Line for jigs.

[IndianaFinesse]

I have been fishing jig for a few years now, I have been using 15# big game on my jig rod but am thinking about switching to braid.  Do you guys think it would be beneficial for the extra sensitivity and hook setting power, and if so, what pound test braid would you use?

[Oklahoma Mike]

I really like the sensitivity of braid. For jigs I use 30lb Smackdown with a flouro leader on a casting set up. I also use a spinning setup for jigs in some situations, and for that I currently have 14lb fireline. 

[Wbeadlescomb]

I'd say try some Seaguar red label 15lb test it should be a little more sensitive. But I've caught a bunch of fish on 15lb big game I'd just change it often 

[Mr Swim Jig]

I use Daiwa Samurai braid in either 40lbs or 55lbs and will use a leader when the situation calls for it.  I would stay in the 40lbs to 55lbs area no matter which brand you choose to go with.

[A-Jay]

13 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

I have been fishing jig for a few years now, I have been using 15# big game on my jig rod but am thinking about switching to braid.  Do you guys think it would be beneficial for the extra sensitivity and hook setting power, and if so, what pound test braid would you use?

Yes.

If you've not introduced yourself to the benefits of braided line, then I'd encourage you to do so.

When compared to 15 lb Big Game (a line I like and am very familiar with) the sensitivity and hook setting authority while using right braid for bottom contact baits / presentations is dramatically improved.  A proper & balanced rod / reel help too.

Braid may not be the best or only line choice in every given jig fishing situation, but I prefer it over mono in almost every scenario in my fishing; especially when a long cast is required.

As for pound test, for me it's more about line diameter than actual breaking strength of the line.  I've been very satisfied with Sufix 832 in 30 lb for casting & open water to light cover situations, 40 lb for moderate cover and 50-65 lb for heavy cover & the slop.    More recently been trying some of the newer braids with good results.  Diawa Samari & Seagar Smackdown braids are both very nice and quite a bit thinner diameter.  So I've kicked up the pound test just to get a manageable line size. 40 for open water 50 for moderate cover and 65 / 70 for heavy cover and the slop.

A-Jay

 

[IndianaFinesse]

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Yes.

If you've not introduced yourself to the benefits of braided line, then I'd encourage you to do so.

When compared to 15 lb Big Game (a line I like and am very familiar with) the sensitivity and hook setting authority while using right braid for bottom contact baits / presentations is dramatically improved.  A proper & balanced rod / reel help too.

Braid may not be the best or only line choice in every given jig fishing situation, but I prefer it over mono in almost every scenario in my fishing; especially when a long cast is required.

As for pound test, for me it's more about line diameter than actual breaking strength of the line.  I've been very satisfied with Sufix 832 in 30 lb for casting & open water to light cover situations, 40 lb for moderate cover and 50-65 lb for heavy cover & the slop.    More recently been trying some of the newer braids with good results.  Diawa Samari & Seagar Smackdown braids are both very nice and quite a bit thinner diameter.  So I've kicked up the pound test just to get a manageable line size. 40 for open water 50 for moderate cover and 65 / 70 for heavy cover and the slop.

A-Jay

 

Thank you all for the helpful replies.  I have braid or gliss on every other setup except for crankbaits and love it, but when I started using baitcasters a few years back I only used mono on my casting reel so that it didn't cost much to cut out the backlashes.  I just wasn't sure if braid would dig into the spool on baitcaster equipment and if most people liked it better.

[A-Jay]

20 minutes ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Thank you all for the helpful replies.  I have braid or gliss on every other setup except for crankbaits and love it, but when I started using baitcasters a few years back I only used mono on my casting reel so that it didn't cost much to cut out the backlashes.  I just wasn't sure if braid would dig into the spool on baitcaster equipment and if most people liked it better.

You're welcome.

I'd recommend starting out with the braid of your choice in something close to .015 inch diameter; in most brands that's usually the 50 lb test.  This is the same size as the 15 lb Big Game you're currently using & familiar with.  In braid, this is a good size to "learn" how the properties of the braid compare to the nylon line especially as it relates to casting & manageability.  

Once comfortable, you can adjust you line selection up or down as needed.

A-Jay

 

[Senko lover]

I use 30 pound power pro braid and really like it. Gives me added sensitivity and the strength to winch fish out of cover. 

[BassThumb]

If you've never tried braid on a jigging rod, it's well worth a shot.

Some people love it. Some don't. You be the judge. 

[Catt]

19 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Yes.

If you've not introduced yourself to the benefits of braided line, then I'd encourage you to do so.

When compared to 15 lb Big Game (a line I like and am very familiar with) the sensitivity and hook setting authority while using right braid for bottom contact baits / presentations is dramatically improved.  A proper & balanced rod / reel help too.

Braid may not be the best or only line choice in every given jig fishing situation, but I prefer it over mono in almost every scenario in my fishing; especially when a long cast is required.

