Using Braid (Some Questions)

[Senko lover]

I'm thinking about putting braid on my baitcaster next time I need some more line.

However, I know that braid has no stretch, and I get hung up a long because of a large amount of fallen logs in one of my ponds.

How would this work out? Do you straighten the hook, pull it off, or simply have to cut your braid? Will it help to use a leader if I need to pull it off?

Thanks for the help.

[Weld's Largemouth]

I just snap it right off. I use 20lb braid normally and it just takes a little bit of technique to snap it clean off at the knot, and now you got all your line back.

It also depends what is in your pond (species) if you have toothy fish there then I would put a leader on. I always tie straight braid however.

 

And buy Sufix 832 advanced only. Best braid ever.

[Darren.]

Using a leader will absolutely help keep your braid

mainline in tact, Kyle.

 

That's what I do. From my experience, "professional

overruns" are much easier to pick out of braid, as 

opposed to strait mono/co/fluoro.

 

I use a leader for everything....

[A-Jay]

First off - why are you getting hung up a lot ? 

 

Fallen logs are easily fished with the right bait & presentation.

 

One of my favorite type of big fish cover.

 

Figure this out and you'll probably be able to stick with the line you're using.

 

A-Jay

[Senko lover]

This is not just a couple of fallen logs. This is an entire bottom of a pond littered with fallen logs. Even completely weedless texas rigs and jigs still get hung up occasionally, and I fish there enough that my "occasionally" is more than occasional .

[gulfcaptain]

If you go straight braid, get yourself a wooden dowel to wrap your braid around if you do get hung up.  I use leaders if I know I'm fishing rocky areas just because it's easier to break the leader then the braid.  

[EvanT123]

This^^^

I think if you use 30/40 braid and some heavy wire hooks there might be a few less logs in there.

[Ozark_Basser]

Ajay's probably right, but I always like to tie on a leader with an Alberto knot. If you break off and notice your line broke at the leader knot instead of the bait knot, you're not tying it good enough. This might happen a few times at first. Don't fish with the knot if it doesn't look pretty close to perfect. You'll pay for it if you do.

[A-Jay]

Use a leader and you'll be able to part it a whole easier if you get hung up.

 

Also - here's a Free One . . . . . .

 

    Instead of Texas rigging your plastics on this lake, which on the fall will always put your baits down between the logs on the bottom and hang up, try rigging your worms, craws, creatures or whatever plastic you're fishing, on a weighted swimbait hook.  ( Think 10 inch Power worms - did I just say that?)

 

Start with 1/4 ounce and go up or down depending on the depth & the rate of fall you want.

 

Lighter is better here.  Your presentations may take a little longer to get to the bottom but they'll glide over and around the logs rather than plunging down between them and getting hung up.

 

May save you some rigs & still get you some Fatties . . .

 

Good Luck.

 

A-Jay

[CRANKENSTIEN]

I use a double uni for the leader. If I am pitching a baitcaster I like braid but I do have trouble casting it. I can make long cast but occasionally it will just stop because it is wound over itself. I have on 40 lb power pro and it is wound in like any other line that isn't a problem

[Bluebasser86]

If you go straight braid, get yourself a wooden dowel to wrap your braid around if you do get hung up.  I use leaders if I know I'm fishing rocky areas just because it's easier to break the leader then the braid.  

I just use a limb or wrap my line around the handle of my pliers and pull. You'll get your bait back a lot of the time if you're using straight braid doing this. 

[SirSnookalot]

Most people use heavier than 20# braid on a b/c, heavier lines get hard to break off.  Using a leader simplifies the process, just pull the rod back while keeping it straight, the rod won't snap that way.  Either your connector knot or the knot to the lure is going to break, a 20# leader isn't that strong and probably be using a lighter one.

No different with spinning gear except your braid may be lighter.

[BassinLou]

First off - why are you getting hung up a lot ?

Fallen logs are easily fished with the right bait & presentation.

One of my favorite type of big fish cover.

Figure this out and you'll probably be able to stick with the line you're using.

A-Jay

^^^This^^^

[Chris at Tech]

Yes, use a leader

 

Yes, get a wooden dowel to help pull snags free

 

Yes, keel-weighted presentation can help with snags

 

In addition, I'd say that as you get accustomed to the increased sensitivity of the braid, you'll get better at avoiding snags.  You'll still pull through the gnarly cover, but you'll recognize it easier so you can lightly shake the bait free more effectively.

[Senko lover]

Use a leader and you'll be able to part it a whole easier if you get hung up.

 

Also - here's a Free One . . . . . .

 

    Instead of Texas rigging your plastics on this lake, which on the fall will always put your baits down between the logs on the bottom and hang up, try rigging your worms, craws, creatures or whatever plastic you're fishing, on a weighted swimbait hook.  ( Think 10 inch Power worms - did I just say that?)

 

Start with 1/4 ounce and go up or down depending on the depth & the rate of fall you want.

 

Lighter is better here.  Your presentations may take a little longer to get to the bottom but they'll glide over and around the logs rather than plunging down between them and getting hung up.

 

May save you some rigs & still get you some Fatties . . .

 

Good Luck.

 

A-Jay

 

Been wanting to try a Rage Rig for a while. I know I'll cave in eventually and get some weighted hooks.