Braid With What Mono

[Green Trout]

I use 40 lb braid and like to use a monofilament leader. I swing when I set the hook hard. What size and brand should I use?

[gulfcaptain]

Depends on what you want to fish.  I fish braid on all my rods, topshots are dictated by conditions, and drag set accordingly.  Just because I have 30lb braid doesn't mean I can't fish 10lb mono topshots.  You just have to make sure your drag is set right.

[gulfcaptain]

And it doesn't matter what mono you fish, if you swing for the fences on braid then you're gonna break a few off or pull hooks.....my drag slips if I swing too hard which is great, I still get the hook set, but don't break the fish off. Have a tendency to ride my thumb on the spool at that moment as well so I know how much it's slipping when it does.  

[cyclops2]

Do you set your tension with a full spool ? 

Or with a maximum amount of line out from a big fish ?

 

Does it make any difference ?

[gulfcaptain]

Do you set your tension with a full spool ? 

Or with a maximum amount of line out from a big fish ?

 

Does it make any difference ?

If you're asking me I set it with a full spool.  Most of my fishing is done within 30yrds of me and the fact I use 20 and 30lb braid, the amout of line off the reel doesn't decrease as much as it would with heavier lines.  But I'm always checking my drag and adjusting.  It's probably set lower then needed, but like I said I tend to ride my thumb on my spool when I fish and tend to set the hook the same way....exceptions would be spinning gear and all reation baits like spinnerbaits, cranks, buzzbaits...etc.  I just wind thru the bite.  I would say my rods have about 3-4lbs of drag on them.

[Crestliner2008]

I'm assuming you are using the mono as a kind of "shock absorber" to augment the inflexible braid. Why not consider using fluorocarbon instead? It stretches very similar to mono, has much better abrasion resistance, along with reduced underwater visibility. Win-win. However, if you are using top waters for bass, then I'd probably go with the monofiliment. Mono does have a tendency to float a bit better than fluorocarbon.

 

The pound test, of whatever leader you are using, must correspond to the conditions and species you are targeting. If you are using 40# braid, I'd probably elect to go with a 17 - 20# test leader, assuming you are targeting large bass or pike in rough cover conditions. Just be sure to connect the two with a good knot, such as the Alberto.

[roadwarrior]

If you are using 40# braid, I'd probably elect to go with a 17 - 20# test leader, assuming you are targeting large bass or pike in rough cover conditions. Just be sure to connect the two with a good knot, such as the Alberto.

 

Win, win!

 

 

 

[cyclops2]

When using the 2# test lines. I use just enough drag to stop a tangle after a fast run.  Finger pressure does it o k.

[SirSnookalot]

One of the factors of braid I enjoy is not having to set the hook as hard.  Bass fishing I'm using 10 & 15# braid and I always use a leader.  I like that little bit of shock and unraveling a mono or f/c leader is less painstaking than braid from treble hooks which happens to me all the time.  I use P-line floroclear in both 10 and 20# for my leaders.  

 

I specifically target tooth critters, wire is always a good idea, but IMO only as preventive against being cut off.  I do not use wire myself as I feel I get more strikes with a mono of f/c leader.  Do I lose lures, lol, you bet I do.

[cyclops2]

I only use braid when trolling.

[Long Mike]

With the exception of my trout rods, all of my reels are loaded with braid.  If I'm fishing in slop it's pure braid.  Otherwise, I have a flouro leader attached.

[Big Bait Fishing]

And it doesn't matter what mono you fish, if you swing for the fences on braid then you're gonna break a few off or pull hooks.....my drag slips if I swing too hard which is great, I still get the hook set, but don't break the fish off. Have a tendency to ride my thumb on the spool at that moment as well so I know how much it's slipping when it does.

Why people need "hard hooks sets " is beyond me !! Don't you guys use quality , sharp hooks ??

[cyclops2]

Macho Man rips the jaws apart so the fish starves to death after the contest ends.  60# test to " save " the fish from stress, as it bounces across the surface 3 times & into the boat.

 

I catch pike & muskies to 40 " on 4# mono.  They did not need much more than that if the rod kept a bow in it.

 

But reeling & drinking a can of beer at the same time,  requires a jaw destroying, yanking as hard as possible.  Seen enough guys doing it. Bigger macho men.