Line Preferences

[Hinsdale]

I purchased my first helium last winter, and did some upgrading on a lot of my equipment.

One of my biggest adjustments was switching from Monofiliment to Power Pro. Power-Pro+Helium Rod=Unmatched sensitivity. I went from 6lb mono....to 10 pound strength 2 lb diameter PowerPro. The lake I fish is moderately stained so line color isn't crucial most of the time.

Wandering what is everbody's favorite line setups on their Kistler Rods....or any other rods for that matter.

[TTCal]

Hinsdale,

I use either flourcarbon or copolymer lines primarily. I love the sensitivity of fused and braided lines (Berkeley Fireline is my favorite), but the sound the line makes going through your guides has grown to annoy me. In addition, the line is almost too limp making tying and retying a pain in the rear.

Flourocarbon lines, like Seaguar Carbon Pro, are also super low stretch lines, but have better abrasion resistance and are virtually invisible under water. Even if you're fishing in waters where this doesn't matter, it's a nice feature to have at your advantage. Because Flourcarbon lines are low stretch, they too, are very sensitive lines.

For copolymers, my favorites are P-line flouroclear and Yozuri Hybrid. Yozuri has incredible tensile strength while P-Line Flouroclear has a slightly smaller diameter.

I've used PowerPro and can't say i care for it very much for the simple fact I don't appreciate the way the finish flakes off so easily and gets all over my nice equipment. It has a real strong following, but it's just not a line for me.

SD

[Andy]

Hinsdale,
Fishing in Minnesota & California is different than here in Texas, but I've just spent an entire season trying new lines and new rods, and you are right!!! The helium rods with any line are sensitive. The first time I cast my new helium, when the weight hit the bottom, I set the hook. What a difference!!! But back to line. I've tried several different flourocarbons and copolymers and I have to agree with sdesign, my favorite is p-line, and I'll never tie on Vanish again. I spooled all new Vanish and went to Sam Rayburn the next morning and lost probably my biggest bass ever and my biggest to date is 11-3!!! I also use the fireline, and the noise is irratating, but I've gooten use to it. After using spiderwire for so long, fireline is quite. I wish I had known about this forum sooner, I could have saved a lot of time and money, and maybe landed that fish. But luckily I got here before going through reels. After TDX debate, I've gotten some very sound advice, and some very nice reels. TDX, TDZ (2) Scorpion & castaic.

[Hinsdale]

Funny you mention PLine, I tried Flouroclear this spring, and had memory problems on the one spool I used.
I use a lot of flourocarbon for leaders. I use the P-LIne CSX pony spool or something like that, nice put a little spendy.

I am going to put some flourocarbon on my baitcaster this weekend for deep running cranks. Is there a flourocarbon that is known for LOW Memory? I cant stand the coils.

It's always good to switch it up. I kid you not I fished Trilene 6-8 lb xl/xt line for 15+ years. Just now am I using equipment to my advantage like high quality rods, reels, and line. These TDX reels everybody likes are nice but out of my budget...yet. I do use all Daiwa Capricorns on my spinning reels. Very nice reels. I like Daiwa over Shimano.

[earthworm77]

I use three lines for my fishing

Yo Zuri Hybrid-This copolymer/fluoro combo is super strong. I fished 2 complete tournament seasons by throwing nothing but 6lb and only broke it once. Great line and I'm looking forward to their new softer formula.

Sea King Ultra- This is a super line along the lines of Fireline. While not a true braid, it is a twisted nylon/micro Dyneema line that is super strong. I like it alot and switched to it when Power Pro started to fail me.

Fluoro- Although I hate to admit that I use any Berkley product, I love Vanish. I use it on my jig rods and it fills the bill nicely. Clarity, strength and did I mention strength?

Occassionally I will use Bagley's Super Silver Thread for my lighter fishing. Good stuff but not as good as the old formula.

[AustinBass]

I've never had luck with P-Line, knots break too easy and the line kinks like crazy. I respool often, and have had the best luck with 12lb big game. The only breakage problems I ever have are when I wait too long to respool, and have had a few backlashes on a reel. I use green Big Game, the clear seems to be prone to breakage. I've pulled crankbaits through lilly pads on Rayburn and other lakes with no problem, and had fish ball up in deep grass and still come to the boat. When I c-rig or pitch the big jig, it's 50lb Power Pro for me. I usually use a 20# flourocarbon leader on a c-rig (if its in thick grass)

I lost a lot of fish trying to find something better than Big Game. Various flavors of P-Line, Cajun red line, several flourocarbons. I always come back to Big Game...