Should I Switch To Monofilament?

[Weld's Largemouth]

Hello there, I currently use 20 lb braid and I tie directly to the lure. I love the braid because of its strength and power but I always worry about whether the bass notice my visible line. Actually the other day I was tossing a jig on a bed and a bass grabbed the line about a foot away from the lure. He obviously saw it in the water. I used to use 12 lb mono but it lacked strength, especially for getting out of snags. Any mono over 12 lb is too thick and you can't get as much on the reel. I have thought about using a leader for my braid, but when you change lures the leader gets shorter and shorter. I have thought of using a clip at the end of the leader to change the lure but the bass will definitely see it....

Any suggestions?

[papajoe222]

I fish with braid on all but my cranking and topwater rods now. It's a confidence thing.  I don't buy into the notion that heavy or colored line 'spooks' fish.  For one thing, I fish the clearest water you could imagine and rarely have a fishless outing. For another, I believe that a fish's focus is, or should be, on your lure and not your line.

Just to give you an example; yesterday's outing netted me fourteen bass off of beds and my lure of choice was a shakey head with a four inch straight tailed worm.  I fished it on 30lb. braid dragging it onto the bed and shaking it there.  If my cast landed directly on the bed, the fish would spook and leave.  The line isn't what spooked those fish, it was the unexpected intrusion.

If you don't have confidence in my theory, I suggest using a leader with your braid.  You loose very little sensitivity and would possibly gain a lot of confidence in the line visibility debate, but don't try changing my mind, I'm a hard headed old fart.  You know how we are.

[0119]

You think a bass will recognize a snap?  Don't over think it.  That said I don't use braid because of many reasons one being visibility.  To each his own, I see braid only as stupid.  I catch tarpon upwards of 30#'s on 8 and 10# mono often so I don't see why you feel 12 is weak.  They are only bass.  So, why not a leader say 4 ft. of mono.  Braid to mono knots don't have to be complicated or difficult to tie.

[BassinLou]

In your particular case, I would keep the 20lb braid and then utilize the advantage of a fluroleader. I personally will not use a snap, but will make a longer leader. As far as the leader getting shorter and shorter, I always carry my leader spool with me. It only takes a couple of minutes to replace a new leader anyways. Not a big deal. 

[new2BC4bass]

My line of choice on MH rods is 12# mono.  Tough to break it.  I have landed a 35# fish on several years old 8# line.  I see no problem with 12# line and a 6# fish unless you are throwing into some pretty heavy cover.

[JayKumar]

Really depends on the bait and where you're throwing it -- cover, water color, how pressured is the lake, etc.  Nothing wrong with braid and a leader, most pros use that setup.  Would advise NOT to use a snap -- most aren't good quality so can break and/or not give the bait the right action, plus it's an extra expense.

[ChrisD46]

Braid with a fluoro leader using double uni knot ...For top water 12lb mono + braid and double uni knot.

* If throwing a Super Fluke then a small barrel swivel (Spro , P-Line) placed a few feet up the line prevents the Fluke from twisting your line ...Use a Trilene knot on the fluoro side and a palomar knot on the braid side (always tie the palomar knot first) . Oh heck , just buy a bulk spool of Big Game Moss Green mono and call it a day

[F14A-B]

The only reason I would really even use Braids/ super lines is sensitivity ... I don't use it... For me anyhow, mono, copolymer is plenty good enuff!

[bigbill]

I been using Excalibur silver thread copolymer for well over a decade now. I use ball bearing locking snap swivels too.

Enuff said never had a problem yet.

[Raul]

but when you change lures the leader gets shorter and shorter.

Any suggestions?

 

Tie another leader.

[WRB]

Couple questions; what rod/ reel are you using? And what makes you think a bass intentionally bit your line?

Tom