I'm starting up my shopping list for getting rods and reels setup for the coming season. Looking for input on what types and brands of lines to look at. I'm a weekend warrior who doesn't tournament fish and needs to keep the budget in mind. The past I have used the following:
Mono - Trilene Big Game in 20 and 30 lb for riggers and backing on some of my cores and dipseys
Braided - 30 lb Fireline on Dipseys
Cores - Mason 27lb
Dacron backing on my full cores (they came this way rigged)
So here's a follow-up question... Dacron is essentially the same as Fireline right?
I do a lot of fishing with rookies and people who don't fish often, and kids. So I have always aired on the side of heavy line, like 30lb Mono. Last year I rigged some with 20lb without any noticable increase in breakoffs so I'm thinking I will go with 20lb this season.
So what feedback do you guys have on styles and or brands?
(I realize this is pretty open-ended)
Thanks!
The administrator has disabled public write access.
I think your right on. Dacron isn't the same as braid because the diameter vs breaking stregnth is different. example most 30# braids are 8# diameter. For brands of mono I have used both berkley big game and ande without seeing any difference between them.
Chris E. Emily Be Rycenga's Marina/Grand Haven
Chris E. Emily Be Rycenga's Marina/Grand Haven
The administrator has disabled public write access.
Patrick, Your choice of lines are just fine. I personally have never had a problem with the Berkley products and I use the Big game for leaders, sliders, etc. My braid dipseys are Fireline and that is on its 4th season. Dacron is not the same as braid. It lacks the kevlar/spectra fibers and is not nearly as strong. It will also eventually rot but makes a very good (inexpensive) backer. Good luck in the upcoming season,
Bill Brock Semper FIsh Sportfishing Team Boat.. Just Right
The administrator has disabled public write access.
The other problem with dracon is that it has a bit larger diameter. As another posted it absorbs water which allows it to rot after a year or three. Fireline is better, or any braid for that matter.
Rob Horst Red Hook Charters
The administrator has disabled public write access.
I prefer dacron as backing because it won't slip through a planer board release like super line does. Never had an issue with it rotting even after several years' use. Of course if you need the thinner diameter to get more line on the reel, go with fireline. I just use bigger reels. Bigger = more mechanical advantage = easier to crank full cores and copper.
The administrator has disabled public write access.
I have been using Cortland Spectre IV braid the last couple years. I use 50# for the divers and although its not as small of a diameter compared to Power Pro braid, it has proven to be tough stuff. I like it. Also, its $150 for 2500 yards instead of 1500 like PP. Not sure if there are smaller spools, I would assume there would be. 50# diameter is about equal to 12-14# mono instead of 10 or so like PP
www.salmonheadcharters.com
The administrator has disabled public write access.
I am a weekender myself and always have at least 1 guestand quite often a rookie.. I used to use all 15 lb.Trilene big game but did up to 17 this past year(really good deal).Never really had an issue as long as you let the drag do the work.
The administrator has disabled public write access.
In the past I have always just used Mono as backing, sounds like you guys are useing the Dacron as backing due to cost and that it's smaller than mono?
The administrator has disabled public write access.
smaller than mono so you can fit more yards of backing on and you don't need to replace it hardly ever as opposed to mono. just put a couple wraps of mono on 1st or electrical tape then the dacron or superbraid so it doesn't slip around the spool.
The administrator has disabled public write access.
Mission Statement : Educated Angler will continue to be the premiere Great Lakes Fishing Resource, including fishing message boards, fishing reports covering Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake St. Clair, Lake Superior and tributaries, fishing chat, Great Lakes fisheries news, fishing links, and Great Lakes webcams. Membership will remain free and offer photo galleries, homepages, and a passionate community of salmon, steelhead, lake trout, walleye, bass, perch, pike, and muskie anglers.
