use 80-100lb braid, easy to cast and if it backlashes its super easy to pluck them out.

Nolan is right. Because of the small line diameter of braid, it tends to dig in on the spool on the hookset or as you retrieve with a fish on. You get wraps that should be on top digging in under the wraps below. Then when you make your next cast, instant backlash.

[20lbSloughShark]

how about some 20# dacron? It seems as thick as 65# super-braid, and it has all the other advantages of super-braid. If if it doesn't "dig in", it would be perfect with how cheap it is. I almost lost sleep over ruining a whole brand new roll of power pro.

[tolle141]

I always found dacron a bit more susceptible to getting water logged. How about you put 100 yds of backing on and then tie the braid to that? 65 lb braid should be good for what you're doing. It's those magnum bulldawgs that will really dig into the spool.

With spinning reels I like the capacity of braid, but don't want to give up the perks of Vanish (flouro). Both are a bit pricey considering you throw the last 75 yds away. What I do now is load the spool with 30lb PP, then tack on 30-60' of Vanish. Keeps costs down and I have a great flouro leader.

[hydro]

If you are looking for a reasonable price on Power Pro braid, check Amazon. I recently got a 500 yard spool of 65lb for only $38.00 shipped. I have enough for another spool left if you would be interested in trying it. PM me if you are interested.

[20lbSloughShark]

Ok, 65# braid it is. Even at $38 for 500 yards, its over twice the price of dacron. Why has dacron become so unpopular? I suppose if I do my part, I'll have power pro, for 2 years, so it isn't that expensive.

[tolle141]

Why has dacron become so unpopular?

Braid offers just so much more line capacity and strength.

[JPenny]

The new "super lines" are no doubt a big improvement. However, as a member that has been fishing since long before the advent of spectra lines, I have to add that there is nothing wrong with braided dacron. It stood at the top of the mountain for decades. There has been a ton more pike and muskies caught on dacron than on superlines mostly due to it's longevity in existance. Yes, the new lines are great, but don't sell dacron short. If you can't afford the spectra lines, don't worry about using dacron. It will get you where you need to go, just with a bit more spray off the cast.

[20lbSloughShark]

I was just about to buy dacron when I found spiderwire on sale for $5. I got 65# and it seems backwards, but it casts twice as far as 20#. I'm still not fully understanding, but a small flick of my wrist sent a 1/2" nut 62 paces. I feel like I could cast across most lakes around here if I wanted!

[Nolan]

Told Ya