Favorite fishing lines

[Jeff Soto]

I'm not sure if this subject has been brought up here before, and if it has, I'm sorry for repeating it.  I am just really curious as to what fishing lines everyone is using for panfish.  Monofilament? Fluorocarbon? Hybrids?  What brands... Trilene, Yozuri, Maxima, P-Line, etc., and what colors... clear, green, fluorescent, red, etc...  Although I pretty much stay with 2 lb test clear mono,  I do enjoy being able to easily see my line, so I have used Fluorescent mono and tied on a clear leader, so as to not spook the fish. (Can they really see that line down 10 feet?)  With these ultralight lines, you are very limited to a small choice of brands, kinds, and colors.

[John Sheehan]

MONOS:

Excel Mono,4 lb test clear... Garcia Royal Bonnel 2 ,2lb test brown (probably unavailable now)
For Ice fishing : Berkley Trilene Cold Weather 'Artic Blue'2 lb. and 4 lb. test...Eagle Claw Lazer Ice 6lb test

[Mike Penrose]

I have been using "Sufix" ice line this year and I really like it. The 2# test in flourocarbon is pretty much invisible.

[bob thomas]

6lb spiderwire is great. cast light baits well and saves a lot of jigs.

[Johnny wilkins]

I think that fish seeing the line is one part of the formula, but the line's flexibility and how soft that line is, is a major factor in the physics of inducing a bluegill take.
I have answered that the best 2 lb. line is a 1 lb. leader in other posts but as you said, the leader is the business end of the formula. Fluorocarbon can be a little stiff in some brands. If fishing live bait- the leader is more thin than the main line and usually a 1/2 lb. less breaking strength or 1 lb. less.
Most of the lines I use are imported and the imported 3 lb. runs slimmer than most 2 lb. lines on the shelf so I use that for the main line. The people that use the ice fishing lines probably do a little better as those tend to be a bit more flexible. The majority of lines made in the U.S. are for artificial baits so they tend to run thick.

[robsabloke]

I use nothing but 2lb Maxima... sometimes with a fluorocarbon leader... sometimes without. Monofilament and fluorocarbon don't always tie the best knots when used together... (lots of spit)... Since I've gotten a little older and the old eyes aren't as efficient as they used to be... I've used a 4lb 'High Vis' line (High Vis gold) with a length of leader attached...... (length of leader is determined by the length of the rod... longer the rod... the longer the leader you can use... without hang ups). The bigger line (4LB) also slows the decent of anything you are offering Mr. Bull Gill. Sometimes that can be good and sometimes that can be bad...

Something to think about here is the quality of your reels drag system... I use a Shimano Sustain... in my opinion one of the finest drags out there... this can really help with line selection. I think I have just surpassed the twenty word limit... sorry Mr. Bruce.
Rob

[Johnny wilkins]

To make it easier on connecting the main line to the leader -especially if your eyes aren't good or you fish dawn/dusk low-light. Use two overhand loop knots. One at the end of your main line and one at the end of the leader. Slip the leader loop through the main line loop- then the hook through the loop on the leader, tighten them down.
If you snag, the leader will pop off and you can reconnect a fresh leader within :20 seconds you are back fishing. I pre-tie a few leaders while I am watching a TV show and put them on a card. This keeps me fishing and I don't have to tie on the bank. 1 lb. leaders on 2 lb. main line for live bait.

[GillnBrian]

after years of line twist with no REAL lasting solution I headed the advice from a local fishing forum and switched to crystal fireline.
Once the stuff is fished with for a while it is WONDERFUL.
I have noticed a huge difference in casting distance and its WAY less heartache than mono. I tie a flouro leader on it and sometimes dont need to retie all day.

[JP]

Is that fireline 4lb. braided. I use 4lb. stren mono but have had break offs with larger redears, thinking about switching to braid?

[GillnBrian]

yes its a braid...but its a bit different too. Check out the berkley website for info

[bob thomas]

I like the braid for strength and spray the spool with WD40 to improve casting distance.

[GillnBrian]

wow good idea, never heard of this. Have you seen any decrease in catch rate due to the smell of the wd40?

[Johnny wilkins]

I don't think adding oil to waters is ever a good idea. Also, I don't have the science to prove it but heavier line (with the oil added) should not cast as far. I would think that this would also coat your guides. Anytime I hear people spraying oil on crankbaits and equipment it gives me the creeps.