Really hating this Trilene XL 4lb test

[bgaviator]

So I just got my first ultralight setup recently and after scouring many posts about which line to go with, I settled on Trilene XL 4lb test. I am using it on a Daiwa Revros LT1000 spool and an Okuma Celilio rod. 
 

this stuff is like trying to work with a cobweb!  I can’t seem to tie a uni knot for anything with this stuff. It gets twisted and caught on itself a lot.  I can’t easily grab hold of it.  Is there anything better I could be using?  Would going up to just a 6lb test help with being able to tie my knots or do I need a stiffer type of line?

[Mobasser]

I've been fishing that exact line on the same reel all season. I'd suggest try a polymer knot. Ive had zero issues.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I would tell u varivas 5lb braid but if you think 4# xl is thin varivas would be invisible to you.

[WRB]

Maxima Ultra Green 5 lb .008 D same as 4 lb Trilene XL but a lot stronger knot and abrasion strength then 6 lb XL.

Don’t understand the knot tying problem suggest trying improved clinch knot or Palomar knot. Uni knot is simple to tie.

If you can’t see .008D line get 2X reader glasses!

You may be twisting the line spooling it?

Tom

 

[ironbjorn]

It's not the line. It's you not being good at working with very light line. Just gotta practice man.

[Bird]

Before I got my prescription sunglasses I kept several pairs of reading glasses on the boat.

I couldn't even tie an over hand knot without some kind of visual aid.

 

 

[rangerjockey]

Could you have the spool overfilled ? You probably know this but always close the bail hand, never with the reel handle.

[bulldog1935]

The problem is line memory, which is why I never looked back after switching to braid, and didn't stop with spinning tackle.  

If you're tying knots on spinning tackle, the cobwebs are only going to get worse, adding line twist on top of line memory.  

 

Begin with 6-or 8-lb Sufix 832.  (don't fall into generic "braid" trap, but stick with quality coated new generation braids) - note, you'll probably need backing with braid this small.  

Get yourself an Ott lamp and magnifier and learn a good leader knot - NOT double-uni, but improved Allbright, FG, etc.  

You can keep your leader short, it's mostly for shock tolerance.  

Never tie the lure direct to leader, but Always use a micro-swivel snap.  

  

It works.  

[Hulkster]

I use Sufix Siege and Elite mono on all my rigs it blows Trilene out of the water. Although I used trilene for pretty much all of the 90s and early 2000s lol I can't go back now. 

 

the 4 pound Elite is amazing for UL work. its strong and smooth. 

[Hulkster]

one thing you can do is tie a palomar knot instead. its dead easy to tie with small diameter lines

[new2BC4bass]

Unless Trilene made a big change, it's not the line.  I fished with it for years in my youth.  Tied Clinch Knot at first, then went to a Uni Knot.

[bgaviator]

10 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

Could you have the spool overfilled ? You probably know this but always close the bail hand, never with the reel handle.

The spool is not overfilled. My gripe with it is trying to tie knots with how small and flimsy it is, especially when I’m trying to do a uni knot, which is the only knot I’ve really learned how to do. If if this line gets snagged or twisted on itself it’s really hard for me to get it undone. Like I said, it’s like working with a cobweb I feel 

[Eric 26]

I have used 4lb Trilene XL on quite a few reels and currently have 4lb Kastking monofilament on a couple reels and have had zero issues using the Trilene knot I believe it’s referred to which I learned from watching Bill Dance years ago. It’s a simple knot to learn and again zero issues with 4lb up to 17lb monofilament at least for me. 

[Tackleholic]

I used that line in 4# and 6# for years;  the only reason I changed is it had more stretch than I wanted.

[msgf91]

Try using 2 lb XL for a few trips then switch back to 4 lb. It'll make the 4 lb feel like cable lol

[BigAngus752]

17 hours ago, bgaviator said:

The spool is not overfilled. My gripe with it is trying to tie knots with how small and flimsy it is, especially when I’m trying to do a uni knot, which is the only knot I’ve really learned how to do. If if this line gets snagged or twisted on itself it’s really hard for me to get it undone. Like I said, it’s like working with a cobweb I feel 

I completely agree with you.  The solution (as stated by many others) is reading glasses and a Palomar knot.  The Palomar is easier to tie with thin line and it is, in my experience, stronger on the really thin lines than the Uni or Trilene knots.  Sit on the couch and practice the Palomar.  It will make your life much easier while fishing. 

[casts_by_fly]

It’s not the line. You just need more practice. XL is a pretty limp line and easy to tie, but you need to have a little dexterity if your fingers to manipulate it and decent eyes or readers. If the only knot you know is a uni, that implies to me that you haven’t been fishing that long and probably haven’t tied that many knots in your lifetime. 
 

for fishing ultralights and mono, a standard improved clinch is usually just fine. I still fish an improved clinch on tiny hooks. If it’s a bigger wire hook relative to the line diameter I might tie a trilene knot with the extra pass through the eye of the hook. With tiny mono on ultralight rods, nicks in your line are going to be more impactful than the knot you tie. 

[new2BC4bass]

On 9/27/2024 at 3:58 PM, bgaviator said:

The spool is not overfilled. My gripe with it is trying to tie knots with how small and flimsy it is, especially when I’m trying to do a uni knot, which is the only knot I’ve really learned how to do. If if this line gets snagged or twisted on itself it’s really hard for me to get it undone. Like I said, it’s like working with a cobweb I feel 

It's like msgf91 said....try fishing with 2# XL for the cobweb affect.  I only tried one spool of 2# XL.  Too thin for me.  Used 4# XL for years with zero knot problems.

[BlakeMolone]

I like it, it does have some memory sometimes. Kvd line and lure the night before pretty much solves this issue though, you can always stretch it before fishing by tying it onto a tree or something and putting a little pressure on it too 🤣

[GetFishorDieTryin]

XL used to be pretty good, but it is mono.  Im not saying you did, but if you spool that wrong, it becomes unmanageable.  The size of the spool isnt helping much either. 

[MediumMouthBass]

Put the spool in hot water, fixes mono memory for me.

Try San Diego jam or palomar knot.