For me, neither. I haven't used anything but braid (with only a couple small exceptions) for any of my fishing, for anything from Sunfish to Sturgeon, for the last 15 years.
I just can't handle kinky, coily, stretchy monofilament anymore, even though I used it for the first 25 years. Once I got used to braid, I could never go back.
I do always use fluorocarbon, and sometimes regular mono, as a leader though.
Oh, for my Bluegill fishing, I use a 2 lb diameter, 10 lb test braid.... leader is usually 4 or 6 lb fluorocarbon.
Brim Reaper, what I use depends on the depth of water I'm fishing along with the presentation, e.g., spoons, ice jigs, plain hook, etc. For deeper water ( > 12 feet), I like using braided line and then a fluro leader ( 2lb or 4lb Vanish). For shallower water, I like using Stren hi-vis yellow (mono) with a fluro leader ( 2lb or 4lb Vanish ). I like the hi-vis because I can see line movement if I'm tight lining ( no bobber ). When I drop shot, I use the same approach...the type of line depends on the depth (and clarity) of the water. Hope this helps.
IceWarrior, Blackhawk, and sometimes you too 2lb ??? Even on a site which is primarily for Sunfish ? I'm really surprised !
You guys don't know how often I find myself among the majority.
This is kind of freaking me out ! Like I don't know how to act ! ;-)
But anyway, yea..... You probably won't find another subject which I am SOOO opinionated about.
i have slowly been switching over to sufix performance braid with a 3 to 4 ft leader of fluro. and i love this set up. to me a more responceive set up. i can even catch those little baite steelers. ialso use it on all my salt water stuff that i fish with. you cant beat the braid
You guys better stop ! Your freaking me out over here ! ;-)
What ? Nobody here uses mono ?
Of course I totally agree with you guys. Braid with a mono, or fluoro leader is where it's at.... I've just never been to any forum, at any time, where "everybody was doing it".
BTW, In my post before, I meant to say, > You guys don't know how "rarely" I find myself among the majority. br />
Peace,
Fish
Berkely Pro Grade flourocarbon is the first flouro I've found thats suitable for spooling up the whole reel. Used at spring trout camp this april last. Other flouro's Ive tried only suitable as tippet/leader mat'l.. Fishing mtn runs for Brookies means MANY snags and tree hook-ups, so I don't use braid there. Most of my reels now carry Fireline of various weights, and get a leader of flouro.. steve b
I use 2 lb Maxima finest mono out there. I tried the fire wire once and didn't like the feel of it or the way it seemed to 'float' on the water... I'd like to try braid but not sure which is best and what knots to tie for maximum strength.
Rob