FryDog62

I know I saw a couple Z-7's and thought those were a little small for the elite level guys ... but it looks like they are on smaller bodies of water in MLF than your typical FLW formats. Levels the playing field to all have the same set up. Interesting format ~

"And if Mike drove a Chevy, he'd be on time." TOUCHE' !!

Here's an important thing to think about when comparing the MotorGuide xi5 and iPilot Terrova.... Both have a "spot-lock" or electronic anchor feature, and it is one of the best inventions IMO in fishing electronics. I use it constantly. That being said, the criticism with the iPilot Terrova is that it doesn't hold as close to the anchor spot as it is marketed to be (5 feet). Some days it is 5 feet and some days it could be 20+ feet radius from the spot. The new Motorguide xi5 is reported to have a much better processor and interface with the satellite technology and really holds the spot much closer. My friends at the big box stores have told me the folks at Johnson/MinnKota are well aware of this and are adding new processors to the trolling motors to tighten up the anchor radius. The new Ulterra has this new processor but the standard iPilot Link Terrova will not until next year... This may have an impact on when you want to buy and which product... FYI ~

Yeah, he's one of the original Hummingbird guys and has signature models now. Hence my surprise to see him in a boat decked out with Lowrance. Must just be an MLF thing. Awkward, but sponsors are probably a little more flexible on these things with certain elite-level pros. Seeing it was kind of like watching Mike Rowe show up in a Silverado

I caught a few minutes of a recent MLF tournament... and thought I saw KVD was using Lowrance on his boat. Has he switched over from Hummingbird, or is that just a different set up he uses for MLF tournaments?

"What are the advantages of mono over floro for swimbaits?" Mono will usually have less stretch than comparable fluorocarbon. On long casts this can make a big difference on hook up ratio...

I just bought an Avid X bait casting rod - 6'-8" Medium XF. Agree with he above poster about the guides, they seem perfect. Love this rod for throwing plastics and jerk baits. Bought it after looking at *** Black. More expensive but more sensitive, lighter. I also have a Rage spinning rod of the same length and tip action. Great blank but the grip is flawed - the handle is nice but 4 of your 5 fingers are on the reel seat or threads, and not even on the grip itself.

Does the tail float up?

Looking for recommendations on what worms people are using on their stand-up jig heads? And do you prefer worms where the tail floats up, or the heavily salted worms that are more horizontal but "undulate?" In the past I have used the Havoc Bottom Hopper worms - 4.75 and 6.25 inch that really float up nicely. However, they are not as salty or flavored as some other brands (I know from biting a few tips off Anyway, I like the Bottom Hoppers, but did an inventory of my plastics and am getting low on worms. If I'm going to re-order, or try something different - now's the time to ask for input. Thanks, -Fry

"You could also spool up the line, fish it, and arrive at a truly informed opinion as to how the line works for you. Line choice is VERY personal, and it's difficult to quantify with data exactly what characteristics make a line better." Exactly its all personal preference so thankfully there are a couple hundred different line options out there for people to try... And personal experience is what led me to testing various lines. I heard KVD state more than a couple times that XPS is low stretch, so that was my first fluorocarbon purchase. On a smallmouth trip to Rainy Lake with a friend I couldn't believe how many fish I missed on long casts where I couldn't set the hook fast enough. It was like setting the hook with a rubber band. My fishing partner was catching plenty of fish and having a lot of fun with my misfortune. Later that day I switched over to Trilene XT and there was a huge difference. Don't think I missed another fish the next 3 days (and the XT was very soaked in water). Since then I have been in search of a good fluorocarbon with low stretch and that was the first time I thought I need to test these lines independently to back up what I thought I was experiencing first hand.

I should add that when you really stretch lines to their outer limits (8 pound weight on 8 lb test lines) you really see the great variations in lines. I know, most people aren't catching 8 pound fish on a regular basis - so would these tests be more real world with a 4 pound weight? Maybe, but I think the measurements would all be closer together and therefore maybe not as helpful in trying to distinguish one line versus another. And in this case, I think it was also helpful to test strength of the lines when maxed out. Some lines couldn't handle the pressure and snapped.

First, ...no I don't work for Yo-Zuri and any line manufacturer. I'm just an avid amateur that has been confused by all the different lines - and claims the manufacturers (and pro's) make regarding lines. I read reviews, Tackle Tour, etc.. and just decided I needed to conduct some independent tests on my own with the lines I use. I think you are potentially right on the water absorption question - would mono stretch more over time when wet... Probably, yes? But would Trilene XT at 21 inches stretch then stretch more than its cousin Berkley 100% fluorocarbon at 38 inches? I think there would be some subtle variations but I'm not convinced it would be that much. Next winter when I get bored I may conduct some tests with lines that have been soaked first. I did point out Yo-Zuri Hybrid as a potential choice since they at least market their line that it does not absorb water. However, there may be others worth trying too. I wonder if some of the "tough coat" monos like Trilene XT, or Sufix Siege would resist water absorption. More stuff to test I guess next year. My wife thinks I'm nuts hanging string and weights from our vaulted ceiling. I guess thats what cabin fever will do to a guy who lives through loooong winters in Minnesota!

