30 Lb Braid Ideal For Topwater

[nwibass]

I will be throwing gunfish, pop-r's, spook jr's and lunker plunkers. Is 30# braid without a leader ideal? wondering if the fish will see it or not? because it's on topwater, I am used to useing flouro or copolymer line for topwater, so i dont know? Thanks!

[SirSnookalot]

The issue isn't the visual, it's getting the braid wrapped around the hooks and that can be a nightmare to untangle. I always use leaders with braid, since I use spinning I never fish heavier than 15#.

[nwibass]

The issue isn't the visual, it's getting the braid wrapped around the hooks and that can be a nightmare to untangle. I always use leaders with braid, since I use spinning I never fish heavier than 15#.

could i leader it with a swivel, because I hate tying knots, I was hoping I wouldnt even need a leader.

[NCbassmaster4Life]

The leader would be your best bet, what kind of swivel are you talking about?

[nwibass]

The leader would be your best bet, what kind of swivel are you talking about?

just a small barrel swivel.

[NCbassmaster4Life]

sounds good, you can use a 10#-14# test that's not braided for your leader..what kind of line would depend on what your more comfortable with?

[SirSnookalot]

I use a #7 barrel swivel

[nwibass]

sounds good, you can use a 10#-14# test that's not braided for your leader..what kind of line would depend on what your more comfortable with?

I would use a 12# copolmer leader with a size 14 or 16 swivel.

[nwibass]

and about a 16 inch leader

[deep]

What sort of punkers?

[LgMouthGambler]

I fish a Spook straight to braid. Never had a problem with it wraping around the trebles.

[nwibass]

Lunker plunkers 6 inch

[A-Rob]

I throw those on mono, aound 15#. I throw my frogs on 50 to 65# braid.

I don't think its a visual issue, I just like the extra stretch and floating line for trebled top waters. Braid on the frog for cutting thru the pads and weed

Anyways that's just how I do it, definitely doesn't mean it is the right way or only way. Good luck dude!

[Mike L]

I use 30# power pro on a medium action Shimano Teramar inshore rod for all top water. Poppers, scum and spo frogs, spooks etc.

No leader.

Mike

[jkarol24]

For walk-the-dog baits, a stiffer mono or co polymer leader is very important part of your setup. Not only does it foul the front hook less, but the mono will push back on the lure, forcing the head of the bait out further to the side making walking the dog much easier. To be honest, it really doesn't matter all that much as to how heavy your leader is, so long as your comfortable that you wont break it. I've used both 12 lb big game mono and 17 lb p-line co polymer with much success. Another quick tip is to then tie your leader to the bait with a loop knot, you will get more action out of it. You don't need a long leader, maybe 2 feet or less. I have it so the leader to mainline knot is just outside the tip guide on my rod while casting so i don't have to cast it through the guides.

[deep]

I'd do away with the snap (I don't like snaps or swivels in general), and tie it on without the leader. A leader is not worth bothering with if abrasion resistance is not an issue IMO.

Btw, I use 80 lb braid when I throw punkers. I like the wood punkers way better than the plastic ones too..

EDIT: 80 lb braid with 25 lb mono leader: my weedless hudd setup

[dodgeguy]

if you're fishing baitcast use at least 50 lb test.the leader is not needed.use either fireline braid or sufix 832.

[nwibass]

I'd do away with the snap (I don't like snaps or swivels in general), and tie it on without the leader. A leader is not worth bothering with if abrasion resistance is not an issue IMO.

Btw, I use 80 lb braid when I throw punkers. I like the wood punkers way better than the plastic ones too..

EDIT: 80 lb braid with 25 lb mono leader: my weedless hudd setup

I will be throwing 80# braid on my alabama rig setup... What is the name of the wooden plunkers?

[deep]

What is the name of the wooden plunkers?

G1 punker I guess? Since the molded ones are called G2 punkers.. It's "punker" by the way, not a "plunker".

[nwibass]

G1 punker I guess? Since the molded ones are called G2 punkers.. It's "punker" by the way, not a "plunker".

Lol I have always called it a plunker, thought it sounded better..

[lmoore]

The heavier braid, the worse actioin you'll get from topwaters. Braid sinks, so it puts downward pressure on the front of your bait. Mono would be "ideal" for topwaters because it floats and (as mentioned) actually puts very small upward force on the front of the bait, which allows it to glide along the water better. Mono also has the advantage of stretch, which can help keep from losing fish when using treble hooks. If you are more confident in briad, use the smallest diamter you feel comfortable using to negate the effects of the weight of the line.

[nwibass]

The heavier braid, the worse actioin you'll get from topwaters. Braid sinks, so it puts downward pressure on the front of your bait. Mono would be "ideal" for topwaters because it floats and (as mentioned) actually puts very small upward force on the front of the bait, which allows it to glide along the water better. Mono also has the advantage of stretch, which can help keep from losing fish when using treble hooks. If you are more confident in briad, use the smallest diamter you feel comfortable using to negate the effects of the weight of the line.

30# has 8# mono equiv, sounds good to me, I will just buy a spool of some other monos (12# for smaller spooks, etc and 15# for punkers etc)

[dodgeguy]

braid does not sink it floats.the only braid that sinks is sufix 832 and it takes forever so it dos not hurt topwater action.

[rubba bubba]

Braid sinks, so it puts downward pressure on the front of your bait.

If by 'braid' you mean 'fluorocarbon', then yes you are correct.

[telmomarques]

for punkers, i use my white python filled with big game 20 lbs, for smaller baits like spooks or poppers, i use braid with it