Ultralight lines

[Craig Thoreson]

With the new rod incoming and the plans are micro crankbaits and micro spinners for the most part I need a smooth casting line for these smaller baits. Mostly 1-2" and I think the heaviest I'm looking at are right around 1/8th oz for the bigger ones. Would there be any benefit to go with the Berkley Nanofil in say 6# test as it seems to have a super small diameter. Rod is rates 2-6# and the reel is UL 4 or 6# rating. Other options would be just a 2 or 4# Flouro or Mono line also. Looking for thoughts and ideas. Wanting something that will cast well as most of my fishing is from banks in tight cover stream or coves.

[carl hendrix]

good question Craig !  i am also wondering as to what type of good ; senitive lines are availabe;; besides braid

[Craig Thoreson]

I did order some 6# Nanofil to test it was on sale and needed a few bucks for free shipping on the new tackle box. I'll keep my ears open here also.

[Slip Sinker]

 I like the Berkley Nanofil for its extended casting and sensitivity… I buy 3,4,6 # test for open water and generally use them on my jigging rods. I split the 150 yd spools into two and load them up on some 50 series spinning reels backed up with 4 or 6lb mono that should last at least 4 years. My 6# Nano is on its 4th season.

I buy pony spools of Berkley Fireline Crystal Ice Braid from a wholesaler at $2.99 per spool going on my third season with a couple rigs. No cheaper way to manage line avg less than a dollar a season. With 0 maintenance. Caught many large fish with 2 SMB going over 5# on tiny baits and tiny dia superlines.

i manage 13 UL rigs ranging from 4' thru 8' lengths  with multiple 5-6' ers all have superlines

I use the braid fishing the heavy slop because of its ability to slice thru and cut weeds when heavy fish burrow in.

On my boat the rigs that are the lightest and most sensitive making the longest casts tag the most fish

With tiny jigs my longest caster is a 5-6’ Eagle Claw Skins rod/shimano sienna 50 series/2# micro ice braid

I had one ice fishing rig with mono that lost a trophy Y.Perch ice fishing at the hole… it was immediately swapped out with micro ice braid. Never had a fish break off with braid or any other super line.

 

Good Luck with the new rig on the upcoming season!

[Kelly Peterson]

Slip, where are you able to buy these "pony" spools of Fireline?  Thanks

[Slip Sinker]

https://northwoodsoutlet.com

a wholesale outlet a short drive away from me. they usually have clearance spools of ice line available all year... sometimes the product varies ... this year i bought power pro ice and  Fireline Crystal ice 2, 3 and 4#

[Greg Rogers]

I've used 4# Nanofil for a couple years now.  Long casting and sensitive but not abrasion resistant.  I do like a leader of fluorocarbon or light mono attached with either a small #10 swivel or Alberto knot for the clear water.  So light it will often suspend in mid air like a spider web.  Nothing else will cast tiny jigs farther.

[Slip Sinker]

...much like it did back in the 80's or even earlier

mono is still the leader in the stretch factor

[Craig Thoreson]

Think I'm going to try out some 4# Fireline and see how it compares to the Nanofil. The Nanofil casts a mile though I've broke 2 knots while tying the Nano Knot, keeping my options open.

[Craig Thoreson]

How do you set your hooks, I never pull up but to the side and never hard. Usually fish will hook themselves with gentle pressure. I do understand if you set the hook hard I'm more likely to rip it out of their mouth and miss the hook set. The Nanofil seems to be a super line though I plan on fishing in some super rocky, woody, weedy spots.

[Slip Sinker]

my favorite facet of the sport the hook set... i need the feel of setting into a solid force at the end... thats why i love the no-stretch super-lines. after the hook set you feel every head shake and jaw crunch while fighting the fish.

... i have different hook set actions for the (2) basic types of lines monofilament and super lines...monofilament requires a wider sweeping motion (i use the upper motion to position the hook set in the roof of the mouth) hook set to offset the significant stretch usually about 2" of stretch per foot or more. so on a 30ft hook set your looking at 5 ft of stretch to compensate. on super-lines (no stretch) i use a completely different type of hookset i slack forward a few inches of rod tip towards bait direction and a quick short,solid wrist snap back. since i dont know while panfishing whether im hook-setting into an iron mouthed trophy pike,SMB or a soft mouthed B.Crappie the hook set is the same motion and for me nearly 100% effectiveness.

[Craig Thoreson]

Thanks guys keep the thoughts coming

[carl hendrix]

WELL-- AS FOR THE  ( HOOK SETS )  GENERALLY;; I JUST USE A QUICK SNAP OF THE WRIST IN A UP-WARD FASHION;; BUT ALSO; USE A SIDE SWEEP;; AND EVEN A DOWN WARD MOTION;; IF NEEDED !  ALL OF THESE;; ARE  DEPENDING ON A SITUATION AT THE TIME OF A BITE;;ITS REFLEXS  THAT TAKE OVER !!    SLIP STINKER;; I REALLY HAVE TO ASK YOU;; WHAT KIND OF MONO LINE ARE YOU USING;  TO HAVE THAT  KIND OF LINE STRETCH ??? A 5 FOOT STRETCH ??  NEVER HEARD OF THAT !  ( ISNT THAT ABOUT ALMOST AS TALL AS YOU LITTLE BUDDY ??  LOLOLOL))  SLIP STINKER;; TRY THE MR. CRAPPIE LINE !!  VERY LITTLE; IF ANY ; LINE STRETCH !!   ALSO;; NEXT TIME YOU GO TO WALLY WORLD; GO TO THE CRAPPIE SECTION; LOOK AT THE PRE- FILLED CRAPPIE REELS;; ITS FILLED;; WITH MR. CRAPPIE LINE !!  AFTER GOING TO SOME CRAPPIE SEMINARS A FEW MONTHS AGO AT BASS PRO;;  ALL OF THE GUYS; THAT GAVE THE SEMINAR;; PROMOTED THE MR. CRAPPIE LINE.