Best Line

[Sproguy]

Ok guys I'm going to throw my two cents in here, if you are going to test line and discuss break strength you have to make sure that you are using apples to apples. I prefer to go by line diameter rather then break strength on a package. As an example on the PLine CXX 10lb dia is .012, So is Gamma Co-Pol, while XT is .013. So if you test them you actually need to test the XT at 8lb on the box since it is .012. Just my two cents!

Now if you go to Fluorocarbon it gets really hard because using 12lb as a gauge here are the dia you are working with, Vanish - .012, Pline Fluorocarbon (not the mix!) .012, Gamma - .013 and the stuff I use Sunline for 12lb box is .011. To get the same as Gamma I have to go to 16lb. Why, Sunline happens to be a IGFA rated line, so I go up higher in "pound" test when in reality I'm equal, see my point?

The dia means a lot more then a number thrown on a box for break strength. As always I'm not trying to argue but rather make a valid point when you say a line breaks light, does it? Maybe yes, maybe NO! If you had tested Sunline you would walk away saying it is Junk!

JUST MY TWO CENTS!!!!!!!!!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Very well stated Spro. I will also add to what you have...Line companies can make stronger lines, by extruding them more, but then you give up knot strenght and limpness. So, even if you test just on strength, you may have a very strong line that doesnt cast for beans...

[eyepatrol]

I think a person could really go all out and have a number of rods with a number of lines for a number of presentations.

I for one like to keep it simple. Just your good'ol 4lb Trilene XL on one pannie rod and that's good enough for me. But then again, I usually only fish pannies until the walleye opener, so I'm really not that "into it" like others may be.

[Juan Grande]

Yeah, I had sticker shock when I looked at some of the lines mentioned here at Cabellas the other night. I'm used to paying the $5-6 for a spool of mono. Some of the Gamma and Fireline brands (enough to maybe spool two reels) were $30-40.

I have so much stuff I need to buy for the boat (spare tire, more rods, co-pilot, etc.) that I just can't justify spending $100 on line for my reels.

Can you leave that braided line on for multiple seasons or do you guys change it every year?

[JP Z]

Juan Grande,

Braided lines are good for years. If one end starts to wear out spool it out, then reconnect and respool with the end that was on the bottom at the top. This way you have the fresh line on the top.

[Muddog]

If you don't use backing with Fireline the line will loosen on the spool and spin with your bail (like having your drag turn all the way down), After a few trips to the lake. Fireline will expand and contract.

For casting small stuff like a small Kast-master, Yo-Zuri Snap Bean or Mepps Aglia. You can't beat 6lb test or less fireline. I have a Rapala Tournament Class HM-45 5'6" light action rod with a Pflueger President 6725 reel spooled with 6 and 4lb test fireline. For casting small stuff it can't be beat.......

For fishing vertically? I will not use fireline without a leader.... Not shallow. Not deep. Not ever!

New spinning reels have super drags. The problem is, when ever the reel is letting out line with the drag, it is putting twists in your line. Lines like Fireline can take more twisting before rolling up on itself.

If you line is jumping off the spool you have ether, over filled the spool, Your using to stiff of a line for the spool size or Your using to light of a lure for your line.

[ocf1]

spro... i get your idea, i dont have time to retest now but in summer i will try to do that.

[tmvikings]

I spent 8 something on I think it was 330 yards of 4 lb test GAMMA at Gander.... I did not think that was bad---

[Standard]

I use 4lb Vanish flouro on my ultralight setup, and haven't had a single issue with it. It's held up great, even after pulling up more than a few big largemouths.