I know nothing about braided line...

[OmegaDPW]

Fished with some about 20 years ago and took it off my reel for some reason or another and never bought any again. I was gifted a spool of old Spiderwire a couple weeks ago when I bought a rod from a co-worker and figured I'd try it again. I put it on spinning gear. Got a couple of questions. 

 

 Does braid go bad over time? I'm telling you, this spool is old. When putting it on the reel for the first time, the line felt rough and not smooth. It's 10lb braid and seems like it's still pretty strong because I've been able to pull off snags with my favorite Beetle Spins and jigs by bending the hook. 

 

Occasionally, I'm finding tiny miniscule knots on the line. I haven't had any birds nests or anything and it seems to be casting well enough. What causes these tiny knots and how can I stop that from happening? Sometimes I cut the line after the knot and re-tie. Other times I just leave them there. Hasn't seemed to make much of a difference so far.  

 

From what I've read on-line, Spiderwire is pretty crappy line, right? 

 

 So, not a convert yet. I do like the fact that I can retrieve stuck jigs instead of breaking my usual 4 and 6lb line. I've read fish can see the line easily, but it hasn't made much of a difference with reaction type baits like the Beetle Spin in the ponds I fish. At least I think. I'm catching basically the same amount of fish as I've caught in the past with mono. 

 

Thanks for any replies!

[bulldog1935]

You should Always use manual bail technique with braid.  

You should always use it anyway, but is Essential with braid.  

Good ball bearing line roller is essential with braid.  

It's also a good idea to always fish a micro swivel on spinning tackle.  

Braided line in the past decade advanced with better fibers, weave, and FEP (teflon) coatings.  Sufix 832 is a big step over older braid.  Japan braids made a bigger step in 2018, doubling braid strength at the same diameter, and new coatings are also improving.  

You have a neighbor that sells very good braid - try Florida Fishing Products.  

[OmegaDPW]

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

You should Always use manual bail technique with braid.  

You should always use it anyway, but is Essential with braid.  

Good ball bearing line roller is essential with braid.  

It's also a good idea to always fish a micro swivel on spinning tackle.  

 Thanks! I never reel in to close the bail and do tie a swivel with my little spinners. The reel is a cheap one but works just fine with mono. I have no idea how well the line roller is made. That may be the problem.

[DaubsNU1]

I wouldn't over think it too much. I started fishing Fenwick Iron Thread back in the 1990's on my Cabela's branded casting rods and Shimano reels. Didn't do anything much different than mono.

 

Tried braid on spinning rods, but it wasn't for me.

 

I fished that Iron Thread for many, many years. Now I'm running straight green Power Pro on my casting rods.

 

After learning of this site a few years back, i once again tried braid on my spinning gear...this time with fluoro leader. Game changer!  Love it!

 

And I'm still fishing the same 30+ year old Cabela's rods and Shimano reels. No issues. Still strong.

[wdp]

The knots you’re seeing in your line could be wind knots. I’ve noticed it before too when I’m casting on windy days. 
 

I use braid a lot on 4 different spinning set ups, either 10, 15, or 20 lb. The 10 lb is the most susceptible to wind knots. I’m not a big believer in leaders. I use straight braid throwing small finesse baits, t-rigs and small jigs.  Shakey heads work well too on my set ups. I still get bites. 
 

I use Power Pro original. I’ve tried numerous brands over last 20 yrs but have liked none as much as the original Power Pro.