Braid Line Vs Mono

[Tburkett]

Is braid really that much harder to cast than mono. I want to try power pro slick braid but that is a lot of money to spend if I don't like it

[Darren.]

Is braid really that much harder to cast than mono. I want to try power pro slick braid but that is a lot of money to spend if I don't like it

 

Harder to cast? Not in my opinion. As I've stated in other posts along similar lines, all my spinning is setup with braid. Just no comparison. Stuff is easy as all get out to manage.

 

Also use it on my main baitcasting outfits. I'll use various line as a leader. Love braid.

[Tburkett]

Thanks ...I have heard about spooling it on spinning reels. I should have been more clear on that. I was referring to baitcasting

[Long Mike]

Have you tried doing a forum search on this topic?  Better yet, have you tried reading the articles posted in the Fishing Articles section of this website?  There is so much information available that it will blow your mind.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Yeah, I think it's easier to cast. And certainly more manageable if you get a birds nest. Also there is no memory like mono so if using a spinning reel you won't get the line peeling off when you open the bale. I'm gonna get that new slick 8 too. I use the regular pp and its excellent braid other than being a little noisy.

[islandbass]

I think that perception exists out there, and although I don't agree with it, I think that conclusion is drawn partly due to the failure of those who reach that conclusion after making an initial apples to apples comparison between braid and monofilament (nylon).

 

I think one issue that isn't on their radar, is not factoring the difference in diameter between mono and braid of the same strength.  For example, if the are accustomed to using 10# mono, they might go into the store to buy 10# braid because they'd  want to use line of the same strength, right?  At least on baitcasters, this has the potential to invite trouble to the party.

 

It is a given that the thinner the diameter of a given line like mono, the greater the potential for the line to cause trouble.  Most of us, who usually use general purpose casting reels not intended for thin diameter lines usually don't go less that 8# mono on a casting reel.

 

So here they are, with their newly purchased 10# braid and what they might forget to consider is that 10# braid has the mono equivalent diameter of about 2# test. Now, you know they would never ever willingly or knowingly spool their casting reel with 2# test, but upon purchasing 10# braid, effectively, they will.

 

Braid has another unique feature or trait.  The thinner it is, the more it has the potential to "dig into" itself whenever the angler applies enough force to his or her rig.  This is less of an issue from 30# up when in use by those with more experience with braid.

 

So, if the choose a braid whose diameter is closer to what they are accustomed to using in mono, this "trouble" with braid practically becomes a non-issue.

 

Also, don't forget to use a method that anchors your braid to your spool to prevent slipping. If you don't, you're going to think your drag has failed, and you don't want to be in a situation where your braid is slipping on the spool and you have the fish of a lifetime on, lol.  I use a bit of mono to anchor the braid to the spool.  Some use tape, and some even tie the braid to the spool through the holes.

[LgMouthGambler]

Easier for me.

[Darren.]

Thanks ...I have heard about spooling it on spinning reels. I should have been more clear on that. I was referring to baitcasting

 

That's ok. Reason I mentioned both, assumed you could've meant either. Some good comments in the thread from the other guys.

 

Can be an expensive mess if you don't put a strip of electrical tape across the spool after your furthest cast. That way you only nest the length of that cast...

[Teal]

Long mike had good advice. Read up on it. I use braid on as main line on 2/3 of my rods.

Braid has a lot of pros and a few cons. The cons can be reduced or eliminated with a few tricks.

The braids we use today cast well. It is much more abrasion resistant and doesnt have near the memory or twists that mono or fluoro has. Braid also has nearly no stretch at all. Braid also will last alot long than mono or fluoro

Braid also has tendencies to slip on the spool. Most guys just spool on some cheap mono and then connect the braid to the mono and finish spooling the braid. Half and half is a good measurement. Just dont fill the braid (or any line) to the top, leave your self 1/8-1/4 inch. Using the backing also allows you to cut down on how much braid you are actuallyy usings. This saves money on braid!

The first time you set the hook hard on a fish, braid can dig into the spool. This can be solved by using the tape method. But i found it easier just ease off of my drag just a bit. (This is one of those things that everyone has an opinion on and will get alot of different responses.) But that works for me.

Some online sources advise people to step back on the power of their rods to make up for the lack of stretch in the line to keep from digging and from ripping the lure from the fishes mouth. I dont do that, like i said i set the drag and ease it off just a little bit from where i normally would. But not too much.

Use fluoro or mono leaders if and when you need them. 5' is a good length. Alberto knot.

[J Francho]

I don't really see a difference between the two, as far as "harder to cast." 

[jhoffman]

Im putting braid on every baitcaster I have. I tried mono, fluro... that line memory drives me insane. I dont want to soak my spool every fifteen mins in $9 armor all to cure it.

[J Francho]

Sounds like hyperbole to me.  To each his own.  They are both tools, and have purpose in my fishing needs.  Some things I would not dream of using braid for, others I wouldn't be without it.

[skeletor6]

For me braid is much tougher than any line to cast when its windy out. The line blows all over the place during the cast and while it sits on top of the water floating.

[CTGalloway21]

I eased into braid by starting on one baitcaster.   At first, it can be tricky with backlashes until you get your brakes tuned properly.  Once I got the easy casts under control, it was easy.  I am in the process of switching back to Mono or Fluoro for everything except for my pitching rod.  When you get a tangle in braid, you will not get it out.  I had to cut line deep in the spool multiple times.  Mono is easier to deal with as far as tangles, etc cause diameter is normally larger.  

[LgMouthGambler]

Im putting braid on every baitcaster I have. I tried mono, fluro... that line memory drives me insane. I dont want to soak my spool every fifteen mins in $9 armor all to cure it.

Works great, can always use a leader if needed.

[Capt.Bob]

Like mentioned use the same diameter of braid you are with mono and you will be happier with the braid, and I always use a leader! either fluoro or mono.

[CTGalloway21]

I have stopped using braid except for heavy pitching.  I always use a leader except for pitching heavy cover.  Fish can see braided line.  You will still catch fish but overall catch more fish with a leader.  

[Long Mike]

I eased into braid by starting on one baitcaster.   At first, it can be tricky with backlashes until you get your brakes tuned properly.  Once I got the easy casts under control, it was easy.  I am in the process of switching back to Mono or Fluoro for everything except for my pitching rod.  When you get a tangle in braid, you will not get it out.  I had to cut line deep in the spool multiple times.  Mono is easier to deal with as far as tangles, etc cause diameter is normally larger.  

 

I have to disagree.  I have never failed to remove a backlash from any braid I was using.  I may have to retire the reel for the day, but am always able to remove the backlash.  It just takes patience.  My worst backlash took me over two hours to remove.  The great thing about braid is that you don't damage the line when removing the backlash.

[BrettD]

I have found braid cast easier and definitly is easier to get back lashes out of. I use 30# braid minimum on baitcaster any lighter the diameter is to small and I have problems with the line digging into the spool to easy.