Braided lines for surf fishing

[Hoose]

My field testing report for the new Fireline Cystal #6
Capostrano Beach- surf fishing

* I work for Berkley- just sharing a field test report on these new 'super lines'. If your thinking about spooling up- here is helpful info.

Reel- spinning Abu Garcia
First mistake, I did not pad or tape off any backing on the spinning reel spool. The #6 Fireline Cyrstal is so small in diameter that you will need to tape off about 3/4 of the spool with backing in order to have the braided line fill properly. I used 20 yards of #130 Hollow Braid I had in my garage, taped off with masking tape, then used a Uni knot to attach the Fireline Cyrstal and spooled up 125 yards of #6. The masking tape prevents the uni knot from slipping.

Rod-7'6" Fenwick HMX LT.
Every season I keep going longer on my surf fishing rods. Helps raise your line over the shore break and better hook setting & longer casts when necessary. I just got my dad an 8' rod and that length seems to be perfect.

Bait- Gulp! Sand Worm with 2' Vanish #6 fluorcarbon
The line is almost clear in texture- and some of the FW bass guys straight tie, but I have always done well using a short leader of fluoro so I rigged up using a simple carolina rig.

Casting performance-
Wow. No learning curve. It flys off the spool nicely, and even with a 1/2 weight I was getting huge distance. No wind knots.

Hook setting-
It feels just like fishing straight spectra, you literally feel every bump, wave, surge of your line. On my third cast I had a small yellowfin eat my Gulp!- and the sensitivity is incredible. I loaded up the rod and was hooked up instanstly- no stretch. For such a small fish, there is no stretch and you get a much better pull and fight from surf fish.

Fishability-
Unlike mono- the Fireline Cyrstal cuts through the waves and white water, you stay tight and in the zone better. I ran down the beach and found some wroking terns and threw a Kroc into the action. This line works really well for this type of fishing- you can feel the plug vibrating and coming tight on a fish is instant.

Knots-
I used the uni and the improved cinch knot on all connections. Tested out fine on the office line tester.

For targeting surf fish, these new braided lines are a MUST HAVE from Santa.

Tight lines,
Bob Hoose

[Double Z]

Good stuff. I only have two spools left without spectra on them.

PM sent.

[michael]

SPAM!

O.K. with that out of the way. You are right, I have been using the braided line in the surf now for a few weeks and it is a hugh difference in the feel, casting, and fighting the fish.
I spooled up with Power Pro 15# in moss green and really like it.
I'm gonna spool up my bass stick with the 30# and when my wallet allows, all my spools are gonna get spectra.
I know you are a little biased, but how would you compare the Power Pro to your product?
Fraying, knot strength, longevity?

[EricM]

Seems ill have to add some more Spectra to my reels. Been having some difficultty lobbing out those D Shot rigs.

[Double Z]

Just to add, I won't buy coated anymore.

[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.

[jscrib]

Briaded line in the surf is overkill to me. Never needed it the last 25 years and don't see a need to use for the next 25 years. JMO.

j

[Hoose]

Thanks for the feedback!

Regarding how Fireline Crystal compares to Power Pro. On fraying, I think what you mean is having the coating flake off after repeated use? Fireline Crystal is not coated, so there is no flaking or fraying.

Regarding knot strength- both brands work really well when the knot is tied properly.

Regarding longevity- testing still in progress.

One of the advantages Fireline Crystal has over Power Pro is castability. The Fireline Crystal's braid was designed for casting, giving the angler a round braid with superior casting performance, as well almost transparent color.

The comment on 'over kill' for braided lines in the surf. I felt the same way for years- even as an employee for Berkley. However, I kept seeing the 'locals' fishing Fireline #6 at my favorite hole and decided to give it a try. For certain applications, the low stretch and feel of this braid makes surf fishing even more fun-perhaps a preference issue.

I am hoping this post did not come across as a SPAM for FC- I am guessing #6 Power Pro in the surf would give the same favorable results.

Hoose

[Stanley]

I'm going to try it. Thanks for the post.

[screaming_spool]

If you hand some out to me ill give you a non-biased/affiliated field test.

[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...

[fishstick-er]

What about the heavier test?. BTW all of the braids I have used including fireline have frayed. That is the nature of the beast. Just like any other line, cut off the bad section. The powerpro casts better than any other 65 pound test line would on my Shimano Calais. Castability is the price you pay for the heavy test strength. Anybody that is having casting contests with 6 pound test is gay. Any properly sized reel will cast 6 pound test just fine whether it be braid, mono or flouro. The advantage of the braid is the lack of stretch and smaller diameter allowing higher test strengths in manageble sizes. Especially in surf fishing I would think that the super strengths that braid achieves would be useful. The lack of stretch telegraphs a subtle bite like no other.