Running braid for top water rig

[Ray K]

I've always used mono or FC for top water fishing but, wonder how many of you use braid for top water.  Seems like the low stretch might make for better/higher percentage hook-ups.  If so, what line test is preferred?

[Bluebasser86]

I use braid for walking baits and poppers (frogs too obviously but assuming you're not asking about those). I really like braid for those baits because it stays on the surface and allows the bait to work properly and doesn't have the drag of the other lines. The downside is on windy days but I'm not normally fishing topwater on really windy days and if I am, I'm moving them fast enough that the wind isn't able to have much effect. One big benefit that I've found is because of the low stretch there really is no need for a hookset, I just reel into them. This is really nice because if a fish misses the bait, I didn't pull the bait away with a hookset, maybe just moved it a foot or so when I started reeling. 

I do not like braid for buzzbaits or prop baits. 

[Dypsis]

4 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I do not like braid for buzzbaits or prop baits. 

Why don't you like braid for buzzbaits?  I, for whatever reason don't throw them a lot but when I do its on my chatterbait rod, which has braid.  Again, I haven't thrown them enough, but curious as to why.  

[Bluebasser86]

24 minutes ago, Dypsis said:

Why don't you like braid for buzzbaits?  I, for whatever reason don't throw them a lot but when I do its on my chatterbait rod, which has braid.  Again, I haven't thrown them enough, but curious as to why.  

Just personal preference mostly. I like the fish to be able to pull the bait down and get it fully and I feel like I pull the bait away from the fish with a buzzbait a little more. Plus if the line ever wraps around the blade with braid it's a nightmare. 

[Ray K]

9 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I use braid for walking baits and poppers (frogs too obviously but assuming you're not asking about those). I really like braid for those baits because it stays on the surface and allows the bait to work properly and doesn't have the drag of the other lines. The downside is on windy days but I'm not normally fishing topwater on really windy days and if I am, I'm moving them fast enough that the wind isn't able to have much effect. One big benefit that I've found is because of the low stretch there really is no need for a hookset, I just reel into them. This is really nice because if a fish misses the bait, I didn't pull the bait away with a hookset, maybe just moved it a foot or so when I started reeling. 

I do not like braid for buzzbaits or prop baits. 

What lb test braid do you use?

[Bluebasser86]

39 minutes ago, Ray K said:

What lb test braid do you use?

20 and 30. I have a rod for each style bait I was talking about. I use the 20 for poppers and 30 for WTD and Whopper Plopper 90s. 

[webertime]

Braid on any bait that helicopters or doesn't cast "cleanly" is a pain as far as braid getting wrapped in hooks, blades, hangers, etc.  That being said BB86 has it right with reeling into the fish when fishing TW and braid.

[Janderson45]

I run braid with a monofilament leader for my walking baits, poppers, and whopper ploppers.  Straight braid for hollow bodies, and toads.  Straight mono or copoly for wakebaits or buzzbaits unless I'm fishing them in very heavy cover, then I'll use straight braid.  

I like the monofilament leader on the ones listed above for a little bit more stealth and a bit more give in the line to play the fish.  Might just be a confidence thing, but I fish these topwaters on an XF spinning rod. I add a 4-6' leader of 14-17lb test mono to help me not pull the bait away too quickly and to compensate for the braid and XF tip.  Works well for me on hook up ratios, like Bluebasser I simply reel into the fish.   

[IndianaFinesse]

I use braid for all of my topwater fishing, some with a leader and some with straight braid.  I only use a leader for walking baits and poppers with everything else typically tied on to straight braid, and I would use straight braid for those too but braid tends to get tangled around the treble hooks. 

[primetime]

I only use braid for Topwater on casting rods for Frogs in cover, stained water since I only use braid that is at least 10lb diamater on casting reels since lighter lines seem to dig in and cause issues. I am used to 10-17lb diameter, but here are some issues with braid and topwater.

If lures have treble hooks, braid will often get tangled with the hooks since it floats on the surface.

I  believe if in open water, and your braid is floating on the surface, it spooks fish. You can make an effort to keep your tip high and keep the line out of the water but maybe I am wrong but I think it matters for me.

I actually use braid on many rods and for topwater I will often use a 3-4' Mono/Copoly leader, I tie a slim beauty knot so it can go through the guides at times, and I use heavy line on walking lures in 20lb range. In clear water I go lighter like 12-14 since I feel I get more strikes with trranlucent lines plus have abrasion resistance on my side which braid lacks. Many would say it doesn't matter and maybe it doesn't but I trust a leader more than straight braid. I can cast Braid further than Mono or Fluoro and it has more power/No Stretch, so a leader is helpful for treble hooks for stretch plus braid for longer casts since it is thinner.

You can use a stiff line with memory that is abrasion resistant like Hybrid or other Copolys hard to handle at times as a main line.

I use Fluorocarbon at times for poppers since it sinks and gives it more pop, and I like the abrasion resistance of Fluoro as main line or leader, plus I like that it is marketed as stealth. Fluoro stretches more than Nylon mono, it is more sensitive since it is denser, but I like Braid for most main line or backing to save money. Mono leaders are inexpensive, Float, and knots almost never fail where Fluoro knots fail at times.

One thing that matters is buying Fluorcarbon Leader not just line, Especially if fishing areas with abrasions, Leader is stiff, and not meant to be used for casting, it makes a difference. Copoly lines float and Hybrid for example at #20 breaks at 31 so you can be confident in not breaking off fish. It may as well be leader.

With new 8 strand soft braids that are now #40-#50 and 8lb dia allow you to cast any lure or bait further and nothing wrong with a swivel either....For Frogs, you really need the braid to cut the weeds to land fish, long hook sets, but if pitching Braid can be loud with rubbing, same with Frogs at times, fish can hear it if you can. I have seen that matter when using frogs & pitching where braid was making too much noise and when that is happening, friction is taking place and that is when leaders are helpful, plus you can make them the length you want to help you know where your bait is at all times...Just a few thoughts, I type fast so did not proof read but hopefully you maybe get a few ideas of what fits your style.

[Robert Riley]

2 hours ago, primetime said:

If lures have treble hooks, braid will often get tangled with the hooks since it floats on the surface.

I've used braid and mono for the most part. I switched to braid bc that's what I use for buzzbaits (my go to bait) but I CANNOT STAND how frequently it gets caught up in my walking baits treble hooks. I'm even thinking of switching back to mono.

[riverbasser]

Although i have switched to braid for most other techniques. I only use mono for topwater baits. Which for me really only consists of walkers, poppers and some prop baits. I'm not including frogs in this since that's a little different

[MassYak85]

I like 20lb braid for smaller topwaters. Larger ones like whopper plopper 130 I use 40lb, and frogs I use 50lb.