Copolymer

[S I G M A]

I was wondering what copolymer line was and its attributes. is it like a beefed up version of mono?

[Marty]

This is from Ken Cook's site:

"Basically, all fishing lines are the same. Now wait, I'll "splain dat". ALL these lines use polymer technology to create the basic thread. Monofilament translates literally as "one thread". Although the chemistry is different, fluorocarbon is a monofilament as well. Copolymer lines are one monofilament sheathed in and chemically bonded to another. Multiple "micro" threads woven together create the braided "superlines" made of Spectra, Kevlar or Dyneema fiber. You can still find Dacron, but it doesn't compare to the superlines."

http://www.kencook.net/fishinglines.htm

[S I G M A]

well i'm looking at finding new line for the rod that i use for spinnerbaits, topwaters, and cranks... i'm not a big fan of monofilament and am not sure what kind of line i should use... anyone have any recommendations?

[foul hooked]

Pline CX Premium

[Gatorbassman]

I have tried dozens of lines and I keep going back to Izorline XXX copoly. It is the best I've found and the price is hard to beat.

[Terry_]

P-line Halo. My personal favorite! Performs well too!

[S I G M A]

P-line Halo. My personal favorite! Performs well too!

isn't halo a flourocarbon?

[cart7t]

I got turned onto Realine right about the time they went out of business.

Great stuff.  Fortunately I stocked up.

[The Next KVD]

A good coplymer that i reccomend is Gamma.  Its strong, abrasion resistant, easy to cast, ect.  Yes Halo is a flourocarbon.  You might want to try a braid such as Power Pro.  All of my reels are spooled with it because it allows crankbaits to dive deeper, sensativity is awesome on any rod.  If you think fish can see it add a 2 ft leader of flourocarbon.

[S I G M A]

i was actually just looking at gamma on bass pro shops online. it has great reviews for it and i was probably gonna spool up with it whenever i decide to go broke by going to bass pro shops... i tried fireline crystal in 20lb test once and it dug into the spool so bad that i just got mad and ripped it off my reel after using it for a day. i heard you are supposed to put backing on it or something but i'm not too familiar with braids so it was probably my fault

[MickD]

I presume since you were talking about 20 pound line that you are asking about line for casting reels.  I used to use some copolymers of 14 pound, and liked them.  Then I tried braids and probably will never go back to mono/copoly.  I really love the terrific sensitivity of braid and the fact that I can cast well with line that is very strong. I am using braids from 30-40 pounds.  They last a lot longer than mono/copoly, so their high up front cost is not an issue.  They also have no memory, so don't coil after being on the reel for a while.  Some cautions about braid:

Even though you may be using 25-40 pound test, set your drag as if you were using 12-15 pound test.  Braid, being small in diameter for its strength, will tend to dig in as you have experienced, but with lighter drag settings, it is usually not a problem with modern braids.  I havn't had it happen in years.

Some do and some don't use a leader.  The arguments go on forever.  A leader of fluoro will give a little cushion to the zero stretch of the braid.  If you choose to use a flourocarbon leader, as I always do, use a leader quite a bit lower in pound test than your main line.  Then if you have a break-off it will usually be at the lure and not at the main line or main line to leader knot. . .

if you use the right knot to tie the leader to the main braid line.  Most recommend a uni to uni knot, and I've used that knot for years with very little trouble.  The Albright and improved Albright are also popular, and I've tried them and believe them to be superior to the uni-uni because the thicker line (the flouro) is only doubled in the knot, not tripled or quad as in the uni-uni.  Makes for a more compact knot.   Check this knot now and then to be sure it isn't getting beaten up by the rod guides.  I use just shy of a rod length of leader so the knot doesn't go through the reel every cast.  I've found Vanish to be inferior to other flouros and use Cabelas flouro line most of the time-it is much cheaper than the fluoros that are sold as leaders and I've had no trouble with it.  If there is a problem with flouro it will most likely be in terminal knot strength/effectiveness.

