Power Pro Question

[Luck e 1]

I know ice fishing dominates right now...but I am always looking ahead.

The question I have is about what lb test power pro to use. If most people put a leader of flouro or mono, does it make sense to use the 8lb-1lb diameter line?

I was thinking that using the 10 or 15lb would make sense because it is stronger and the leader is the only part that will be seen (or unseen) by the fish.

To clarify, I would be using it for walleye and smallies (a wide variety of situations).

Does the thicker diameter line behave differently or something?

any help or insight would be appreciated.

[Northlander]

I recomend the 8# for jigging and rigging and the 10-14# for trolling sticks, cranks etc. I dont use a mono leader jigging hardly ever in the summer. Winter I will. Rigging I will use a 3-6' piece of fc. Trolling sticks and cranks I almost always go straight PP.

[AQUAJOE]

I use the Power Pro 30# for everything other then panfish. I can rip Bass from the weeds without any worries. Walleye not an issue. I trust the line so much I don't use leaders for northerns. I have never lost a fish due to a broken or cut line.

For Muskies I bump up to 45#. I do use leaders for these.

[hanson]

I've had flathead catfish bust 50lb PP on me. Not good!

One small thing to remember about Power Pro is the line diameter. The larger diameter lines spool up a little better and don't "dig" into the spool as bad. Alot of muskie guys are running 80lb even though they don't need the strength.

That probably won't be the case with the fish you are chasing but just a little tidbit to keep in the back of your mind.

[Hotspotter]

I'll mimic Hanson's answer with flatheads.

Also, like he mentioned with the small diameter digging into the spool, I've had the line "whiplash" and break. All you hear when casting out a huge hunk of lead and bait is the sound of a bullwhip crack. Everything sails and you lose the whole rig. However, this has happened to me with fireline, power pro, and spiderwire stealth.

Joel

[Gus]

I put 20lb powerpro on my pike casting rig this summer. I had two bite offs with it. I'll be bumping up to heavier line this year. I figured I wouldn't have a problem with it because I have tied my pike live bait leaders with 20lb mono for YEARS on this lake and rarely if ever have a bite off while bobber fishing if I keep the leader fresh. I hate losing a fish especially when that fish now probably has a lure wedged into it's mouth.

[AQUAJOE]

I don't have the line cut in problems but I am guessing you guys are using bait casters.

I use open face and the line even with a heavy fish on does not go on the reel tight enough to dig in.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've found that PP digs in less than other braids I've tried. PP isn't going to stop a toothy critter from cutting you off. It's strong, but with sharp teeth, I've found that it slices pretty cleanly (not my teeth, the fishes ).

[Luck e 1]

Thanks for the info.

One other question...Is there a reason to stick with the 8lb when jigging?

I am trying to figure out if I want to spool with 8 or 10 on my rods. 8 is thinner, but 10 seems to be thin, while allowing for a little more versitility in usage (rigging, casting, jigging...).

[delmuts]

1 since you said using it on different rods; the 8 should be great for jigging, plus don't sell it short for smallies, and other fish. i know buying the line in bigger spools saves money, you may want to try different sizes on/for, different applications.as with mono; one size isn't always enough.