Why Braid?

[Balshy Fishing]

I don't own a boat, as I've said 100 times throughout my posts. 

 

With that being said, why is braid "preferred" over mono when using frogs or certain baits? I use Strenn 10lb mono and haven't had any issues yet--I think it's some of the best line.

 

I'm just curious, someone shed some light! 

[Bluebasser86]

The first time you hook a big bass on a frog in heavy slop you'll realize "why braid" The heavy weeds, large hooks, and big fish generally associated with frogging lends itself to braid. When a big bass grabs a frog and buries back up in the weeds just getting a hook set can be difficult. 

[papajoe222]

Braid has much more sensitivity for presentations that rely on feel, it has virtually no stretch and it cuts through weeds like a knife when a fish takes off into them.  With frog fishing it will get both your frog and the bass out of most of the thick stuff.

Fishing from shore, I wouldn't recommend braid . You'll get back many of the lures you snag, or bring in the snag with your lure but it's a lot easier to break your rod, or cut your hand when attempting to pull your lure out of a snag. You'll end up cutting your line and sooner or later someone is going to end up either getting caught up in that line left out there, or get it wrapped around their motor's shaft.

[tomustang]

Braid for sensitivity, grass cutting, strength to size ratio

[PersicoTrotaVA]

Why not?

[einscodek]

braid is needed to set the frog hook as it has no stretch compared to mono

hollow frog hookups are problematic and kudos to you if you can use mono and get the job done

but I dont see how it can be done effectively without losing fish esp with long casts and in the thick stuff the amount of pressure transmitted to the hookset via mono after the long stretch and potentially with weeds as obstruction drops dramatically compared to braid

[Fishes in trees]

According to your profile, you're 22.  I wish I knew as much now as I did when I was 22.  OK, snarky comments aside, I know it seems counter-intuitive, but there are times when heavy lines are the way to go.   Pappajoe222's post about using braid while bank fishing is extremely valid, more about saving your hands than randomly tearing up someones trolling motor down the line

 

I've run into wads of heavy mono with my trolling motor and believe me, it doesn't take braid to tear up seals on the lower unit of your trolling motor or your big motor for that matter.  Wads of line left in the water are more of an unthinking slob thing and less of an appropriate pound test thing.

 

I work in the wagering industry and it would be my bet, that if you continue your fishing learning curve, by the time you are 40 you will have a boat and have a better take on the whole braid/light line/pound test issue.  If you keep at it, continue your fishing learning curve, by the time you make geezer (60+) you'll be as ignorant as I am.   

[iceintheveins]

The first time you hook a big bass on a frog in heavy slop you'll realize "why braid" The heavy weeds, large hooks, and big fish generally associated with frogging lends itself to braid. When a big bass grabs a frog and buries back up in the weeds just getting a hook set can be difficult. 

 

X2

[BassinLou]

Braid has much more sensitivity for presentations that rely on feel, it has virtually no stretch and it cuts through weeds like a knife when a fish takes off into them.  With frog fishing it will get both your frog and the bass out of most of the thick stuff.

Fishing from shore, I wouldn't recommend braid . You'll get back many of the lures you snag, or bring in the snag with your lure but it's a lot easier to break your rod, or cut your hand when attempting to pull your lure out of a snag. You'll end up cutting your line and sooner or later someone is going to end up either getting caught up in that line left out there, or get it wrapped around their motor's shaft.

 

     Bassmaster magazine had a brief snippet on braid getting snagged while shoreline fishing several issues ago. I have since used the technique successfully. Basically the snippet stated utilizing an object to wrap the braid around on, providing safe leverage to pull your braid against to help dislodge your lure. For example a fallen tree branch. Let out extra line so not to break your rod tip and wrap the braid around the stick. Pull with the stick and that  way you do not run the risk of slicing your fingers. As this has happened to me more than I care to mention. 

    A second point that has helped me is, leaders. This is one case that clearly makes sense to me. If you get snagged, the leader will break way before the braid will. Just wanted to share info that I found helpful. 

[Raul]

Because of places like this:

 

 

Not saying you can´t fish it with nylon, FC or hybrid lines, but when you fish a place like that braid helps you .....uproot that danged mesquite where you hung up your 25 dollar Megabass crankbait ! and retrieve it.

[Jrob78]

I don't like braid for most techniques but the techniques that require braid, really do require braid and nothing else will do.  Frogging is definitely one of those techniques.  

[F14A-B]

I am not a big fan of braid, but I will use it if, if I really have to...

[OroBass]

I think its funny when people think they know more than others based on age LOL what a joke. Braid has a place and specific attributes that I believe can help you catch fish. Other conditions call for mono or fluorocarbon.

[SirSnookalot]

I prefer braid for everything.  The times I do fish mono it's just a matter of adapting, it really isn't a deal.

[John G]

If you are using braid from shore and you hang up, there is no reason to cut your line, break a rod or pull on braid with your bare hands. You can either carry a wooden dowel or procure a broken tree limb that is on the ground. Just wrap your braid around the limb or the dowel and pull. You will wither bend the hook, bring in the object that you are hung up on, free your lure or maybe break the braid at the knot.

[Cryoglobin]

The first time you hook a big bass on a frog in heavy slop you'll realize "why braid" The heavy weeds, large hooks, and big fish generally associated with frogging lends itself to braid. When a big bass grabs a frog and buries back up in the weeds just getting a hook set can be difficult. 

What he said.  Even if you do get a hook set in that situation, you'll usually end up hauling a pound of salad (feels like 10#s of fish) in addition to the fish.  Mono won't get it done.