Braid digging in

[Rick Howard]

I spend a lot of time pitching jigs. I spool the line insanely tight by applying a lot of tension when spooling and used 65ld braid.  after a few pitches the first few layers begin to get lose because same tension is not applied when cranking the jig back in.  After ripping the jig through some junk or a phantom hook set The next pitch the line pinches and my jig falls short of it's mark.   Drives me crazy.  So started using 20lb fluorocarbon.  for the most part I am happy enough with that.  However, The braid seems to saw through vegitation a little better than the alternatives so I am considering giving it another try.  I see 80lb braids available and I'm intrigued.  Will 80lb line solve the digging in issue?  

 

With the 65lb I've tried spooling it tight and using backers.  No joy.  Is this just something you gotta live with no matter what diameter or will the thicker line solve the issue?  Any other tips to remedy this issue?

[Glenn]

Spooling it on tight is one key factor that many people miss.  Good to know you're not one of them.  You're that much ahead.

 

I find the higher the strength braid, the more management issues there are.  Also, braids vary widely from brand to brand.

 

What brand/type of braid are you using? Have you tried using 50lb braid?

 

I used to use PowerPro, and it's a good line, but now I prefer using 50lb Seaguar Smackdown or Flippin braid. Just seems to be more limber with a thinner diameter, so it works more like nylon.

 

Also, tighten down on your magnetics a bit (not spool tension). That will help reduce the "loose line" issue, without affecting your pitching.

[wdp]

I used to have same problem when I first started using braid. But then I started filling my spool about half way with super cheap mono, then rest of the way with braid. That solved the problem for me. I'm surprised you doing the same didn't help with your issues.

 

I use mostly 30 lb power pro & spool all my baitcasters with the same exact Berkley spooling station that Glenn is using in today's video about spooling braided line. It's worked great for me the last 10 yrs.

 

The added benefit is that in about a year when the braid has faded & needs to be changed, I'm not losing so much expensive braid, so money saved. 

 

Not sure if if this helps any, but good luck. 

[gulfcaptain]

I have found the same thing when pitching.  Easy fix to this problem.  When you notice that it's getting loose, make a long cast and wind it back on.  During a 2-3 hour fishing trip I may have to do this 3-4 times, sometimes more.  Not sure how often with the heavier line since I use 30 and 40, but that should solve the problem.

[12poundbass]

9 hours ago, gulfcaptain said:

I have found the same thing when pitching.  Easy fix to this problem.  When you notice that it's getting loose, make a long cast and wind it back on.  During a 2-3 hour fishing trip I may have to do this 3-4 times, sometimes more.  Not sure how often with the heavier line since I use 30 and 40, but that should solve the problem.

X2^

[Rick Howard]

Thank you fellas.  

 

Glenn, my last attempt was 65 spider wire.  Before that it was 50lb power pro.  Before that 30ld power pro.  I just assumed the brands were relatively equal and that the diameter was the real difference.  I also assumed the thicker line would not dig in as much.  Maybe I was wrong there too.  Though, with each I've had the same issue.  It's not a constant thing but it happens enough to frustrate me, and I'm a patient fella.  I have the magnets at 1 or 2 and keep the spool tension as light as possible.  I will turn the magnets up next go round. 

[Scott F]

22 hours ago, wdp said:

The added benefit is that in about a year when the braid has faded & needs to be changed, I'm not losing so much expensive braid, so money saved. 

 

If you want to save more money, when your braid has faded (it's still good BTW) take it off and reverse it. so the faded part is next to the spool. Just like new after that.

[wdp]

27 minutes ago, Scott F said:

If you want to save more money, when your braid has faded (it's still good BTW) take it off and reverse it. so the faded part is next to the spool. Just like new after that.

Yeah, I've done that before but really don't have the patience, lol. You gotta spool the used braid onto something else, then spool back onto the reel. I like using my spooling station too much. 

 

Plus, by the time I get around to changing the braid, I've usually retied so many times that there really isn't enough line left that it's worth the effort to respool in the opposite direction. It won't fill the spool up enough.