Braided lines for surf fishing

[jscrib]

Originally Posted by Smudge

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.

I've never needed the extra sensitivity in the surf out here. Tried it and didn't really make a difference to me. I'll spend the extra money backing my offshore reels. In the surf, mono still works good for me. Once again, JMO.

j

[Smudge]

Originally Posted by jscrib

I've never needed the extra sensitivity in the surf out here. Tried it and didn't really make a difference to me. I'll spend the extra money backing my offshore reels. In the surf, mono still works good for me. Once again, JMO.

j

Right on J. I knew you had tried it and didn't much care for it. I really like it in the surf though. Just my opinion. I'm not advocating that he runs out and respools all of his reels, but I think it's worth it to try it once....

[tuner]

I have surf fished for over 30 years and prefer small conventional level wind reels. last year I started using the Berkley Fireline 6lb spooled on a Diawa Luna 103 and a Calcutta rod.

If you wind the line without adequate tension you will get the "professional overrun of a lifetime", not to mention whatever terminal tackle you had is gone for good with a solid crack as the line pops.

Mono is much more forgiving and if ease of use is critical or if ones casting skills are in question, stick to mono.

On the other hand, the low drag, no stretch capabilities of the braid provides more feel and instant hook sets.

Steve

[Mr. Fish]

Originally Posted by mziadeh

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.

Thanks for the tip. I was using a Shimano 400 level wind so was stuck with the zig zag it provides. The tension should have been adaquate with a 1 1/2 oz lure against the current but who knows. I won't take the chance again casting with conventional so will just use it with spinning or drifting with conventional. Great castability and sensitivity and you can use a lighter sinker bottom fishing with it as it provides less drag during a drift.