Braided lines for surf fishing

[Hoose]

Heavier tests in Fireline Crystal are coming out early 2007.

For #65, I use Spider Wire Stealth for calico bass fishing, and Berkley Braid #65 if its for backing with mono top shots. I recently switched many of my backing or tuna outfits over to #80 Hollow Braid with mono top shots.

Another great application for #6 braid is trolling plugs in the bay for spotties- allows the plug to attain its maximum depth and reach the halibuts.

Come by our booth at Fred Hall- show you all the new stuff.

[fishstick-er]

With no stretch I would say no go on the plug trolling. Mono is the right choice unless you like to replace bent up hooks from the train wreck. It could also break your rods. Looking forward to the heavier test product. I think it will be the best flipping line out there.

[Smudge]

Originally Posted by fishstick-er

With no stretch I would say no go on the plug trolling. Mono is the right choice unless you like to replace bent up hooks from the train wreck. It could also break your rods. Looking forward to the heavier test product. I think it will be the best flipping line out there.

You just have to use a light rod like a mooching rod and pay attention. It actually works pretty good. Especially out of a yak...

[Foss]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Bob. Friend of mine from Florida says they're all over the braided lines--have been for years.

[Mr. Fish]

Originally Posted by fishpainter

I have spectra on all my reels but my trout set ups...It casts very well on a baitcaster and has no memory so backlashing is not a prob...

Hope and pray that you don't backlash because if you do you won't be getting it out and will have to cut it out and lose a lot of line. I was using Fireline one day casting 1 1/2 oz crocs in the surf. After at least 100 trouble free casts I managed a backlash and wound up going home because the line cut in deep and was impossible to untangle without cutting half the line out. As a result I use it only on spinning, bottom fishing or slow trolling bait.

[hook-up1fishing]

Thanks for the report.
I personally don't see a need for it in the surf, everything I target beans, halis, YFC, SFC, BSP, etc. usually don't get that big.

[Sabriah Tot]

Hoose, I note you didn't mention Whiplash Pro, which is another Berkely product and _a lot_ thinner than Fireline Crystal at the same test. It is quite popular in Europe, especially for deep sea anglers as it doesn't catch the current.

Have you tried it?

[Smudge]

Originally Posted by hook-up1fishing

Thanks for the report.
I personally don't see a need for it in the surf, everything I target beans, halis, YFC, SFC, BSP, etc. usually don't get that big.

That's not the point. It's line sensitivity and zero stretch that give braided line the advantage in the surf. Try it once, you'll probably like it.

[Hoose]

Whip Lash Pro is distributed only through our Euro dealers- have not fished it.

For surf fishing, the braids on spinning reels are very user friendly. Its possible to get a backlash but for the most part the learning curve on casting braided lines is quick and easy.

Florida- like you said, those guys are all over the braided lines. Fish tarpon or snook on any guide boat in Miami- 100% braid.

Hoose

[michael]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fish

Hope and pray that you don't backlash because if you do you won't be getting it out and will have to cut it out and lose a lot of line. I was using Fireline one day casting 1 1/2 oz crocs in the surf. After at least 100 trouble free casts I managed a backlash and wound up going home because the line cut in deep and was impossible to untangle without cutting half the line out. As a result I use it only on spinning, bottom fishing or slow trolling bait.

Most likely what happened to you was that when you reeled in your line. You didn't do an aggressive enough zig-zag pattern and at the same time you didn't wind on the line tight enough. Both can lead to problems with baitcasters.
Definitely a learning curve with the braided lines.

[Sabriah Tot]

Originally Posted by Hoose

Whip Lash Pro is distributed only through our Euro dealers- have not fished it.

Actually you could fit 800 yds of 80 lb Whiplash Pro on an Avet JX, with spare room for a fluoro leader.

Here is a small comparison table of different lines.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Whiplash Pro
DIAM.m.m	0.06	0.10	0.17	0.21	0.24	0.28
KG	10.60	14.10	21.70	26.40	37.80	46.90

Fireline Crystal
DIAM.m.m	0.04	0.06	0.08	0.10	0.12	0.15	0.17	0.20	0.25
KG	3.50	4.40	5.00	5.90	6.80	7.90	10.20	13.20	17.50

PowerPro
DIAM.m.m	0.10	0.13	0.15	0.19	0.23	0.28	0.32	0.36	0.41	0.43	0.46	0.56
KG	5.00	8.00	9.00	13.00	15.00	20.00	25.00	30.00	40.00	48.00	55.00	75.00

Fireline
DIAM.m.m	0.10	0.12	0.15	0.17	0.20	0.25	0.39
KG	3.60	6.80	7.90	10.20	13.20	17.50	27.70

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
MONO

KingFisher
DIAM.m.m	0.22	0.25	0.30	0.32	0.37	0.42	0.50	0.55	0.57	0.60	0.65	0.70	0.75	0.77	0.85	0.90
KG	2.70	3.50	4.50	5.50	7.00	10.00	12.50	16.00	17.00	18.00	21.00	23.00	25.00	27.00	32.00	36.00

StroftGTM
DIAM.m.m	0.16	0.18	0.20	0.22	0.25	0.28	0.30	0.35	0.40	0.45	0.50	0.60
KG	3.00	3.60	4.20	5.10	6.40	7.30	8.00	10.50	14.00	17.50	21.00	26.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



These new lines are just incredible.

[reel toy]

Originally Posted by fishstick-er

When are they going to have the heavier tests available. I like the 65 pound powerpro for flipping but there are times that spectra's visibility is questionable. I dont see much point in a braid that is only 6 pound test. Never felt that I missed anything on 5 or 6 pound flouro even in gin clear freshwater. With a good rod Flouro transmits all that you need and is better with the abrasion.

Have you looked at the new RED powerpro?? I've been using it on my rockfishing rigs, and that seems to work great. Everyone is talking about how RED is the first to disappear in water.. just my 2 cents.