Mono Diameter - Steelhead Fishing

[onenutinthewater]

I have found that mono larger than about .010" does not do well on a spinning reel. With this info what lines are .010" or less in 12# that anyone has found to be good?

I really like the Sufix seige and elite but they are to thick on a spinner and do not come off well. With my eyesight not what is once was I am looking for a quality hi vis mono and not braid as I do not care for it.

[WRB]

You mean .010 diameter for average 10 lb test for 2500/3000 series spinning reels.

Tom

[onenutinthewater]

yes, .10 would be rather thick!

[jbsoonerfan]

Seaguar Senshi .011 or Sunline Super Natural .011. I have used both and they are great lines IMO.

[primetime]

Triple Fish makes a Co Poly which handles really well, color and abrasion is more fluoro, and the 15lb test is .10 diam, actually think it is less than .10.

 

Called rx, I use the 15lb instead of the standard stren, berkley etc. since it is thinner and down here where they have a location you can find 600 yds for $4. Its an OEM line made in Germany, they make lots of major brands, I think Hi Seas recently purchased them but is still keeping many of their lines.

 

They make over 90 brands in a bunch of countries, many are much more expensive but when you don't pay for advertising it is amazing what you can save. Maybe you can get lucky and find it on Ebay, Guys buy spools super cheap and then sell the camo line which is popular for a huge mark up. If you can find the RX Copoly, you will like it, less memory than Big Game or XT and the 20 lb is 14lb dia and really helps with casting distance and great for cover since it seems to be mostly fluoro. They make a bunch of lines in the 16,18lb tests which match specs of some high end line.

 

German technology is usually good, so I like the idea of German imported line instead of others. 

 

The 10lb test they make is 6lb diameter and may be better. I bet one of the florida liquidation overstock websites will have it cheap if you look.

 

[Johnbt]

I've had good luck with the few Triple Fish spools I've purchased recently.

 

Fwiw, as of at least 2015, it's made in Portugal with German technology.   I used to use their mono/Perlon camo line that said made in Germany on the label. I think a buddy still has a couple of thousand yards of it. I see the new spools say made in Europe, so who knows.

 

http://www.afwhiseas.com/product-p/triple_fish_relaunch.htm

 

"AFW (American Fishing Wire) and Filkemp S.A. announced the worldwide re-launch and distribution of the original Triple Fish® brand of monofilament, fluorocarbon lines and leaders starting June 1st, 2015. Filkemp S.A., a world leader in monofilament and fluorocarbon production and technology based in Portugal, owner of the registered trademark Triple Fish, has appointed AFW,"  etc.

[Hulkster]

what about downsizing to the 8 pound test Sufix Siege or Elite? I use the 8 pound elite on a 3000 size shimano and its the farther casting 8 pound line I have ever used. Even farther than Trilene XL.

 

I like the Siege even more, although it probably only casts 90% of the distance the Elite does, it is tougher and possibly stronger for the same test rating. Its the best blend of characteristics in a Monofilament line that I have found. Casts amazing, tough and strong.

 

its my all time favorite mono. Suffix Siege. and the smoke green colour is awesome. I am using 8 pound test on my 3000 stradic and it is awesome.

[onenutinthewater]

2 hours ago, Hulkster said:

what about downsizing to the 8 pound test Sufix Siege or Elite? I use the 8 pound elite on a 3000 size shimano and its the farther casting 8 pound line I have ever used. Even farther than Trilene XL.

 

I like the Siege even more, although it probably only casts 90% of the distance the Elite does, it is tougher and possibly stronger for the same test rating. Its the best blend of characteristics in a Monofilament line that I have found. Casts amazing, tough and strong.

 

its my all time favorite mono. Suffix Siege. and the smoke green colour is awesome. I am using 8 pound test on my 3000 stradic and it is awesome.

I would sure like to go down to an 8 # mono but a hot 10-12# steelhead going ballistic and running all over the river is a little more than it can handle. To many obstacles; rocks, grass clumps, limbs so it is not just you and the fish. 8 # would be just fine in a large river but i fish some small water....

[WRB]

On July 10, 2017 at 9:12 PM, jbsoonerfan said:

Seaguar Senshi .011 or Sunline Super Natural .011. I have used both and they are great lines IMO.

Take a minute and check your numbers; Seaguar Senshi and Sunline Super Natural 12 lb is .011D, 10 is .010D.

Tom

[The Bassman]

My experience with mono is that any given diameter is going to be similar in tensile strength between brands. Japanese lines display actual tensile strength while US lines can actually be much higher than stated. Variations among brands is limited to abrasion resistance and memory.  Shop diameter not stated strength.

[Deleted account]

Take a 10lb spool of XL and cross out the 10 and write in 12. Or better yet, have a buddy do it, and not tell you...

[onenutinthewater]

5 hours ago, The Bassman said:

My experience with mono is that any given diameter is going to be similar in tensile strength between brands. Japanese lines display actual tensile strength while US lines can actually be much higher than stated. Variations among brands is limited to abrasion resistance and memory.  Shop diameter not stated strength.

The whole reason for this thread.......

2 hours ago, reason said:

Take a 10lb spool of XL and cross out the 10 and write in 12. Or better yet, have a buddy do it, and not tell you...

Brilliant!

[Todd2]

Mono? Don't use mono, because <insert professional angler name here> said you need fluorocarbon or braid to catch fish. 

 

All attempts at humor aside..Original Stren in 8lb/.011 or Stren Magnathin in 10lb/.010 would work too. I'm very new to Magnathin but I'm liking it so far, if it came in Clear Blue Fluorescent I think I'd make the jump..but it's early.

[jbsoonerfan]

12 hours ago, WRB said:

Take a minute and check your numbers; Seaguar Senshi and Sunline Super Natural 12 lb is .011D, 10 is .010D.