As for pound test, for me it's more about line diameter than actual breaking strength of the line.  I've been very satisfied with Sufix 832 in 30 lb for casting & open water to light cover situations, 40 lb for moderate cover and 50-65 lb for heavy cover & the slop.    More recently been trying some of the newer braids with good results.  Diawa Samari & Seagar Smackdown braids are both very nice and quite a bit thinner diameter.  So I've kicked up the pound test just to get a manageable line size. 40 for open water 50 for moderate cover and 65 / 70 for heavy cover and the slop.

A-Jay

 

 

16 hours ago, A-Jay said:

You're welcome.

I'd recommend starting out with the braid of your choice in something close to .015 inch diameter; in most brands that's usually the 50 lb test.  This is the same size as the 15 lb Big Game you're currently using & familiar with.  In braid, this is a good size to "learn" how the properties of the braid compare to the nylon line especially as it relates to casting & manageability.  

Once comfortable, you can adjust you line selection up or down as needed.

A-Jay

 

That right there is an honest answer

One thing I hate about braid has nothing to do with braid.

I can't stand people whose argument for using braid is I'm some how not feeling bites or can not land fish with mono.

Well done A-Jay!

[Raul]

Hmmmm, 30 lb braid .......... ain´t that a lil bit too thin ? 

But what the hell do I know ? in my neck of the woods I wouldn´t fish a jig with anything less than 50 lb braid, that is, if I were to fish with braid.

Do I fish with braid ? yes I do sometimes in some places, but to me 30 lbs is light fishing and I use 30 lb braid because it´s like 6-8 lb monofilament diameter which doesn´t kill the deadly action some baits have that immediately dies when you tie them to something thicker.

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, Raul said:

Hmmmm, 30 lb braid .......... ain´t that a lil bit too thin ? 

But what the hell do I know ? in my neck of the woods I wouldn´t fish a jig with anything less than 50 lb braid, that is, if I were to fish with braid.

Do I fish with braid ? yes I do sometimes in some places, but to me 30 lbs is light fishing and I use 30 lb braid because it´s like 6-8 lb monofilament diameter which doesn´t kill the deadly action some baits have that immediately dies when you tie them to something thicker.

"Sufix 832 in 30 lb for casting & open water to light cover situations" was my recommendation.  

I'd agree that for heavier cover or when I'm fishing south of the border (fish are bigger) I'm always using the 50 lb braid & higher.

A-Jay

[WRB]

To reduce deep backlashes with braid; pull off about 50 yards and tape over the remaining spooled braid with plumbers Teflon tape with about 2 wraps then wind on the 50 yards of braid back onto your reel. This prevents deep backlashes.

What I don't like about braid is the 2 knots needed when adding a leader. If fishing heavy cover braid is ideal, otherwise for jigs FC line is my choice. Strike detection is all about knowing what your jig is doing, braid doesn't help me.

Tom

[roadwarrior]

Seaguar #40 Smackdown with #15 AbrazX or Tatsu leader.

http://seaguar.com/freshwater/braid.html

 

 

[Glenn]

Key thing about braid, is to wind it onto your reel really tight. You want to pack it on so that you can't wedge your fingernail in it.  That way, it can't dig into itself when you snag something, or get a backlash.

I use 50# Smackdown for most braid applications.  It's extremely easy to cast, so the switch over from mono should be seamless.

Hope that helps!

[scaleface]

I made the switch to braid but went back to mono . I get more bites on mono , have no problem feeling the bites and dont want to tie a leader 'I see the benefits braid offers some anglers I just prefer mono .  I like the blue fluorescent lines . 

[Al Wolbach]

Many on this site like to use braid for jig fishing and I do if fishing weedy lakes. I also fish lakes with many laydown trees and for this situation I prefer FC because the fish frequently hit the jig on the fall. When the fish hit a jig on the fall it will most likely go undetected with braid but FC will jump and not go undetected. As long as you are fishing with a tight line braid is superior. Either is better than mono for jig fishing, imo.

[Mike L]

I use 20# Flouro on my jig set up. Braid will work just fine as most  everyone seems to use. I just like the added sensitivity it gives In all situations. 

 

Mike

[Dye99]

My main lake is pretty stained, so for me, 30lb braid is what I use for all jig fishing. I prefer spider wire mossy green.

[DBL000006]

I'm putting Braid on my new Daiwa Tatula 100. You have a few options with Braid and Flo. 1st put backing line on your Spool. I'd say at least 60 Yards of 12lb test (Cheap Mono). This way you can put 50-60 lb Braid on. For some reason you don't like it. You can always take the Braid off and save it. Your 2nd option  would be, Seaguar Red Label in 25lb test. You should have close to 50-60 yards of each line. It all depends on the diameter of the 2 lines. 

 

 

[Bluebasser86]

I normally use Pline copolymer, or Seaguar Fluorocarbon. I never can do any good fishing a jig on braid for some reason.