This situation but which line?

[LakeWinni]

I've got 3 rods (MH, M, ML) all fast action. 2 part question, for jerkbaits and topwater specifically. I hear for moving baits you want a moderate action rod so the hooks dont rip out, but can I make up for the fast action rod with line stretch like with...

1. all mono

2. braid to fluoro using soft steel (inviz not enough stretch in 5 ft leader right?)

3. strait flouro like invizx or tatsu

 

Should I not think of jerk and topwater as being similar like this? Should I just get another rod if so which, any other suggestions?

[Konajon]

I think modern convention says to work some flex into your setup somewhere but like anything it is a matter of opinion. For topwater baits, especially something that “walks” across the surface, I like a fast action rod and braided line. It makes me feel more connected to the lure and takes less effort when I do not lose anything to the flex in the rod or line. 

[MickD]

Flouro, mono, and hybrids all are very "stretchy," so looking for differences between them isn't going to very fruitful if you believe the data an not the hype.  More important is that for surface you want at least a good length of mono because it won't drag your surface lure under.  FC will.  Hybrid somewhere in between.  

 

If you want something to be conducive to going deep, FC is the best.  Or a braid with a Gore filament to increase its density.

[Lead Head]

In my experience most M and ML rods will have enough give that ripping hooks out of bass isn't a problem even with a fast action and braid. 

 

Not all rod manufacturers "mh" and "fast" are the same, so not knowing that, it is difficult to give accurate advice. For example, I would not hesitate to use braid for topwater on a mh/f dobyns, but I would on a mh/f st. croix. 

 

With the information given, I would suggest you use a quality mono and don't worry about the rest. You didn't say you were experiencing hooks ripping out, only that you heard it could happen. 

 

If these are spinning setups, that changes things. I would suggest braid to mono leader and don't worry about the rest.

[jimmyjoe]

   I'll be the devil's advocate ? here; use nylon monofilament. It's cheap; braid and fluoro are not. It's easily accessible just about anywhere, braid and fluoro may or may not be. It has stretch, an option controlled by brand and diameter. Nylon line has less of a problem with tip wrap than braid or fluoro. And it floats, which is perfect for topwater.

 

   Some fast actions have a soft tip, so whether you want to get another rod or not is entirely up to you.

 

   Good luck!           jj

[Bluebasser86]

If you're using one rod for everything, I'd use mono. 

[CrankFate]

I’d say it all depends on whether you’re using braid, mono or fluoro. 

[HaydenS]

I'd go with the Medium action rod, straight mono for topwater and jerk baits.  I throw my jerk baits on 10 pound mono on a medium action rod, very rarely lose fish.  I could use this for smaller topwater (poppers, smaller walking baits) if I wanted to as well.  

[J Francho]

I use a floating zero stretch line for top waters and jerkbaits. The ripping hooks out thing is a myth. If they pull out, you never never had it anyway and no mini is going to fix that. 

[Big Rick]

6 hours ago, J Francho said:

I use a floating zero stretch line for top waters and jerkbaits. The ripping hooks out thing is a myth. If they pull out, you never never had it anyway and no mini is going to fix that. 

Only if you have the right rod with enough flex and your reel drag set properly to prevent a big bass from bending treble hooks out. Otherwise, it's no myth, it's a reality. 

[J Francho]

Put a treble hook in you finger and see how much force it takes to pull out by pulling on the line.  A bass's premaxillary process is actually tougher than human skin.  Unless your using 50# braid and a flipping stick, chances are it's non issue.  If you are bending hooks out, then your drag is set incorrectly.  Drag should slip before the weakest part of the system fails.  In most cases, that's the line or the rod, but in your example it's the hook.  In other words, a simple and correctable user error.

[Choporoz]

I think the 'rules' about treble hook lures and braid and fast tips has more to do with physics around leverage than about 'ripping hooks out'

[T-Billy]

Pick up some Trilene Big Game and see what YOU think. We all have our preferences. Mono may be yours for these applications. BG is quality line at a great price. If you're not happy with the results, you're not out much. Pull it off and give a quality 8 carrier braid a go. 

[bowhunter63]

Big Game is hard to beat