Braid for Bluegill?

[Damon Toney]

Any of you use braid for bluegill?

[Allen Morgan]

One of my primary panfish rods is strung up with 10 lbs test PowerPro, the "old stuff".  I've had it on that reel for several years.  From what I understand, the newer PowerPro is crappy.  I haven't bought PowerPro in years; all my current rods are strung up with it and don't need it changed out.

My little 5' UL setup currently has 6 lbs test Nanofil on it.  I haven't really had any problems with it, until a couple months ago.  I had a couple snap-offs AT THE REEL on longer casts.  Not sure if it's a problem with the line itself, or if I just throw to hard for some things, and need to step up to 8 lbs test or 10 lbs test Nanofil.

[Slip Sinker]

I bought 2 spools of 4lb test power Pro vermilion red and loaded it on two 50 series spinning reels... Kinda disappointed in its performance in casting distance.

[Allen Morgan]

4 lbs test braid on a 50 series spinning reel.  Hmmm......

What size rod?  Action?  How big are the eyes?

I am quickly beginning to think that the guys that have a custom panfish rod tied up from a fly-rod blank are the real geniuses.  If I ever have the money, I may have to get one of those.....

[Tony Livingston]

They are pretty sweet......

[Slip Sinker]

I like the Daiwa Spinmatic series of rods now or the Okuma Celilo UL ... I match up with the Shimano Sienna (smoooooth and tight!) spinning reel SN500FD and of course a Super line right now is 2 or 4# test Nanofil. ive got some Uls rods at 7 and 8 ft that feel like fly rods but for me with that extra leverage out there plays havoc on my arm... ive settled back down to 5-6 ft rods

[Slip Sinker]

NBB (nothing but braid) was my rule of thumb last year and years previous since 2006... I now have introduced Nanofil on some of my setups... 2,4 and 6# test.  super lines are amazing. I landed a 5# plus SMB on 2# test ice braid... amazing battle.

if you enjoy the fight of a good size B'Gill and you are still using mono you are seriously missing out... with 0 stretch you feel every headshake and jaw grind.

[Damon Toney]

Are you guys using mono leaders?

Yeah, the most disappointing thing about mono it I can't feel much. In fact when I'm drifting I hold the line because I can tel what's going on better. The problem is I let out so much line that most of that sensitivity is lost.

[Slip Sinker]

no leader at all for me.... I figure thinness is less visible than a thicker line...  a thicker line I feel hurts the presentation overall. in any case I found leaderless actually produces more hook ups than with a leader.

[Damon Toney]

Really?

[Slip Sinker]

here's a quote from In-Fisherman Magazine

"The Clear Connection"

When you examine fluorocarbon under water with an underwater camera or a dive mask, you might be surprised to see that it’s as visible and opaque as braid. But how do the fish perceive it? Does it matter?

Read more: http://www.in-fisherman.com/panfish/the-clear-connection-for-panfis...

I figure why put something heavier and bulkier on the end of my line... mono seems like rope for its strength.

these guys from In-Fisherman know what their doing... been a follower for decades

[Slip Sinker]

try going one on one with Nanofil or braid and feel the difference with sensitivity and the fight... they are both night and day difference with 100% mono rigs

[Steve C]

4# Nanofil on my UL setup when fishing "snag-free" areas, 2# or 4# Fireline crystal in snaggy places.  Always with a 4# or 6# mono leader.  For me, PowerPro and any kind of light lure or finesse applications = wind knot city.  The Nanofil and Fireline cause me less problems than even mono did.   There is a new line out called Gliss.   8# is listed as 0.004" diameter.  I got to give this stuff a try!