Braided line

[chris kowaleski]

So i picked up some braided line tonight, and i was wondering if there is anything i have to do different that will affect performance if not done properly, like knots and whatnot.  I was thinking about running a fluorocarbon leader on it.  Is that a bad idea? What would be the best way to tie it to the braid?

[Allen Morgan]

Most of my poles are rigged up with braid.  I tie a swivel to the end of the mainline, then tie or clip a mono leader to the swivel.  I use improved clinch knots, and have no problems.

Be sure to put some mono backing on the reel before adding the braid.  Otherwise, the braid won't grip the spool, and the entire mass of line will spin on the spool.  Use an Albright Knot to connect the mono and braid.

[Ronnie M.]

I just started using braid on some line counter reels and wow I am impressed. I did find out like Allen stated I need to use a leader because cutting the braid isn't easy. I bought scissors just to have something to cut the line with but even with using the scissors the line is still hard to cut.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

- Only the sharpest of scissors will cut braid reliably. Te little tiny ones for cuticles do a passable job, and I have a mini "Leatherman" fishing tool that has some. Bill Modica suggests using the flame from a cigarette lighter... an' he's right. Whenever it is practical, thats the way to go.

- Do put on backing line, like Allen says. Not only will you use less of the costly braid, but it wont misbehave when winding it on the spool.

- I see no reason not to use a leader. It works well in my limited experience. l like to use one for two reasons:

a. It is easier to change lures or hooks with clip attached leaders.

b. The leader will break off in case of a snag.

[John Sheehan]

David -Whats a clip attached Leader ?Got a pic ?

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

John,

Im sorry I wasnt clear. I meant to attach a small wire snap to your braids terminal end and leaders to that. Tie a small end loop in the leader and just clip it on the snap clip.

[Allen Morgan]

That's what I do with my smaller poles.  Size 14 snap swivel, black nickel.  I tie a Surgeon's loop in my leader material, and clip the swivel to that loop.  From there, I'll either tie on a hook and pinch on some split shot, or tie on a lure.

[chris kowaleski]

Is it better to use a swivel when connecting the leader to the braid? because i  just tied the braid to the surgeons loop using a palomar knot.

[Allen Morgan]

That's going to depend on you.  I prefer to use swivels, to cut down on line twist.  Spinnerbaits and catfish are notorious for twisting line up.  Also, I like the snap clasp for easy on/off of leaders.

[chris kowaleski]

ah okay then, thanks!

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

I been fishing braided line for 2yrs now (except my fly rod) and it's wonderful. It cast's smooth can handle so much snags/weeds and anything else you throw in it's way. And listen to Allen he's right when spooling the braid it will slip. The Surgeon knot is a easy knot  for connecting the two line together. Only thing that I don't like about braid is it has almost no stretch 

[Allen Morgan]

"No stretch" can be a good thing.  Vertical jigging in deep water, or setting the hook on long-distance casts, require a line that doesn't stretch.

Also, if you're fishing with crankbaits on braid, you might want to loosen your drag just a bit.  Since it doesn't stretch, when you set the hook, you stand a good chance of ripping the hooks right out of their mouths.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

The matter of stretch is one reason to go with a monfilament leader - it will offer just a little "give," if wanted.

For bluegill and other panfish, braid seems like overkill. But it has advantages in other ways that makes it useful.