Tom

 

That's what I said. He asked what 12 lb lines were .010 and I gave him those two as examples of 12 lb line that was close to .010.

 

I know it's odd for someone to answer a question as it is asked, but that's what I tried to do. 

[J Francho]

13 hours ago, onenutinthewater said:

I would sure like to go down to an 8 # mono but a hot 10-12# steelhead going ballistic and running all over the river is a little more than it can handle.

 

I've caught 100's of chromers over 10# with 8# main line and a as low as 4# fluoro leader.  If you want to use heavier line than 8# on spinning gear, get a bigger reel, or switch to a centerpin.  The large arbor will accommodate larger diameters.

 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/monthly_04_2015/post-12-0-42721800-1429035613.jpg

[WRB]

55 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

 

That's what I said. He asked what 12 lb lines were .010 and I gave him those two as examples of 12 lb line that was close to .010.

 

I know it's odd for someone to answer a question as it is asked, but that's what I tried to do. 

My humble apology, your answer was on target, mine missed.

Tom

[papajoe222]

Another option might be Yo-Shri Hybrid ultra soft in 10lb. It has a breaking strength heavier than its rating and is more manageable than most copolymers. 

[fishnkamp]

Lets start over with some answers. OP you said your target fish are large steelhead.

Most of the anglers here are thinking about the typical bass gear.  That means a rod built with the typical bass tapers, not something built for steelhead. The reels most of us use are the typical 1000 to 3000 ( Shimano terms) or between a 25 to 35 size reel for most other brands.

 

For a hard running fish like that I would be using a 4000  or 40 series reel. A typical 2500 size reel will not likely have a drag to handle that fish.  Musky fisherman use Musky gear. A musky rod does not resemble a bass rod by much.  If you look at the typical salt water spinning reel and rod, they have much larger spools to accommodate the extra line needed and they have much larger drags to fight heavy fast running fish.

So having said all this  please answer a few questions. 

Are hard running stealhead a major part of your target species?  What rod and reel are you using now?

What line brand and pound test is giving you trouble?

 

[onenutinthewater]

2 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Lets start over with some answers. OP you said your target fish are large steelhead.

Most of the anglers here are thinking about the typical bass gear.  That means a rod built with the typical bass tapers, not something built for steelhead. The reels most of us use are the typical 1000 to 3000 ( Shimano terms) or between a 25 to 35 size reel for most other brands.

 

For a hard running fish like that I would be using a 4000  or 40 series reel. A typical 2500 size reel will not likely have a drag to handle that fish.  Musky fisherman use Musky gear. A musky rod does not resemble a bass rod by much.  If you look at the typical salt water spinning reel and rod, they have much larger spools to accommodate the extra line needed and they have much larger drags to fight heavy fast running fish.

So having said all this  please answer a few questions. 

Are hard running stealhead a major part of your target species?  What rod and reel are you using now?

What line brand and pound test is giving you trouble?

 

Yes steelhead are the target. I use Loomis 1024, 1025 & my favorite an HSR9000 which is actually built for fishing plugs- super light tip with heavy butt. I throw spinners and spoons up to 1/2 ounce and my favorite reel is a 2500 or 3000 stradic ci4 or FK.

There are many obstacles in the small water that I fish so they will frequently run me into a submerged grass clump or under rocks so I end up breaking off a few every season. I was just asking for any advice on a smaller diameter line in 10-12# mono...

Running out of line with even a 2500 is never an issue as it is small water. I used CXX for years as it is very durable but it is very thick and likes to coil.

[fishnkamp]

Cool Those are nice rods.  I am going to suggest doing a test since I have never tried this line before. It might be just what you are looking for.  Try a spool of Gliss Supersmooth Monotex Line Yellow.

Tackle Warehouse has it on sale for $14.99 for a 150 yard spool.  Throw on some Stren mono or something for backing and that spool should fill two reels.  Here is the kicker  

Line Diameter	8lb	12lb	18lb	24lb	40lb
Inches	.004	.005	.006	.007	.010
Millimeters	.102	.127	.152	.178	.254

[onenutinthewater]

2 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Cool Those are nice rods.  I am going to suggest doing a test since I have never tried this line before. It might be just what you are looking for.  Try a spool of Gliss Supersmooth Monotex Line Yellow.

Tackle Warehouse has it on sale for $14.99 for a 150 yard spool.  Throw on some Stren mono or something for backing and that spool should fill two reels.  Here is the kicker  

Line Diameter	8lb	12lb	18lb	24lb	40lb
Inches	.004	.005	.006	.007	.010
Millimeters	.102	.127	.152	.178	.254

Thanks- Just what I was looking for. I will give it a try.

[J Francho]

I've used fused super lines, like Gliss, with success.  I did not use a leader, and tied direct for moving baits, like spoons and spinners.  Be aware of your surroundings.  These lines are much less forgiving in the abrasion department.  I'd also offer that along with a larger 4000 series reel (good recommendation!), you may also consider a casting reel.  They accommodate larger diameter lines much better.  I have use a 9' casting rod for the king salmon run for years.  much easier to deal with heavier line, and easier to control the fish on their unstoppable first run.

 

Whatever solution you pick, good luck.

 

P.S. Moved this to the other species category.

[UPSmallie]

Look on your spinning reel underneath the bail and it will say what lb line is suited for it and how much of that line.  Haven't had too many problems if I stick with what it suggests.

[onenutinthewater]

problem solved- Fireline Ultra 8. Bye bye to any mono over 8#

[PNW LipRipper]

When I go for steelhead I float fish with 20lb braid to a 12 lb floro leader using a 2500 series reel and 12-6 float rod never had issues well except for wadder blow out but that is off topic