Braided lines VS Mono line

[FM_Mike]

Can anyone tell me if you are actually putting MORE fish in the boat by using the new super lines compared to the old stand by mono line.

From what I have read the feel is better with the super lines than with mono but in my experience I can feel the bite well with mono. I confess that I have not used the super lines so any opinions would be welcome. I have fished with 8lb mono for as long as I remember and other than the ocassional bite off (Northern) I have done quite well with the mono. Many of you seem to swear by the new line. Am I just too "old school" or am I missing something? Is the cost worth it? Will it put more fish in the boat, so I can release them? (CR)

Thanks, Mike

[Northlander]

No doubt that the new "superlines" are putting more eyes in my boat. 10# test 2# diameter gets my cranks down deeper with much less line and the 1# diameter 8# test Power Pro gives me way better feel when jigging than any mono.

Yes there are times I stick with mono but "Superlines" are just another advantage I have in my arsonel.

[PerchJerker]

I agree, for some situations superlines are better than mono, and there's still times I use mono. Also, the first generation of superlines were braided, but these days the superlines are fused or woven.

The times I still use mono are jigging in shallow water (like less than 15 feet), some live bait rigging, bobber fishing, and pulling planer boards. I pretty much use superlines for everthing else, like casting, trolling flatlines, some live bait rigging, and jigging in deeper water or current.

Used correctly it will definately help you catch more fish, but it may take some time to get used to it.

[Wade Joseph]

I gotta agree with Northlander. 8#/1# dia power pro is the bomb for jigging. The 10# stuff is awsome for trolling cranks. For all other things, I stick to mono.

[Dan Thiem]

Mike, next time your fishing with a buddy that's using a braid ask if you can try it. You will be surpised at how much more sensativity you get with it. Drifting a gravel bed is one sure way to test it out. What a difference!

The other thing about the braid is the hook set. With mono people really lay the smack down. I found with braid it's almost over kill. When I set the hook using braid it's more of a strong flick of the wrist.

[pondhopper]

You can definitely feel the bottom a lot better with superlines. They also don't have the tendency to tangle up when using spinning gear, unlike mono.

[Whoaru99]

The sensitivity is incredible, it's almost like dragging the tip of your rod right across the bottom.

Some of the harder monos have decent sensitivity, but nothing like the super braids, IMO.

It's fun watching the new converts set the hook on all bottom debris you never knew was there before!

As Dan T says though, the hookset is also a learning experience. If you try the old "back breaker" hookset, you'll end up with fish lips in your lap.

[Bobby Bass]

I am using Power Pro on a worm rod and on a spinner bait rod this year, Jury is still out. I do like the extra feel on the spinner bait, rod worm rod is a toss up so far. If you have not tried it yet I would spool up a rod for a test season.

[Slyster]

I really like Fireline... for senkos and tubes.. I LOVE the comparison to dragging the rod tip on the bottom.. it really is like that... and now they make the 'Crystal' version.. it is white and much closer to clear. This is the best line yet IMHO.. but it DOES tend to have some rats nests unlike mono... but if I get one TOO bad.. I just cut above and below and tie the line together again..

[solbes]

I switched to Fireline last year and it has made a difference (8 and 10#). Jigging is better, although I use a flouro leader on our clear lake. Casting and trolling are much improved since you can detect bottom vs weeds vs fish easier. In most instances the fish hook themselves.

Trolling cranks with 10# gets you another 10-20% depth.

It lasts longer since I reverse the line onto another reel to get 2 years out of it.

It also is pretty abrasion resistant, although a northern will still slice right through if he really wants to. Color is not something I'm thrilled with on a clear lake, but I will try the "crystal" next year that was mentioned above.

[slopmaster]

i like braided on all my rods. for trolling like the others said it is a lot better. and if you are making long cast and the fish bites right away there isnt the stretch in braided like there is mono.