All the lines were 8 pound test and were dry for the testing. I think the jury is out whether wet lines would make a big difference but maybe some. If you are concerned about absorbing water, try Yozuri Hybrid which does not soak up water or UV.

I'm using both lines now. Yo-Zuri is a slightly thicker, tougher line. CX is thinner and probably better for more finesse applications.

Its been posted previously, but here is the stretch test I conducted recently that seems to indicate that fluorocarbon is NOT low stretch: I used a 12 foot piece of each line and hung an 8 pound weight to see how much each line stretched in inches. Below are the results - least stretch to most stretch. All Lines Tested Trilene XT (Mono) 21-1/4 inches of stretch Yo-Zuri Hybrid (Co-polymer) 22-1/8 Sufix Seige (Mono) 22-5/8 P-Line CX Premium (Co-polymer) 23-1/2 Maxima Treazure (Co-polymer) 24-1/2 Trilene XL (Mono) 24-3/4 Tectan Superior (Mono) 25-7/8 Berkley Sensation (Mono) 26-1/8 Sunline Sniper (Fluorocarbon) 26-1/2 Gamma Touch (Fluorocarbon) 29-1/4 Original Blue Stren (Mono) 29-3/4 Gamma Edge (Fluorocarbon) 31-0** Bass Pro XPS (Fluorocarbon) 31-3/4* Stren 100% (Fluorocast) 31-3/4* Seaguar Tatsu (Fluorocarbon) 32-3/4 P-Line 100% (Fluorocarbon) 33-0* Seaguar Invizx (Fluorocarbon) 36-0** Berkley 100% (Fluorocarbon) 38-3/8 *Line snapped once and was re-tested ** Line snapped twice - length estimated Broken Down By Line Type 3 Co-polymer lines average stretch: 23.4 inches 6 Monofilament lines average stretch: 25.1 inches 9 fluorocarbon lines average stretch: 32.2 inches Line Diameter Line diameter can have an effect on stretch, but 9 of these lines all had the same diameter (.009 inches). Those lines are broken out below. The overall results are similar for the 3 different line types. P-Line CX Premium (Co-polymer) 23-1/2 Maxima Treazure (Co-polymer) 24-1/2 Tectan Superior (Mono) 25-7/8 Berkley Sensation (Mono) 26-1/8 Sunline Sniper (Fluorocarbon) 26-1/2 Gamma Touch (Fluorocarbon) 29-1/4 Bass Pro XPS (Fluorocarbon) 31-3/4* Seaguar Tatsu (Fluorocarbon) 32-3/4 Seaguar Invizx (Fluorocarbon) 36-0** Overall observations Newer Co-polymer lines being marketed specifically as “low stretch” for the most part seem to be accurate. Fluorocarbon tends to be the line with most stretch. Monofilament tends to be somewhere in the middle, although those with a thicker diameter (i.e. Trilene XT .011 and Sufix Seige .010) did stretch less. Line diameter may have an effect on the stretch of certain lines, but overall, lines of the same diameter seem to reflect that Co-polymer and Monofilament lines still stretch less than Fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon lines tend to break easier when stretched to their maximum breaking strength. In addition, once stretched it deforms from it original state, whereas mono/co-poly returns to its original form. If you are concerned non-fluorocarbon lines absorb water and stretch more over time, try one of the low stretch lines like Yo-Zuri Hybrid that don't absorb water.

I don't disagree with anything you stated A-Jay. Much of the advantages of fluorocarbon are exaggerated, but at 2x the cost, line manufacturers will continue to promote over mono.

Many of the fluorocarbon lines snapped in the stretch tests, and even those that didn't turned into a stretched and coiled up slinky. The mono and co-polymers for the most part went back to their original shape. Don't get me wrong, there are a few applications I will still use fluorocarbon (as a leader on braid, or when drop-shotting in gin clear water) but IMO it should never be marketed as a low stretch line.

In all my stretch tests, I have yet to find a fluorocarbon line that doesn't stretch more than a mono or co-polymer of the same pound test. If you argue that non fluorocarbon lines absorb water and become stretchier over time, then buy Yo-Zuri Hybrid that has significantly less stretch than 100% fluorocarbon and does not absorb water.

Yo-Zuri Hybrid: absolutely. Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft: never.

I see a couple people above referenced that fluorocarbon has less stretch. It really doesn't, actually most monos and co-polymers have less stretch than fluorocarbon. Don't buy into the marketing hype. So when is fluorocarbon an advantage? If you need sink rate (it is more dense than mono)...so bottom contact applications it can be an advantage. Or second, if you are tying a leader to braid. Braid has zero stretch so sometimes adding a fluorocarbon leader will give a little more forgiveness on hard hook sets so you don't rip it out of the fish's mouth. As a main line... I don't use it any more, too often ends up in overrides, rats nests, lost fishing time...

