When do I want some line stretch, and when not?

[DDog1]

Generally what techniques do you want some stretch in your line/leader and what techniques do you want less stretch and why?

- if you could list like drop shot, wacky, crank, ect that would be super helpful, appreciate it. 

 

Also, is a 5 foot flouro leader gonna have much stretch or does it depend on the flouro, why have the most stretch?

[islandbass]

This is a very personal thing. Some folks don’t like stretch at all. 
 

Personally, I like it for what you mentioned. 
 

Both fc and mono stretch, and the amount can vary by brand and model, but they can differ in resiliency. Mono can return to its original stage after stretching while fc generally can remain stretched and not bounce back. Is that good or bad? I can’t tell you. I don’t think the bass I catch in rip rap and open water  stretch my line enough to find out. 
 

I love my fc line to be stretchy and so invisx is my preference. I will mono or copolymer for everything else. I like braid but haven’t used it in the past 12-14 years. I have not seen a need for using it... until this season. I might consider using it for frogging in lily pads. 

[Lead Head]

A general rule of thumb is- moving baits benefit from more stretch, and bottom contact benefits from less stretch. 

 

This is just a basic rule of thumb, it is not always correct. Rod action, cover, and (as mentioned above) personal preference all play a role.

 

Most people feel like more stretch helps prevent ripping a bait away from a feeding bass, and helps keep a hooked bass pinned. Most people feel like less stretch gives more sensitivity, better hooksets, and allows you to "horse" fish away from and over/through cover.

 

Just some basic generalizations, there are exceptions to every rule and personal preference trumps all.

[BigAngus752]

I use the K.I.S.S. principle:

 

No stretch = Single hook 

Stretch = Treble hook (+ "small" hook i.e. wacky rigging and drop shot)

 

 

 

 

[dodgeguy]

Line stretch stinks. Use a softer rod and keep your sensitivity.

[Deephaven]

I am in the no stretch club as well.  Doesn't mean I don't use clear lines but the reason is not for stretch.

[huZZah]

14 hours ago, DDog1 said:

Also, is a 5 foot flouro leader gonna have much stretch or does it depend on the flouro, why have the most stretch?

Depends on brand. Most say in the description, but if not I read the reviews. Some are definitely more stretchy than others. 

 

7 hours ago, BigAngus752 said:

No stretch = Single hook 

Stretch = Treble hook (+ "small" hook i.e. wacky rigging and drop shot)

This is me. But my thing with trebles (and buzz/spinnerbaits so I use a leader usually) is more that braid fouls so easily. It’s annoying to fix every other cast. I recently went straight 20lb braid on wacky and I LOVE it.  Drop shot and Carolina are leader. Trig is 12lb floro cause Roland Martin said to ?. I’m considering going braid to leader to experiment. 
 

Edit: to answer the topic question: I want stretch when I don’t want the fish to be able to pull loose (moving baits mostly, more open water). I don’t want stretch when I want to be able to pull the fish loose of cover (plastics, top water, not open water).  

[DDog1]

So if my lake has little cover and is more of a rock bottom, then I basically always want stretch? 

 

WHy would I not want stretch with topwater?

[huZZah]

I don’t like my line to flex with top water because every top water fish I’ve ever caught explodes on it and drags it down into the crap I’m pulling the lure over.  If I can’t get them out quickly I typically can’t get them out. 
But look, I’ve tried plenty of things other people recommend and they flat didn’t work for me. If you’re unsure, just do some cheap 12lb mono until you figure out what you like.  (I like Berkeley big game.  Strong stuff.)

[Ratherbfishing]

I haven't contemplated every possible technique or situation but here are two times I want line stretch:  1) When I am fishing crankbaits and I don't want to "******" the bait out of the fishes mouth, and 2) when I am fishing jerkbaits and the stretch tends to help the bait resume a better "position" on the pause.  I do NOT like stretch when I am frog fishing as I want to be able to horse the fish out of the muck.  Also, I prefer braided (non-stretchy) line when I need am soft plastic fishing and want to maintain better "feel" for what is happening on the other end (although I will use a mono or flourocarbon leader).  I also do not like stretchy line around cover when I may need to pull/direct the fish away from hangups.

[The Maestro]

Can't stand using line that stretches. A softer rod and less drag if you're concerned with tearing the hooks out during the fight.

[Deephaven]

2 hours ago, DDog1 said:

WHy would I not want stretch with topwater?

Action and feel is awful with a stretchy line.  It is a MUST that my jerkbait/moving top water rod have braid.  I also can't imagine frog fishing with anything but braid.  I'd lose frogs like crazy.

[DDog1]

1 minute ago, Deephaven said:

Action and feel is awful with a stretchy line.  It is a MUST that my jerkbait/moving top water rod have braid.  I also can't imagine frog fishing with anything but braid.  I'd lose frogs like crazy.

Thanks, and I know you're a no stretch guy generally but when can you see some stretch making sense, even if not enough sense for you hehe. 

[Deephaven]

If I could buy mono/flouro without stretch I would....that is without upsizing the line.  If I want a spring in the system I will do it with my rod, not my line.  Line & rod have to work as a system.  I see no value in using a stiff rod and then a spongy line.

 

[Bubba 460]

 

 

The following photos is were you do not want stretch in your line. Braid with the exception of a short mono or fc leader if needed (that must be a Texas lily pad). You want to get the fish to the boat ASAP (rope'em up and brand'em)... oh, and a lot of luck is needed too. Starting out with prayer is not a bad idea either.

 

Any open water with minimal obstructions is the place to use fc or mono line or leaders on braid if you like braid. Line size depending on presentation. Using top water lures you're better off with braid for the hook-set, particularly if you're like me and bomb a whopper plopper 60 yards and get hits so far out you need binoculars.