Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

It matters much more what line you use in saltwater when you are going for redfish and big speckled trout. The problem of line stretch is a big issue, especially when your reel has a good bit of line on it. Sometimes it stretches and does not come back.

 

In freshwater, at least for me, line visibility and ability to persevere through the abrasive underwater structure in the bayous and swamps of our area is a big thing too.

 

For saltwater, I have tried Trilene XL, XT, and Stren Big game, a few others. I dont fish enough saltwater to know whats best to use, but freshwater I am a little more knowledgable.

 

Does have any brand in mind that they do not think is good to use? The line is upwards of $6 now, and I'd rather not waste money.

 

I am comfortable with Stren, and I like 8 lb test on my Shimano 1000 spinning reel. The Z03 has Cajun Line 10lb test, and I have already stated that I dont advise anyone use this if you are in an abrasive underwater structure area. Also, it tends to kink up and split.

 

Was wondering what yall's thoughts are on line, lb test, etc.

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i allways used berkley lines but two years ago i switched to red cajun line.. i really like it and never had a problem with it.. you say you dont like it but i dont fish in the swamps.. but i also use spinning reels not zebco type reels .. and i allways use 4 lb test

It casts great and I think is true to its test rating. Its best with saltwater around here. it would be ine for river or bayou but not swamp.

i fish cajun 6lb for all panfish. i fish alot of really stumry/swampy areas as well. ive qnever had a problem with the 6 lb, however, i dont like cajun in anything larger than 6because of the problems you mentioned with the 10lb. i recomend the 6 lb line though, its pulled a heap of 1 lb plus gills and crackers through the sticks for me!

 

I use 15lb Hi vis braid. I also use 4# and 6# camo mr crappie mono. I dont much care for the cajun line, seems to be very stiff to me. I think line makers should put a date on lines,so when you buy it you know how old it is.

AMEN TO THAT!!!! a date would be great. and i have used and do like the camo and hi vis mr crappie line.

I use the nanofill in the 4 or 6 # with fluorcarbon leader

2lb. Maxima but i also like p-line cxx and p-line flouroclear also in 2lb. test

I like 12 to 20# Power Pro with 6 or 8 # fluorcarbon leader but also have a rod or two spooled with 4 or 6# Stren. 

I'm a line - leader sort of angler.

- I back my light spin casting reels (mostly Johnsons) with 6 lb mono, something like the Vicious glow yellow.

- On my U/L spinning reels I use 4lb test.... Wolf brand at the moment because I got several large spools for a steal.

I tie on about 10 ft of 1 or 2 lb test ice fishing line as my leader. I believe the brand I'm currently stocking is Berkley. I always keep a spool of it handy in my possibles bag.

For heavier use, I carry a medium Shimano spinning rig with 10 lb test. I'll use a 4-6 leader on this one.

 

I prefer these light line setups because I usually fish for native bluegill along the browed banks of the S. Edisto River in SC. Actually, calling it's black waters a "river" is being generous. It's more like a heavily wooded creek in my home reaches,  20-30 yards wide at most. Overhead looms a dark, overhanging forest canopy.

Here, casting ease and pin-point accuracy are top priorities. Breakoffs and snags are inevitable here and, while I hate to lose tackle, I'd prefer the leader breaks off cleanly when they happen.  

I envy you guys with boats, peering at your fish finders on open water lakes. As for those of you angling over hand fed, "cattle 'gill" in ponds, well.... the angels have surely smiled upon thee. :-)

Yeah today I went to the canal, which is whats left of the swamp our houses are built on, and spent an hour fishing. I was hoping to catch some of those Rio Grande perch, but didnt get anything but small bass. .about six of them.

 

Anyway, the 10lb test Cajun line was so abrased and beat up, when i threw my strike king spinner (mini spin, not the Cutie spin made by H&H) the line just popped. It gave me all kinds of trouble so i came home, ripped the Cajun line off of it and put the 12 lb stren on the Z03.

 

 

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