Line for Line Watching

[moloch16]

I'm a fanatic line watcher and use to use a lot of fluorescent mono, but recently switched to some less visible green mono (and black braid) based on the theory that if it is easy for me to see the line, it's easy for the fish to see the line too.  I can hardly see the line now so I'm not as confident when fishing.

Should I switch back to fluorescent mono or is there some other line that is great for line watching but less visible to the fish?  Two lines I'm currently pondering is the new fluorescent braid and the Berkley Vanish.  The Vanish seems pretty expensive however.

Your help is appreciated!

[KYbass1276]

Your question or atleast to me would be easier to answer if we knew how you fish the most.   Example flipping/pitching, spinnerbaits, Deadsticking.  I think we can steer you the right line with some more info

[moloch16]

I finish a lot of plastic (i.e. weightless Senkos, pitching and flipping worms)  and that's when I really want to see the line.  I also like swimming spinnerbaits up to some structure and letting them drop - another time that line watching is essential.  I plan to fish jigs this fall and winter.

When I'm fishing crankbaits and such I don't think the line matters as much since I'm looking for the reaction bite.

I fish lakes in the Piedmont of North Carolina.  The water around here stays pretty cloudy - maybe 5 feet of visibility when it gets really clear but usually much less.

[Marty]

I'm a fanatic line watcher and use to use a lot of fluorescent mono, but recently switched to some less visible green mono (and black braid) based on the theory that if it is easy for me to see the line, it's easy for the fish to see the line too.  I can hardly see the line now so I'm not as confident when fishing.

I'm a line-watcher too; I have to be because most of my strikes are detected by seeing the line move off the side, as opposed to feeling something. That said, I'm using the worst line for line-watching that I've ever used, green Power Pro. But things have worked out somehow. When I can't see the line I often see a little disturbance on the surface made by the line movement.

I don't think there's any doubt that fish can see the line, regardless of how well we can or can't see it. The real issue, as far as I'm concerned, is whether it affects anything. The fish sees it, but can it perceive danger from it and preclude it from attacking that attractive lure? I don't think so, but that's an opinion, not a fact. But I have confidence that it doesn't deter strikes and I don't bother with a leader.

[Tin]

You always have to watch your line with senko's. Since its cloudy you could do either braid or your old line. As for the vanish... no coment.  

[Crestliner2008]

With my older eyes I've switched to Vanish Transition in gold. I've tried the red variety (this season) and it's not as easy to see as the gold, which I started to use early 2006. I also use a clear Vanish leader of about 4' tied to the Transition with back to back uni knots. Has worked out very well for me this season and last. All the opinions to the contrary, I've used Vanish on 4 of my rigs now for over 3 seasons with no problems whatsoever.

[Jig Man]

I fish clear lakes in the lower half where the water sometimes is like gin.  A couple of years ago 6 of us did an experiment with some using braid and others using mono.  Those of us with braid got a good old fashion butt kickin'.  Since then I use a fluro leader on my braid unless I am fishing 30' deep.  I use the yellow Power Pro because it is easier to see in the wind and my fav. lake is windy.

[luckyinkentucky]

I use Cajun Line on my Catfish outfits.  I can sit on the boat, and lay back while watching the red line!    Be sure to tie some good knots if you use it though.  It's not a good 'strong knot' line.  

[.dsaavedra.]

if you cant see the line, use some kind of mono (so it floats) or if you must use braid, run it up and down an unscented candle to coat it in wax so it floats and just watch for ripples on the water from fish twitching the line.

[TrickyVT1887]

Typically I use seaguar fluorocarbon when I'm using techniques that would require line watching namely because i started having more hits using it but if I'm fishing stained or lo vis water conditions I'll use good 'ol IzorLine 12# or 15# clear, It has more of a white color above water and is easy to see.

[JigNBig]

Braid floats. So I would probably try a small diameter braid like 30/8.  Power Pro is the way to go!

[moloch16]

Thanks for the replies everyone.  The one time I tried braid unless the sun was just right it was impossible to see, especially with wind.  Going fishing tomorrow and I just replaced my braid with some fluorescent mono.  Back in my comfort zone  :  I'll add a flourocarbon leader if I think the fish are spooked