Braid, Fluoro, or Mono

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svivian said:
This thread is why I usually bring 8-10 rods all rigged up differently. Each has its purpose for me and learned from trial and error.
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I'm much the same way. I'm a very lazy fisherman. I don't want to re-tie a million times. I usually have at least 3 rods rigged up for stripers, 2 or 3 rods for small mouth, one rigged for trolling and one very specific rod for those times I come across a boil. All those are just for me. If I have another fisherman on board, there are even more rods.
 
Thank you for the education on braid/flouro. I've been too embarrassed to ask and now its out in the open. I feel like I'm attending an AA meeting. "Hi, I'm ______ and I don't know anything about tying braid to flouro." Seriously, it has been a good learning lesson and I'm already practicing two new knots.
 
I am a knot geek, and have been on many bulletin boards and threads discussing knots. People have strong opinions! I personally like the Alberto, or improved Albright for braid to fluoro. But the best advice I have heard is that the best knot is one you can tie with confidence!
 
Dorado said:
I am a knot geek, and have been on many bulletin boards and threads discussing knots. People have strong opinions! I personally like the Alberto, or improved Albright for braid to fluoro. But the best advice I have heard is that the best knot is one you can tie with confidence!
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Can't agree more with the confidence being the most important part of what knot you tie. I learned years ago, when switching to braid/flouro leader to tie a uni to uni knot (watched an Aaron Martens video and thought, good enough for him, good enough for me) and that's the one I stick with. I've played around with virtually every "new" best knot to tie and always go back to my comfort zone with no issues.
 
Robzila27 said:
Can't agree more with the confidence being the most important part of what knot you tie. I learned years ago, when switching to braid/flouro leader to tie a uni to uni knot (watched an Aaron Martens video and thought, good enough for him, good enough for me) and that's the one I stick with. I've played around with virtually every "new" best knot to tie and always go back to my comfort zone with no issues.
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Aaron Martens switched to the FG knot later on.


For those of you that haven't tried the FG knot, I would encourage you to look into it. I resisted switching to the FG know for more than a year but after testing it out, I'm sold on it being superior to the double uni for braid to fluorocarbon in strength, durability and smoothness.
 
One other thing - when using braid/fluorocarbon as main lines it's important to use more limber rods. These lines have little/no stretch and too stiff rods are easier to break with hard jerks when hung or even hard hooksets. Also, when fishing in rocks stiff rods tend to drive jig heads and sinkers into crevices resulting in hangups while more springy action rods will mostly flip that lead right over those rocks. I usually fish circle hooks, and too stiff rods can cause those hooks to pull away from the soft tissues in the corner of a fish's mouth.

I've used many different rods over the years and have found that the Cabela's/Bass Pro Fish Eagles have the perfect actions for fishing these lines. They are not the best made rods available, but they are the most fishable rods available. The high dollar super high modulas rods are the worst because they are too stiff in all actions.

Another essential element in fishing these lines is to back off that reel drag. I set my drags quite loose to give a fish plenty of give when it runs. I've never lost a fish because the drag was too loose. I've lost plenty, including some of the biggest fish I've ever hooked because the drag was too tight. 😁

Ed Gerdemann
 
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Lazarus said:
Thank you for the education on braid/flouro. I've been too embarrassed to ask and now its out in the open. I feel like I'm attending an AA meeting. "Hi, I'm ______ and I don't know anything about tying braid to flouro." Seriously, it has been a good learning lesson and I'm already practicing two new knots.
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I always go with the saying "the only dumb question, is a question not asked" !!! Knowledge is wealth, you don't know if you don't ask!!
 
I am with Ed on the drag -- I set very low --- on hard hook sets, my drag goes off--- even small fish many times I need to tighten drag--- I have done it so much that I tighten when I catch one, and loosen before I recast -- 100% habit at this point
 
Edward Gerdemann said:
Another essential element in fishing these lines is to back off that reel drag. I set my drags quite loose to give a fish plenty of give when it runs. I've never lost a fish because the drag was too loose. I've lost plenty, including some of the biggest fish I've ever hooked because the drag was too tight. 😁

Ed Gerdemann
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I second Ed on the drag. When I fish for Kokanee, lake trout, salmon and halibut. I set my drag ( with a scale) at 1/4 the line weight (or less) . So 8 lb mono drag would be set at 2 lbs. 20 lb line would be set at 5 lb drag. You get the picture . I tell newbie’s on my boat do not mess with the drag!! It sounds like it’s not enough drag, but baring other mishaps it will always reel the fish in.
 
