Kenora

Unfortunately, all lines whether mono, co-polymer, flurocarbon or even brais are to one degree or another compromises. The limp and castable, abrasion resistant, sensitive, forgiving-controlled stretch, invisible all rolled into one line probably does not exist. If anyone knows of one, I would sure like to know. Barring this, I have to cotent myself with using the line that gives me the best combination of properties given the type of fishing I do. I like XL, but it is not ithout obvious limitations. But then the same could be said for any line. Maybe I am weird, but all lines I ever used were more or less ok (at least). Some are just a little better than some others in specific situations or techniques. :-/

Unlike many, I use almost any brand of reel. Most are Shimano. But let me say that Pflueger offers a very fine line of reels. Perhaps, more bang for the buck. Look at the IPT nuymbers on the Summit though. The wide spooled version has IPT numbers where you would expect a "burner" type reel to be - say 30-31" per turn of the handle. The narrow spool version does not come close, even though it has the same 7:1 ratio. The only thing that concerns me in many reels (not just Pflueger) is that of the use of a case hardened aluminum main gear. Durability problems down the line. Muddy, your Trions sport good solid brass/bronze gears. Should last almost forever.

Sufix Seige is more of a BC line. Sufix Elite is much more manageable on spinning reels.

The only precautions I take is when I go on the airlines. Here the risk is twofold. You have to protect yourself against the not so tender ministrations of the baggage handlers as well as the similarly unenlighted govt. TSA people. Bad tag team against fishing stuff, especially rods. to protect against this, put your rods in a rod socks. Thenput them in a strong, non-collapsing rod tube. I use SKB brand tubes. Never have collapsed. Put in enough rods to snuggly fit in the tube or put dunnage in to prevent movement. Helps tp tape the rods together also, so you do not have to worry about some TSA folks doing the cram and jam on the rods. Put the reel in a carry on box/bag and carry these on with you and not on checked luggage Hope this helps.

Did you back up your braid with mono or did you tie the braid direct to the spool. Braid's lack of stretch is something of a mixed blessing. If you try to tie direct to the spool, the lack of stretch prevents the line fromfirmly fixing itself to the spool. When you cast it rolls underneath and does not come off the spool. Hope this helps.

RW, I have used the XPS fluorocarbon line as well as YoZuri ultra soft. I use the XPS for drop shot (4 and 6 pound test) and shakey head (8 pound test). It is less manageable in all three than Ultra Soft. Acceptable, but not as manageable. The YoZuri holds knots much better as well. All the line weights above were on spinning gear - mostly Shimano Stradics and Sustains in sizes 2000 or 2500 (what other reels are there!!). Especially for casting presentations, I would favor the Ultra Soft. The abovementioned presentations do not require much in the way of casting as you well know.

The matter is not a joking type of thing. It is not only about the survival (more fish tomorrow) of many a fine trophy, but also has to do with the image we create amongst non-anglers. And believe me this is becoming a more important issue with each passing year. I think we all owe to each other and to the fish we catch to give them the best shot at survival. Fish released alive and in good condition means more fish tomorrow. Smallmouth, perhaps more than any other freshwater fish need our help. The agressivenesss which make them superb sport fish also puts them at risk.

Thanks for the welcome fellas. I have visited the forum so many times, so I decided to join in. As far as babless for more novice level fishermen, I think that barbless is more important than ever. I find that many more fish are deep or gut hooked by novices, in particularly with non-reaction type presentations. I find that using Senko type baits, flukes or worms that many new to the sport cannot always feel pick-ups and strikes and therefore set the hook too late. do they lose some - undoubtedly. End of the world - no, let's just find another. Are I/we/they disapp;pointed if they lose a fish? Of course. But there are always more. We can be happy that we figured out where the fish was, picked the right lure and presentation and enjoyed the fight right up to the end, even if it was a little premature.

With respect to using a barbed hook, you will lose a few more fish whether they jump or not. But to say that a barbed hook does not inflict more damage is silly. Would you rather have an injection with a needle or knitting needle? It is a matter of diameter. The benefits of barbless hooks is especially noticeable when a fish is gut hooked. To me the conservation upside for barbless far transcends a few lost fish, the thrill of a jump or any other consideration. I guide a 100+ days a year in addition to my own fishing. I can say that the number of fish caught and lost by barbless hooks is far less than the damage leading to death that is caused by barbed hooks.