Experiences with braid vs. mono

[flatfish]

I had some poor experiences with braid a few years ago, but this summer I put some Suffix braid on a couple of Stradics and was really impressed. It was a much better experience this time. With mono, I pretty much changed it out for each big trip or about every 30 days or so during the season. My question to the group here is; how often do you change the braid? I keep the rods and reels stored away from sunlight and so far after 6 months, it still looks good and has absolutely no memory. How long will this stuff last before it needs to be replaced? Anyone have any guidance? Thanks ! Flatfish.

[Reel Cowboy]

I've got one reel that spooled with Sufix braid that is at least a year old but another that looks like it's seen it's best days after 6 months.
If I'm throwing anything with trebles, I use mono and I change it every 6 trips or so.

[fishinfool]

Flatfish,
The story I hear is braid (spectra fiber) lines are not affected by UV light like mono. I started using Power pro at the first of the year because I too had a bad experience with braid some years back. I have had no deterioration problems. I have had guides tell me that the only affect light and time have is on the dye that colors the line. It fades over time. Some use their extra spool and change ends on their line after the "season". Approximately yearly. After two years they change the line. I am planning to follow that schedule if there are no ill affects from time and use. I am still getting used to the differences and dealing with wind knots. One of the things I have done that helps lots, is to lay my line out behind the boat with nothing on the end for a minute to remove any twist. At a high idle I crank it slowly back onto the reel. This puts it on with adequate tension and no twist. Closing the bail manually with my spinning reel also helps tons.
I have been reading about the new Suffix 832 braid. It is supposed to be smoother, rounder and quieter than other super lines. It also has Goretex fiber in it to help reduce water absorption. I am looking forward to trying it soon. It won an award at this year's ICAST show.
Personally I am in favor of the braid. I like the increased sensitivity and more positive hookups.
I hope that was of any help at all,
FF

[red_yakker]

I've had the same Stradic for about 4 years. I just changed the braid (powerpro) on it last Spring for the first time, not because I was losing fish, but because I just felt that it was time to change. I strip the last 50 feet or so off ever-so-often when the line color has faded to the point that I think it affects the number of strikes I get. The line underneath usually looks brand new.

[Reel Cowboy]

I am still getting used to the differences and dealing with wind knots. One of the things I have done that helps lots, is to lay my line out behind the boat with nothing on the end for a minute to remove any twist. At a high idle I crank it slowly back onto the reel. This puts it on with adequate tension and no twist. Closing the bail manually with my spinning reel also helps tons.

I've got something that can help you with that as well. PM or e-mail me

[Reel Cowboy]

I strip the last 50 feet or so off ever-so-often when the line color has faded to the point that I think it affects the number of strikes I get. The line underneath usually looks brand new.

Here's a tip a guide friend of mine shared, take a marker and go over the line that's faded. The line is still good, it's just the color that's gone.

[One Keeper]

I strip the last 50 feet or so off ever-so-often when the line color has faded to the point that I think it affects the number of strikes I get. The line underneath usually looks brand new.

Here's a tip a guide friend of mine shared, take a marker and go over the line that's faded. The line is still good, it's just the color that's gone.

I just turn the line around on the spool when it starts to fade. Your always gonna have 60 or 70 yards of line that's never used.

[red_yakker]

Here's a tip a guide friend of mine shared, take a marker and go over the line that's faded. The line is still good, it's just the color that's gone.

I like that. Never thought of trying to re-dye it. Makes sense with the high cost of braided lines.

[flatfish]

I was wondering about the fade. The outer layers of braid are faded, but when fishing it looks normal again. I agree that closing the bail manually each time is a huge factor in keeping wind knots down to a minimum. I have not had to "troll" my braid yet, but often have to do the mono, even if it is only a month old or so. I am encouraged about the comments on age, so with the cost of braid, it makes my wallet feel better that it could last much longer and be more cost effective than it might appear. I might be a convert yet.

[silverking]

Braid is white originally and the dye is added with a small amount of wax, according to a knowledgeable guide I've fished with a couple times. Because of that, the line becomes more limp with time as the wax breaks down. For this reason, he only uses white and has seen no noticeable difference in bites. This is a guy who regularly catches big snook and trout over double digits in the Stuart area.

I've followed his advice and now spool white Power Pro on my charter rods/Stradic reels. It does cast better and with a fluorocarbon leader, I haven't noticed any strike drop-off, either. But if you're a stickler for colored lines, the marker trick is a great solution.

Closing the bail manually is the best way to reduce wind knots, as noted already.

[Reel Cowboy]

Closing the bail manually is the best way to reduce wind knots, as noted already.

Using a smaller guide that applies just the slightest bit of tension on the retrieve helps as well.

[Harmsway]

The thing about braid is that it lasts too long. I sorta want to try out different types, but it is just too expensive to change out on a whim (most of the time ). Yeah, I'm planning to try out the Sufix 832 because I'm a fan of both
Sufix and Gore. I know South Georgia Outdoors in Cairo is going to carry it.