greyhackle said:
I second Ed on the drag. When I fish for Kokanee, lake trout, salmon and halibut. I set my drag ( with a scale) at 1/4 the line weight (or less) . So 8 lb mono drag would be set at 2 lbs. 20 lb line would be set at 5 lb drag. You get the picture . I tell newbie’s on my boat do not mess with the drag!! It sounds like it’s not enough drag, but baring other mishaps it will always reel the fish in.
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Lots of great info on this thread for sure. I totally agree on the drag setting, looser drag with braid will help and slightly more limber rods for braid.
Also remind more inexperienced anglers to not crank the fish in with only the reel, especially with a loose drag, every turn of a spinning reel when drag is slipping is 5 to 7 twists depending on retrieve rate. Think use the rod to bring the fish in, then use the reel to take in the line. They will have far less line twists and tangles! Doing that just a few times a day will make a mess of even the best line!
As far as which knot from Leader to braid? The FG is outstanding in every facet smoothness strength snd durability. It is more difficult to tie and does take practice. The double UNI is easy and if tied carefully, is a good option. The GT
is pretty simple to tie option as well, when tied right it’s smooth and strong. I have used it for a couple years with no issues.
As mentioned above in this thread it is important to learn to tie whatever you choose properly, so you are comfortable and confident with it ! A poorly tied and or hastily done knot will not perform up to its possibilities. Practice tying and test a few and you will be good to go and ready when you hit the lake!
 
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The easiest way I've found to splice braid to fluorocarbon is to get a fly fisherman's nail knot tool. Simply tie two nail knots back to back and cinch them together. This is a double uni-not. A nail knot tool will save you a lot of time and frustration especially if your fingers are old and stiff like mine. I use this same knot for splicing tippet onto fly fishing leaders as well as my fingers are too stiff to tie a double surgeon's knot without great difficulty. In fact I've gotten a number of fly fishermen to switch to this knot over the double surgeon's knot. I think it's stronger as well.

Ed Gerdemann
 
Ed,
You gave me an idea I need to try!
I’ve tied a “million” nail knots leader butts/leaders to fly line in my years at the fishing shop. I can about do them that way in my sleep ! Can tie nail knots very quickly and easily. I always preferred to use a fly tying bobbin as my “tool”. I have a bunch in my fly tying kit. I’m going to do some experiments on knot combinations with braid and Fluoro. Tomorrow!
Thanks for the idea!
 
Thanks everyone for all the input and info. I just ordered some braid and Fluoro. I will watch some Youtube videos on knots. I will look at a nail knot tool as well. I am still in awe at how much everyone chimed in to help me. Can't wait to try everything.
 
Edward Gerdemann said:
The easiest way I've found to splice braid to fluorocarbon is to get a fly fisherman's nail knot tool. Simply tie two nail knots back to back and cinch them together. This is a double uni-not. A nail knot tool will save you a lot of time and frustration especially if your fingers are old and stiff like mine. I use this same knot for splicing tippet onto fly fishing leaders as well as my fingers are too stiff to tie a double surgeon's knot without great difficulty. In fact I've gotten a number of fly fishermen to switch to this knot over the double surgeon's knot. I think it's stronger as well.

Ed Gerdemann
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so do one side with the tool, then flip it around and do the other side, then pull them together?
 
lakepowellnut said:
I’ll make an attempt at summarizing just about everything that has been posted so far. Everyone is correct because their rod and/or line setup is working for them and honestly (not that I wouldn’t be honest), I’ve used just about every line and/or combination mentioned, with the exception of some of the brands. In the end, your method of fishing, especially in the rocks, will dictate your success with the rod/reel and line setup. If you are not catching fish, while your buddy next to you is, you have to consider so much (line visibility, break offs, hook sets, bait and bait color, presentation, etc.).

So, what do I prefer? If I’m going to fishing Lake Powell for a week, I’m going to fish Suffix 832 low-viz green braid (15-20lb), with and without Seagur Tatsu (12 or 15lb) fluorocarbon, straight fluorocarbon (12-15lb). Suffix 832 braid low-viz green is great underwater. Tatsu is pricey, but I like how it doesn’t retain memory and I find that I don’t lose as much (hence less line loss).

Ultimately, choose both a braid and a fluorocarbon that your budget will allow and that is low viz. You can’t go wrong with any of the recommendations on here.

BTW - when will you be there? We arrive mid-lake (Last Chance) on Sunday the 28th.
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We are going April 19-22.
 
I bought a spool of 167 yards of 20 lb braid. If I use some mono to back up the reel, do you think i can use it on two different reels (80 ish yards per reel)?
 
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