12 lb Sunline Assassin or Sniper for Jerkbaits?

[ABrugs]

I recently built a casting setup to exclusively throw jerkbaits for smallmouth and am now trying to decide on line. I’m leaning towards either Sunline Assassin or Sniper in 12# and would love some opinions here.

 

^ I have thrown 12# Sniper and liked it for moving baits, but would Assassin provide any advantages besides price?

[A-Jay]

I believe both would work.

While my line of choice is Seaguar, (InvisX & Tatsu)

I get more bites on 10 lb 

A-Jay

 

[Deleted account]

39 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

I recently built a casting setup to exclusively throw jerkbaits for smallmouth and am now trying to decide on line.

I've always wondered why bass guys often do this backwards.

Logically it should be lure, line, rod, reel.

[dam0007]

Assassin is a little more slick which is good. Sniper is good. Can’t go wrong with either. I use 8 and 10lb Assassin. New Crank FC I had great reviews too. 

[Drew03cmc]

Invizx 10lb for jerkbaits. I sometimes use 8lb on smaller baits, but that's often on waters that hold trout too.

[Russ E]

sniper has a smaller diameter and in my own experience lasts longer.

I tried assassin a couple times, it does not have the abrasion resistance of sniper.

Like @ajay I prefer invisx  for jerkbaits. There is a little more stretch, which I prefer for treble hooks.

[Boomstick]

40 minutes ago, Russ E said:

sniper has a smaller diameter and in my own experience lasts longer.

I tried assassin a couple times, it does not have the abrasion resistance of sniper.

This is interesting because isn't Assassin supposed to be the real abrasion one?  Like Abrazx is to InvizX?

 

I have heard that a lot of people like Assassin better for moving baits as well - now for jerkbaits take that as what you will, I'm not really sure it applies.

[WRB]

11 lb Deifer Armiilo Nylon is good for jerk baits. Good casting no line, very smooth and stronger then FC.

Tom

[rtwvumtneer6]

2 hours ago, BassWhole! said:

I've always wondered why bass guys often do this backwards.

Logically it should be lure, line, rod, reel.

Eureka effect - The eureka effect refers to the common human experience of suddenly understanding a previously incomprehensible problem or concept. 

 

So simple, but makes so much sense.  Well said @BassWhole!

[ABrugs]

I guess my logic was that since I knew I wanted a casting setup for jerkbaits, since I didn’t want a spinning setup, I would first invest in my rod (6’9 M/MF) and reel (Tatula 100HS - 7.1:1) because those are the two biggest expenses and won’t change trip after trip. Now, I’m interested in identifying the line I’ll be using to start, which I’ve narrowed down to Assassin/Sniper based on research. The logic there is that it’s much easier to change line given it’s a smaller expense if I need to than the rod/reel, which were also researched to fit throwing a jerkbait. Last, the actual lure (jerkbait) will be the least expensive component and will be changing the most depending on conditions. So, I’ll be getting several different colors/options here to use as these will be changed during the same trip as an example.

 

^ I realize the Vision 110 would make this more complicated. ?

 

I appreciate the insight, everyone! So far, it sounds like Assassin might have a slight edge for moving baits, but either would work to @A-Jay’s point.

[WRB]

When reduced my fishing tackle to a minimum I kept my 3 custom jig rods because that is my favorite lure to catch bass on. The casting rod I kept for surface lures, small crank baits and jerk baits was MC Iovino Splash-It because it works very well for 1/4-1/2 treble hook lures. 

The  Defier Armiilo 11 lb, (.0108D) line is the best line I found for the application. I have 10 lb Sniper and 12 lb Tatsu on Tatula reels, no comparison to Armiilo imo regarding cast ability or knot strength.

Tom 

[roadwarrior]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

11 lb Deifer Armiilo Nylon is good for jerk baits. Good casting no line, very smooth and stronger then FC.

Tom

Jerkbaits are the only class of lure that I fish on monofilament. I like the 

Sunline Defier Armilo, too!

[Russ E]

1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

This is interesting because isn't Assassin supposed to be the real abrasion one?  Like Abrazx is to InvizX?

 

I have heard that a lot of people like Assassin better for moving baits as well - now for jerkbaits take that as what you will, I'm not really sure it applies.

Shooter is their version of abras x. Assassin is a cheaper line that is  supposed to be more abrasion resistant because of the p ion process. Whatever that is.  From my own experience it seems to Nick easily and gets rough if fishing around cover. 

 

[ABrugs]

@WRB + @roadwarrior - I’m going to look into Defier Armilo. I know you guys suggested this for my tube jig setup as well. I honestly just assumed fluorocarbon was the best option for jerkbaits. I appreciate the suggestion!

[Boomstick]

2 hours ago, Russ E said:

Shooter is their version of abras x. Assassin is a cheaper line that is  supposed to be more abrasion resistant because of the p ion process. Whatever that is.  From my own experience it seems to Nick easily and gets rough if fishing around cover. 

