Braid Question

[catchbig0bass]

Just got some 50# powerpro braid on a new baitcaster. Currently I just used a palmors knot to tie on a swivel however wondering if I should have spliced it uni to uni with a mono leader? how many of you guys just use strickly braid. Going to be using this for spinnerbaits, jigs and plastics.

[gkeniston]

I think a lot of it depends on where you fish more than what you fish with.  If the water is dirty, or you plan on fishing heavy cover I wouldnt worry about using a leader.  If you are fishing open water with little cover, or very clear water you might not want to bother with braid at all.  I have found that a 15-17lb flurocarbon does the job for me.  Its pretty abrasion resistant, and harder for fish to see.  I also think it sits better on a baitcast spool too.  Not that I am trying to change you mind, but I would recommend taking the fishing conditions into consideration more so even than the lures you will be using.  I hope that helps, good luck!

[DINK WHISPERER]

I think a lot of it depends on where you fish more than what you fish with. If the water is dirty, or you plan on fishing heavy cover I wouldnt worry about using a leader. If you are fishing open water with little cover, or very clear water you might not want to bother with braid at all. I have found that a 15-17lb flurocarbon does the job for me. Its pretty abrasion resistant, and harder for fish to see. I also think it sits better on a baitcast spool too. Not that I am trying to change you mind, but I would recommend taking the fishing conditions into consideration more so even than the lures you will be using. I hope that helps, good luck!

WOW, he pretty much covered it all! I use strictly braid now for flippin'/pitchin'heavy cover! Word of advice though, use superline hooks and don't set the hook too hard. You will either rip some lips or bend some hooks out!

[catchbig0bass]

Ya I picked up braid for my heavier rod and just some trilene xl 8lb for the lighter stuff however I might just got get some 8lb flurocarbon today to run that instead. Before I was using spiderwire 8lb on that setup and loved it. I am def loving how the braid casts. It seems like its smoother and more accurate with my casting than the mono.

[Brian4618]

I have always used braid on my baitcasters, from open water to heavy cover, but I tie about a 3 foot fluoro leader. But before I used the leaders I used all braid and still caught fish, I guess it all depends, like they said before on the conditions of the water and how spooked the fish are when they see line.

[gkeniston]

Doesnt using a fluro leader defeat the purpose of using braid?  The fluro would break before the braid, so why use braid?  I just run all fluro.  What are your thoughts?

[Jig Man]

In shallow clear water straight braid can get your butt waxed.  I use a mono or fluro leader in clear water unless I am going below 30'.

If you use a leader, learn the Alberto's knot.  It is small and easy to tie.  I have used it for over a year and had no knot failures.

[Brian4618]

Doesnt using a fluro leader defeat the purpose of using braid? The fluro would break before the braid, so why use braid? I just run all fluro. What are your thoughts?

Yes, the leader would break before the braid. The reason i use braid is because I prefer casting with braid rather than mono or fluoro. I just feel its easier for me to cast, other people may not feel the same way about it, thats just my opinion.

[Long Mike]

All of my rods, both spinning at bait casting, are spooled with braid.  All of these rods have a 6' to 9' flouro leader.  I get the strength, durability and lack of memory of braid and the invisibility and limited stretch of flouro.  Plus, I can still break off when I need to.  On my spinning gear I use 30# braid with a 12# leader.  On my bait casters I use 50# or 65# braid with a 25# flouro leader.  Works for me.