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Time for relining my reels, and am thinking about giving something different a try. Been a Stren/Ande mono guy for years. Was wondering what the experts' thoughts on differences between mono and braided line, and brands.

Will be relatively light (8-12 lbs) for inshore fishing. Appreciate your input.

I've gone almost exclusely to braid...because of the smaller diameter. I am almost completely satisfied. If it wasn't for the knoting on my spinning reels...I would say...completely. The added strength for the smaller size is my primary reasons. It's nice to snach a good size trout into the boat...and don't use that infernal dip net...when I'm using a topwater lure....without fearing the line will break.

Braid

Start with 20lb test. Use stren knot for the leader. You will have some issues to start wth, but overtime, I bet you'll like it. I use it on all my reels.

Reel Slow wrote:Braid

Start with 20lb test. Use stren knot for the leader. You will have some issues to start wth, but overtime, I bet you'll like it. I use it on all my reels.

RS,
20 lb? Never used that heavy of line for trout/reds, but then again, I don't catch the fish you do. Wondering why so heavy to start?

Ron,

The 20lb braid is about 6lb mono diameter. Doesn't wind knot as bad as the 10lb test braid, which is great for casting distance, but will drive you nuts with wind knots until you get used to it. I use 15 and 20 for all but when I want to use very light lures.

I use the stren knot with 15 or 20 lb flourocarbon leader

One more thing, my experience with braid is that over time wind knots become less of a problem as the line "breaks in"....

Give it a try

I've mostly used braid for the past 4-5 years. 8, 10, and 15# Sufix Performance Braid is my choice now for inshore duty. For heavier stuff I use a mix of Sufix and Tuf-Line. I've never had a problem with the knots in braid that many speak of. Closing the bail by hand and not just turning the handle helps a lot. A good rod with proper guide placement doesn't hurt either though.

Nathan

I have been slowly transitioning to braid, with a floro leader. It takes a bit to get used to it, but I like it.

Braid Braid Braid. Best thing for my fishing in 30 years.
It sent me back to knot school but we all ought to visit the knot school once in awhile anyway. I use 10 on my Shimmanos, which reminds me, "lesser" reels don't handle it well.

I have used 12# and sometimes 15# mono dark green Berkley Big Game since 1995. And will continue to use it until they stop making it.

Ty one on wrote:I have used 12# and sometimes 15# mono dark green Berkley Big Game since 1995. And will continue to use it until they stop making it.

Mono here, I have used braid, but haven't seen any advantage..though I consider the braid not being transparent as a disadvantage.

I have used Spiderwire XXX Mono for the last three years "17#" for inshore and freshwater, I love it

Like Ty, I love the green 12lb. big game. But when casting light baits, its hard to beat braid. I put Suffix 10 lb. braid on my curado 100 for casting light suspending hardbaits and suffix 20lb. on my spheros spinning reel for casting unweighted soft jerkbaits.

Thanks all. Think I am going to continue with mono, but spin a 1-2 reels with braid to try out.

Im going to buy some of this Suffix stuff when my Power Pro supply runs out. Might take a while. Just replaced 6lb PLine Folorclear with 10/2 Power Pro on a 2500 size spinner this evening. Non braided line on that rig was throwing off my marksmanship.