 

Oh good to know. I thought Shooter was sort of the upper end aka the Tatsu of the Sunline lineup.

[WRB]

Shooter was the 1st FC offered in the USA for 300 meter filler spools as far as I know. Seaguar offered 25 yard leader FC line.

My 1st experience with FC was Seaguar 50 lb leader and it exploded into strands fighting a big tuna. 

My 1st experience with fresh water bass fishing using FC was Sunline Shooter 12 lb test in early 90’s.. The 300 meter spool cost $35 in the early 90’s, about choked after using Big Game for $7, 600 yard spools.

Loved how FC feels, hate it’s knot strength!

Tom

Tom

 

[FishTank]

I have tried both Sniper and Assassin in 12lb and they were just OK.  I didn't care for Sniper for most baits but Assassin wasn't bad.  The line I prefer though for jerkbaits is 12lb Invizx.  I have tried Defier but like it for crankbaits.  Also, oddly enough, I like Invizx better than Tatsu for jerkbaits.  

[ABrugs]

@FishTank - I went back and forth deciding between InvizX and Sniper last year and ended up going w/ Sniper in different # tests. I did really like it, but am still curious about InvizX, and even more about Tatsu.

 

Now I’m wondering if I should give 12# InvizX a shot for jerkbaits and look at Tatsu for my bottom contact baits. What didn’t you like about Sniper?

[GetFishorDieTryin]

53 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

@FishTank - I went back and forth deciding between InvizX and Sniper last year and ended up going w/ Sniper in different # tests. I did really like it, but am still curious about InvizX, and even more about Tatsu.

 

Now I’m wondering if I should give 12# InvizX a shot for jerkbaits and look at Tatsu for my bottom contact baits. What didn’t you like about Sniper?

I used 12lb invizx all through the fall and early winter when the JB bite was really on and it did really well.  If I just threw JBs on that outfit I would go to 10lb and just be on the ball checking the line for nicks or abrasions.

[jbsoonerfan]

I am on the 12lb Invizx train as well for JB's. I really like the way it fishes.

[FishTank]

30 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

@FishTank - I went back and forth deciding between InvizX and Sniper last year and ended up going w/ Sniper in different # tests. I did really like it, but am still curious about InvizX, and even more about Tatsu.

 

Now I’m wondering if I should give 12# InvizX a shot for jerkbaits and look at Tatsu for my bottom contact baits. What didn’t you like about Sniper?

 

In a short amount of time it started to get stiff and deformed which lead to more break offs and reties.  It was the first line I used line conditioner on which did help but it wasn't a cure.  The first time I tried Invizx I didn't have these issues.  It just seemed to last longer, it held it shape better and no conditioner needed.  The only thing about Sniper I might have liked better was it had better abrasion resistance over rocks and heavy cover but it was marginal.  Both lines did cast well when new. 

 

Also, I tried Sniper over a course of about 3 years or more.  I bought one spool, tried it out for season and it worked well.  It was the first true FC line I had used.  When Gander Mountain went out of business, I bought several spools at a huge discount.  I got tired of fighting it so I started looking for different line.  Invzix, Sniper, Abrazx, Red Label, and Gamma were the ones I tried out at that time.   Invizx became my favorite overall line but all that changed when I tried Tatsu (still like Invizx better for jerkbaits though). 

[ABrugs]

I thought the 12# Sniper I had held up pretty well and even though the 16# I had for Texas rigs was strong and reliable, the memory wasn’t very good.

 

I appreciate the input as it definitely gives me something to think about regarding InvizX. I know I’m probably splitting hairs at this point w/ so many solid options out there.

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, ABrugs said:

I thought the 12# Sniper I had held up pretty well and even though the 16# I had for Texas rigs was strong and reliable, the memory wasn’t very good.

 

I appreciate the input as it definitely gives me something to think about regarding InvizX. I know I’m probably splitting hairs at this point w/ so many solid options out there.

 

One thing I should add....  Sniper, Assassin, Invizx, and Tatsu are all good lines...  

 

Like you said....  splitting hairs.

 

 

[Gazz]

I exclusively use Invizx and Assassin line for everything I do except for my braid spinning setup with shooter for fluoro leader and maxcuattro for the frog rod. I’ve tried a bunch of others but I’ve narrowed it down to these 2. I love assassin for any moving bait apps as it actually has a little more stretch to it than others and Invizx for my all around and jig setups. I also find that assassin casts like a dream but Invizx is pretty close to just as good. Splitting hairs. Just moved over to a glass hybrid cranking setup from a MH/MF so I’m curious to see if the line preference changes for me. 

[ABrugs]

Thanks for all the responses and advice. After thinking a little more, I’m going to go w/ 12# Sniper. I used this last year on my lipless crankbait setup and it was awesome. I wanted to see if there were any strong opinions for Assassin and it sounds like while it’s also a good FC, there isn’t enough of a reason to make the switch when I like Sniper and know what I’m getting w/ it.

 

I appreciate everyone!