switching to braid....

[preemptive strike]

Okay so I would like to switch to braid from mono, mainly because it sounds like it is stronger and casts just as smooth as mono. I have 10lb line right now and for the same diameter in braid I can have 30lb. I would like to carp fish and I would like to have stronger line on my reel. I have a 6'6" BPS extreme M action and a pflueger president 6740. I would like your opinion on switching to sufix and what I need to know. Thanks!

[Fishin49er]

With any braid you decide on, leave about half the spool of mono on to serve as a backing for the braid or else it will slip on the spool.  Just connect the two lines with a blood knot or some other connecting knot.

[DRat]

I use Power Pro braid and like it. Been using it now for about four years. Once you get used to it(no strech) you will injoy it. As far as brand names they will all act pretty much the same. You still have to stay within the rods recommended line rating. Rods take a lot of stress and if you go up to much in line class the rod and or the real may not take it.

[preemptive strike]

Ten pound mono is the same diameter as 30lb braid. So... a rod that says 8-14lb shouldt have 30lb braid even though it has the same or less diameter?

[Pond Hopper]

10 lb diameter power pro is equivalent to 40 lb test and it will work just fine on the rod you mentioned.  If you dont want to use backing just put a piece of electrical tape over the line on the spool to prevent slipping.  

[preemptive strike]

Do you guys like sufix or power pro better? Also what is this about line cutting into the reel?

[DRat]

Use backing on your real. This acts as backing so the braid will not slip. Make sure you keep the line tight on the spool and it will not cut into itself.

[doog]

i use spiderwire stealth and i love it

i went to stealth from berkley firewire i used it but i liked the stealth better if i were you id go with the styealth also because it is coated in teflon for better knots

[bocabasser]

go with power pro 10# test. i believe it has the diameter of 4# mono. i have never used backing, and like pond hopper said, electrical tape will prevent slipping. once you make the switch, you will never go back.

[lubina]

My favorite braid is Sufix, 30 -65 lbs. Always backing mono, around 1/4 of the spool and always mono or fluoro leader ( for rod protection ).

[rvrnr64]

Before you go hog wild on braid try Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft Hybrid. You may not like it but I just switched to it and love it. It's about 8 bucks from Cabelas. I only have the 6# so far, so the heavier lines may not suit you but it's worth a try. Road Warrior told me to try it an I love it. You are right though, you can get more lb test with less diameter and if your fishing for carp and don't like Yo- Zuri I believe I'd go with Power Pro first then try Suffix if you don't like the Pro.

[gatrboy53]

if your going to use it for carp fishing primarily,i would use braid.brand is a matter of preference.theres not that much difference between brands.mono backing will help it seat better just be sure to put enough on to not get spooled.i use to fish for carp in carp ponds in n.c. some were 30-40 lbs.those dudes you need some strong tackle.id use 50# but 30# or less depending on how sporty you want to get.a 14-25 # rated rod probably wont have the backbone you'll need to horse a big carp.the braid could snap it if you put much pressure on a big fish.i use to use a ugly stick,bend but wont break.

[flyphisher #]

PLan on using a flourocarbon leader....Carp will see braid.....They are on of the spookiest fish around...

[preemptive strike]

How does the leader protect the rod? Do all braided users use one?

[Spnrbait_]

I don't use a leader. But I do fill my spool half way with cheap mono. Braid is more expensive and the mono keeps it from slipping. Maybe I am cheap but I can fill two reels w/ one spool of braid that way.

[lubina]

How does the leader protect the rod? Do all braided users use one?

If you are using a line that is heavier than the rating of your rod ( I use 50-65 lbs ) you are risking your rod to overload and breakage, specially during hook set. A mono/fluoro leader of the appropriate rating is your safety valve.

[Guest avid]

It's not all that complicated dude.

If your using casting equipment you need heavier braid or it will dig into your spool.

I have been using braid for years with no consideration as to rod line wt. recommendations.  Set your drag appropraitely and don't give it another thought

I often use mono or flouro leader, but It's a confidence thing.   I'm not at all convinced that it really matters.  

for worms, or jigs, or hollow body frogs in the weeds, I do not use leader.

For crankbaits, or anything where I want some stretch I'll go with mono.

for shallow, clear water fluke fishing etc.   I'll go with flouro.

But again, I do this because it gives me confidence.  I have fished each of the techniques mentioned without a leader, and been successful.

the big draw back with braid is that it is so limp it will wrap around EVERYTHNG.  seriously.  the first time you walk a spook with braided line will be a real experience.

You can learn to minimize it, but not eliminate it.

I have broken several guides on rods where I fish jerk baits or walking topwaters, because the line wrapped a guide when I set the hook.  the guides will break before 50# braid will (happened twice on Stl Croix rods.  Each time they shipped me the correct guide for no charge- my local rodsmith re wrapped the new guides for less than 5 bucks)

I know use the Loomis BCR and BSR series with the recoil guides.  They bend not break.  But I only use them for jerk bait, worms, or walking type baits.  They are noisy and annoying for fast retrieve baits like ratltraps and spinnerbaits.

I use Power pro and have no need to even try another brand.

good luck and have fun.

avid

[The Next KVD]

Power Pro is definatly the way to go!!!!!!