Braid Lb Test for Frogs

[UmairF]

What lb test do you guys use for frogs (in heavy vegetation not open water)? I’m using a 7’3 XH Expride B with a Curado 200M this season. I was using 65lb suffix 131 last year on the same rod and noticed I’m ripping holes in the mouth on the 1.5-4lb fish we catch on average where I’m at in IL and WI.

My initial thought is that there’s no give in my system. Not that I’d want much give while frogging and flipping into the thick stuff and wrenching them out. Thinking if I switch down to a 4-strand 50lb test that might not tear holes in their mouths. 65lb test maybe makes more sense when you’re fishing places more south where the class of fish and cover are even heavier compared to the fish and cover up here.

[JHoss]

I doubt there's any appreciable difference in the stretch between 50 and 65 lb braid. I use 50 unless I'm going to be around a lot of wood. Then I'll go up to 65. 

 

You could try backing off the drag the slightest bit to give a bit of give. But probably would just be better to take 10-20% off your hooksets when they're not too far out. 

[Dwight Hottle]

The pound test has little to due with your problem. The fact that braid in all test strengths has no give or stretch is the culprit. The number of strands doesn't change thing either regarding stretch. 

[FishTank]

I would switch to mono or add a 2-3 foot 15-20lb leader to the braid you currently have to give it some cushion. 

[Mike L]

Just a guess, but you’re ripping holes because of the combination of a non forgiving XF rod, heavy braid and locked down drag.
I’d say you’re ripping her on the set because of the power and setup of your combo. 

I use 50# original Power Pro only because it is a 4 strand and can cut through pad stems better when it’s needed than a more manageable 8, that’s the only reason. 
I’ve had great luck with 40# also. 

 

As Dwight said, the strength of the line isn’t your problem 
 

I too use a heavy action rod but with a  slower action. 
I tried a XF but now delegate those to bottom contact presentations only. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[UmairF]

When I meant “give” I meant my rod is really fast and the braid has no stretch so there’s no give anywhere in that. I understand what you guys are saying though. 
 

Was thinking of the 4-strand instead of the 8 purely for being able to saw through grass better

3 minutes ago, Mike L said:

Just a guess, but you’re ripping holes because of the combination of a non forgiving XF rod, heavy braid and locked down drag.
I’d say you’re ripping her on the set because of the power and setup of your combo. 

I use 50# original Power Pro only because it is a 4 strand and can cut through pad stems better when it’s needed than a more manageable 8, that’s the only reason. 
I’ve had great luck with 40# also. 

 

As Dwight said, the strength of the line isn’t your problem 
 

I too use a heavy action rod but with a  slower action. 
I tried a XF but now delegate those to bottom contact presentations. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Yes I think this is exactly what’s happening. I do like my XH Expride because it doubles as a shorter punching rod which I love. 4-strand 50lb is probably the better solution 

[Mike L]

That’s why I use it. 
The strength of the line is totally dependent on where and to some degree how.
But you have to take into account the whole set up and how you use it. 
 

 

 

 

Mike
 

[Dwight Hottle]

15 minutes ago, UmairF said:

 
 

Was thinking of the 4-strand instead of the 8 purely for being able to saw through grass better

 

Your correct. 4 strand braids are more course & will cut through vegetation better. Suffix 832 & 131 having 8 strands or 13 strands is rounder & smoother thus less coarse. The multi strand braids cast further because they are more round & create less friction thru the guide train. 

[Maverick2017]

For frogging, I tend to go for a moderate fast tip. That makes up for the lack of give characteristic of braid nicely, keeps them pinned, and doesn’t rip a hole in their mouth.

[WRB]

Set your drag at 8 lbs, 1 gallon of water weighs 8 lbs, try lifting it with your combo.

8 lbs of drag is max force your rod can withstand. 40 lb /.013D braid may cut your hands whereas 60 lb / .016D is easier to handle. 
Your reel has a drag used it!
Tom

[woolleyfooley]

2 hours ago, Mike L said:

Just a guess, but you’re ripping holes because of the combination of a non forgiving XF rod, heavy braid and locked down drag.
I’d say you’re ripping her on the set because of the power and setup of your combo. 

I use 50# original Power Pro only because it is a 4 strand and can cut through pad stems better when it’s needed than a more manageable 8, that’s the only reason. 
I’ve had great luck with 40# also. 

 

As Dwight said, the strength of the line isn’t your problem 
 

I too use a heavy action rod but with a  slower action. 
I tried a XF but now delegate those to bottom contact presentations only. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

@Mike L what rod do you use? 

[crypt]

2 hours ago, Mike L said:

Just a guess, but you’re ripping holes because of the combination of a non forgiving XF rod, heavy braid and locked down drag.
I’d say you’re ripping her on the set because of the power and setup of your combo. 

I use 50# original Power Pro only because it is a 4 strand and can cut through pad stems better when it’s needed than a more manageable 8, that’s the only reason. 
I’ve had great luck with 40# also. 

 

As Dwight said, the strength of the line isn’t your problem 
 

I too use a heavy action rod but with a  slower action. 
I tried a XF but now delegate those to bottom contact presentations only. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

This .......

[Mike L]

16 minutes ago, woolleyfooley said:

@Mike L what rod do you use? 

Dobyns Kaden 715 C 

7’ 1” Mag Heavy / Fast 

(doubles as my Carolina Rig rod)

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[softwateronly]

The 7'3XH is a mod/fast action, it's just that it's backed with a ton of power and a no stretch line.  A smooth reel set with a proper drag setting should get em up and turned without ripping lips off.

 

scott

[WRB]

18 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

@Mike L what rod do you use? 

IROD IRG 754F frog rod/ Freds Magic stick.

Tom

[Bandersnatch]

Fiddy