Braid line

[AustinHellickson]

I am considering switching to braid, I have seen it to be pretty expensive, so I am using floro backing and leader... My question is it worth switching to Braid? And what are knots that will hold strong...  I am not really confident yet with my knots.... Thanks

[Bluebasser86]

Why have you decided to switch to braid? I like braid on my spinning gear, and for around grass on my casting gear. I don't like it for moving/treble hooked baits and most bottom contact baits, just personal preference. 

Braid is really inexpensive in the long run. A single 20-30 dollar spool of line can easily last 4-5 seasons if not longer (I flip mine when it starts to get worn out). So you could be looking at a break down of $5 per reel each season. Compare that to anything other than very inexpensive mono, and it's easy to see it's a pretty cost efficient way to go. The time not spent respooling is nice too.

As for backing, use cheap mono, no reason to waste fluoro unless you just have some laying around that you're not going to use for anything else (like leader material). 

I use leaders on my spinning rods most of the time, but never on casting gear. If I'm using braid on a casting rod, I'm fishing water/cover that I'm not worried about the line spooking the fish. It's just one more thing to fail otherwise. 

[AustinHellickson]

2 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Why have you decided to switch to braid? I like braid on my spinning gear, and for around grass on my casting gear. I don't like it for moving/treble hooked baits and most bottom contact baits, just personal preference. 

Braid is really inexpensive in the long run. A single 20-30 dollar spool of line can easily last 4-5 seasons if not longer (I flip mine when it starts to get worn out). So you could be looking at a break down of $5 per reel each season. Compare that to anything other than very inexpensive mono, and it's easy to see it's a pretty cost efficient way to go. The time not spent respooling is nice too.

As for backing, use cheap mono, no reason to waste fluoro unless you just have some laying around that you're not going to use for anything else (like leader material). 

I use leaders on my spinning rods most of the time, but never on casting gear. If I'm using braid on a casting rod, I'm fishing water/cover that I'm not worried about the line spooking the fish. It's just one more thing to fail otherwise. 

Going to switch because 1 stronger 2 lasts longer 3 I've heard good about it.

[Bluebasser86]

Braid is stronger, but that doesn't equal better in all situations. If you're fishing in rocky areas I wouldn't suggest braid because it doesn't have good abrasion resistance in rocks. Spooky fish in clear water may be less likely to bite if they see your line.

I'd suggest switching 1 or 2 combos to braid and see how you like it at first. 

If you fish around vegetation, it's a must though. 

[Subaqua Adinterim]

A good cost effective option is USA braid.  You can order a 500 yard spool from Walmart online for about $25 and have it shipped to a local store to save shipping.  This is good stuff.  I was referred to this by fellow forum member SirSnookalot, a very experienced and practical fisherman.

Also, for knots use Alberto for leader and Palomar for tying on snap connection or lure.

I'm primarily a spinning reel guy so I use 10 or 15# test braid, which is small diameter handles well.  I also like the orange color as I can see it better.  You can also use a black sharpie to color the last six feet of line to make it less visible in the water.

Good luck.

[AustinHellickson]

7 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Braid is stronger, but that doesn't equal better in all situations. If you're fishing in rocky areas I wouldn't suggest braid because it doesn't have good abrasion resistance in rocks. Spooky fish in clear water may be less likely to bite if they see your line.

I'd suggest switching 1 or 2 combos to braid and see how you like it at first. 

If you fish around vegetation, it's a must though. 

Ok, I fish a huge Reservoir with logs all in it... Then I am going salmon fishing this next week, so I probably will switch,  just gotta find another combo to buy(I've needed new spinning combo)

[fishnkamp]

There are lots of knots out there. I routinely use inexpensive mono for backing. Usually 1/2 of a reel. It takes up space meaning I get two reels spooled with one spool of braid I also use a leader if I am fishing clear water. With a leader I am only wasting leader material not expensive braid when I have to re-tie a lure.  Now to connect either the backing to braid or braid to the leader I use a uni to uni knot.  If I am careful tieing it, I can tie it quickly and that knot has been reliable even when fishing for big rockfish. For connecting to the lure I use either a trilene knot or a palomar knot .

Consider P LIne CXX in 10 pound for a leader it is extremely abrasion resistant and actually breaks closer to 20 pounds.  As for the spinning combo what are you looking for it to throw? What is your budget?  Definitely consider a Pflueger President reel, they are some of the most reliable spinning reels out there and only cost $60.  Otherwise Shimano has a bunch of good ones as well but most of them are higher in price. 

[Cgrinder]

Braid to lure gets a Uni knot.

Braid is unnecessary unless you're in grass or pads or if you're frogging. Don't feel like you have to use it.

However it is pretty good. Most of my reels use power pro. Leader almost always except ripping lipless cranks and frogging. 

 

[AustinHellickson]

9 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

There are lots of knots out there. I routinely use inexpensive mono for backing. Usually 1/2 of a reel. It takes up space meaning I get two reels spooled with one spool of braid I also use a leader if I am fishing clear water. With a leader I am only wasting leader material not expensive braid when I have to re-tie a lure.  Now to connect either the backing to braid or braid to the leader I use a uni to uni knot.  If I am careful tieing it, I can tie it quickly and that knot has been reliable even when fishing for big rockfish. For connecting to the lure I use either a trilene knot or a palomar knot .

Consider P LIne CXX in 10 pound for a leader it is extremely abrasion resistant and actually breaks closer to 20 pounds.  As for the spinning combo what are you looking for it to throw? What is your budget?  Definitely consider a Pflueger President reel, they are some of the most reliable spinning reels out there and only cost $60.  Otherwise Shimano has a bunch of good ones as well but most of them are higher in price. 

For combos, I want to pick a cheap one ($20-30) what is a good/decent combo for that price range? I will be getting a pfluger president soon. Definitely going to get 2 great rods 1 with pfluger president and other with Abu Garcia Cardinal 

[Bluebasser86]

I don't think you're going to find a "good" combo for $30. I think you can get a Pflueger Trion combo for around $50. That would be the cheapest one out there that I'd feel confident using. 

[fishnkamp]

Check out Bass Pro there are some Bill Dance combos around that. Maybe you may want to go just a little bit higher but they have a bunch to look at. Also check Dicks Sporting goods they hsve some Lews American Hero, and some others.  Not sure how good any of these are I have never looked at any of them.