I had the same problem too when I started using micro guides. I messed around with different knots, went with shorter leaders, etc.. The braid main line was great because its low stretch, but it was a little too high visibility at times. The short leader didn't seem to make it stealthy enough. Sometimes fish are just line shy. I grew tired of tying knots, and then started throwing straight fluorocarbon (however, too many rats nests.) So I switched to 12 pound Yo-Zuri Hybrid. For me its working well, it actually has very low stretch (not as low as braid but better than fluorocarbon) it is low viz, and very abrasion resistant. Now I'm not sitting in the boat tying knots all day or getting stuck in the guides. Seems to work for me anyway, just my 2 cents... sometimes simpler is better ~

X2 - especially in colder spring water with long pauses after jerks...

Wish like heck I'd have taken a picture but I was on my way to Lac Seul in Ontario about 10 years ago - and saw a 20 foot Ranger on the back of a fully restored, jacked up, with custom/modified engine coming out of the hood, mag wheels, etc - GTO muscle car from the 1970's.

Maybe some day there will be a centralized governing body that does all line testing consistently for stretch, breaking strength, sensitivity, etc.... But that sounds too much like big government and we need less of that You're right, its best to test things out and see what works for you best. I think too often we as fishermen (including myself) get stuck on one line or one method and settle in before learning about other maybe more viable options.

I'll again post my own independent stretch test I conducted recently. After years of anecdotal opinions about what stretches more or less, I decided to test my own lines and see what the actual results were. I truly think that no line is marketed harder for being less stretch than fluorocarbon. Yet, these results seem to suggest at a minimum, that may not always be the case: I used a 12 foot piece of each line and hung an 8 pound weight to see how much each line stretched in inches. Below are the results - least stretch to most stretch. All Lines Tested Trilene XT (Mono) 21-1/4 inches of stretch Yo-Zuri Hybrid (Co-polymer) 22-1/8 Sufix Seige (Mono) 22-5/8 P-Line CX Premium (Co-polymer) 23-1/2 Maxima Treazure (Co-polymer) 24-1/2 Trilene XL (Mono) 24-3/4 Tectan Superior (Mono) 25-7/8 Berkley Sensation (Mono) 26-1/8 Sunline Sniper (Fluorocarbon) 26-1/2 Gamma Touch (Fluorocarbon) 29-1/4 Original Blue Stren (Mono) 29-3/4 Gamma Edge (Fluorocarbon) 31-0** Bass Pro XPS (Fluorocarbon) 31-3/4* Stren 100% (Fluorocast) 31-3/4* Seaguar Tatsu (Fluorocarbon) 32-3/4 P-Line 100% (Fluorocarbon) 33-0* Seaguar Invizx (Fluorocarbon) 36-0** Berkley 100% (Fluorocarbon) 38-3/8 * Line snapped once and was re-tested ** Line snapped twice - length estimated Broken Down By Line Type 3 Co-polymer lines average stretch: 23.4 inches 6 Monofilament lines average stretch: 25.1 inches 9 fluorocarbon lines average stretch: 32.2 inches Line Diameter Line diameter can have an effect on stretch, but 9 of these lines all had the same diameter (.009 inches). Those lines are broken out below. The overall results are similar for the 3 different line types. P-Line CX Premium (Co-polymer) 23-1/2 Maxima Treazure (Co-polymer) 24-1/2 Tectan Superior (Mono) 25-7/8 Berkley Sensation (Mono) 26-1/8 Sunline Sniper (Fluorocarbon) 26-1/2 Gamma Touch (Fluorocarbon) 29-1/4 Bass Pro XPS (Fluorocarbon) 31-3/4* Seaguar Tatsu (Fluorocarbon) 32-3/4 Seaguar Invizx (Fluorocarbon) 36-0** Overall observations Newer Co-polymer lines being marketed specifically as “low stretch” for the most part seem to be accurate. Fluorocarbon tends to be the line with most stretch. Monofilament tends to be somewhere in the middle, although those with a thicker diameter (i.e. Trilene XT .011 and Sufix Seige .010) did stretch less. Line diameter may have an effect on the stretch of certain lines, but overall, lines of the same diameter seem to reflect that Co-polymer and Monofilament lines still stretch less than Fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon lines tend to break easier when stretched to their maximum breaking strength. These were dry line tests and there is an argument that mono absorbs water over time and that may cause those lines to stretch more. That may or may not be true. My recommendation for those that want a low stretch line that doesn't absorb water is to try Yo-Zuri Hybrid. I'm not sponsored by them, but I have spooled them up on a majority of my lines for the coming season. -Fry