I am using Power Pro now, but many comment on it tending to fray, and I can see that issue now and then, mostly when fixing a backlash - yes I get one now and then.  I have read that comments on Suffix braid that indicate it does not fray, so plan to try it soon in 30 pound test.

If you get to be a fan of braid you will want to migrate to softer rod actions than what are ideal for mono-I use nothing that has the word "heavy" in its action description.

Give braid a try-I think you will really like how it casts and it's super sensitivity.

[roadwarrior]

You might want to give Yo-Zuri Hbrid Ultra Soft a try, I think you will like it:

Spinning tackle: #6 (11.9 lb test)

Baitcasting gear: #12 (19.5 lb test)

Hybrid is a bonded (not coated) copolymer blend of nylon and fluorocarbon. In use, the Hybrid Ultra Soft has virtually no memory, overtests significantly and is impervious to water and UV light so it does not get "old". No special knot is required and it floats!

[MickD]

RW, a question-  I found a chart on typical pound test vs strength for different kinds of lines, and the Yozuri Hybrid lines are on a line between mono and braid, indicating significantly higher strength vs diameter than mono.  The Yozuri web site talks of its higher density, which would make sense based on its strength-the strength has to come from somewhere.  

From the web site:  Because of the high density and specific gravity of fluorocarbon, Yo-Zuri HYBRID weighs more than nylon monofilaments.  Casting distance is appreciably greater than similar diameter nylon lines because line weight is an integral component in achieving casting distance.   Also, the hard, slick finish creates far less resistance as the line runs through the guides.

It sounds like great stuff, and I plan to try some, especially the 6# for spinning-I would love to find a 6-10 pound line that handles well- but I don't see how with its high specific gravity it can float?

thanks, Mick

[roadwarrior]

Mick,

Maybe it's the nylon component that makes the line float, but EVERY size floats.

I think you will be VERY pleased with #6 Hybrid Ultra Soft on your spinning tackle.

[S I G M A]

hmm.... i might have to try this yo-zuri line... does the flourocarbon aspect give it the invisibility factor?

[roadwarrior]

Original formula Hybrid has a higher percentage of fluorocarbon in the mix which results in a refraction index very close to that of water. However, it is not pure fluoro, so it can be seen in the higher pound tests. #4 (.009" diameter) and #6 (.010") are very steatlhy and you may prefer the original formula in very clear water.

[Chris at Tech]

I like Pline CX Premium and Floroclear.

[S I G M A]

Original formula Hybrid has a higher percentage of fluorocarbon in the mix which results in a refraction index very close to that of water. However, it is not pure fluoro, so it can be seen in the higher pound tests. #4 (.009" diameter) and #6 (.010") are very steatlhy and you may prefer the original formula in very clear water.

is the orginal just the yozuri hybrid that they have at bass pro shops? i'm using baitcasting tackle so i was planning on going with moss green in 12lb test for my spinnerbait, crankbait, and topwater rod

[roadwarrior]

Yes, BPS does not carry Ultra Soft and will not special order it for you. I think you will be pleased with the original formula Hybrid, but you will notice initial coiling from being stored on the spool. In use, I think the memory is acceptable for most applications.  

[S I G M A]

the original floats also?

[roadwarrior]

the original floats also?

Yes. The original is a little stiffer, more stealthy and a little stronger than Ultra Soft. I recently purchased a 1 lb spool of #15 for my jig and heavy crankbait rigs. On combinations that are used for lighter presentations and more repetative casting, I am using Ultra Soft #12.

[joshmb1999]

RW - I just ordered a 600 yd spool of 8# for my spinning outfits and 12# for my casting stuff...got it at cabela's website.

I'll post with my thoughts after I put it to use!

Thanks for such a great forum.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I hope that works out for you, but #8 is only 1lb stronger than #6 (13 vs. 11.9) and is less managable. Although I do have one spinning reel spooled with #8, I have a strong preference for #6.

[S I G M A]

i think i'll give this a try

[S I G M A]

i went and got a filler spool of 12lb original in camo green... i hope this line lives up to its hype