James RickardMono vs. Braided line
November 4th 2008 00:40
Although we've been discussing fishing line and decided there is no "best" line, we'd be making mistake not to mention braided line.
As mentioned in the last post, mono definitely has its place but, sometimes situations call for a good braid.
The first thing you'll probably notice about braided line is that it's thinner than mono. The diameter will vary from company to company but, for example, Berkley Fireline is available in 14lb. test but has the diameter of 6lb. monofilament! This means you can put more line on your reel.
The other big advantage of braids is the fact that it's made from fibers that have no stretch where as mono may extend it's length up to 25%.
Another nice thing about braided line is that it's extremely abrasion resistant. This can come in handy rather you fish from shore, a boat, or a dock. Sometimes you hook a fish and it makes a run for it and they dive among some rocks, maybe under your boat, or under the dock. It makes no difference where they go--the bottom line is that your line is going to take a beating. Maybe it's going to be rubbing the rocks, the edge of the dock, or along the underside of your boat where barnacles and other crud may have grown and multiplied for months.
Be aware that some of the braided lines float. This may be a good thing depending on the application but you may run into trouble in topwater applications because the line may float back on a lure and foul the hooks.
Another thing you have to remember when using braided line is that you have to keep an eye out for when your line begins to deteriorate. Braids don't show the light colored specks that often indicate a weak spot on mono. It simply begins to unravel and fray, leading to a decrease of strength. To combat this, you have to give the line a quick visual look-see while reeling it in. Further, a quick look at the knot is not a bad idea either.
One more thing to remember about braided lines is that they are like a saw when they come in contact with other parts of your rod or reel. Unless you have a rod with titanium or similar material lining the guides, I would not recommend these lines. Guides with ceramic inserts, the kind that look "glassy" are really guilty of this so, watch out!
With all these warnings, it sounds like I'm not a big fan. Let me tell you about a time I wish I was using braid. I was surf fishing in the Outer Banks and snagged on an alleged sunken Pirate ship. I have my doubts about that but I was snagged none the less. My line must have been out nearly 200 feet--over 60 meters! When you consider mono stretching about a fourth, I was doing a LOT of reeling and tugging. Also, the mono I was using reminded me of a pencil it was so thick!
You live and you learn. Read this and don't make the same mistake I did!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
As mentioned in the last post, mono definitely has its place but, sometimes situations call for a good braid.
The first thing you'll probably notice about braided line is that it's thinner than mono. The diameter will vary from company to company but, for example, Berkley Fireline is available in 14lb. test but has the diameter of 6lb. monofilament! This means you can put more line on your reel.
The other big advantage of braids is the fact that it's made from fibers that have no stretch where as mono may extend it's length up to 25%.
Another nice thing about braided line is that it's extremely abrasion resistant. This can come in handy rather you fish from shore, a boat, or a dock. Sometimes you hook a fish and it makes a run for it and they dive among some rocks, maybe under your boat, or under the dock. It makes no difference where they go--the bottom line is that your line is going to take a beating. Maybe it's going to be rubbing the rocks, the edge of the dock, or along the underside of your boat where barnacles and other crud may have grown and multiplied for months.
Be aware that some of the braided lines float. This may be a good thing depending on the application but you may run into trouble in topwater applications because the line may float back on a lure and foul the hooks.
Another thing you have to remember when using braided line is that you have to keep an eye out for when your line begins to deteriorate. Braids don't show the light colored specks that often indicate a weak spot on mono. It simply begins to unravel and fray, leading to a decrease of strength. To combat this, you have to give the line a quick visual look-see while reeling it in. Further, a quick look at the knot is not a bad idea either.
One more thing to remember about braided lines is that they are like a saw when they come in contact with other parts of your rod or reel. Unless you have a rod with titanium or similar material lining the guides, I would not recommend these lines. Guides with ceramic inserts, the kind that look "glassy" are really guilty of this so, watch out!
With all these warnings, it sounds like I'm not a big fan. Let me tell you about a time I wish I was using braid. I was surf fishing in the Outer Banks and snagged on an alleged sunken Pirate ship. I have my doubts about that but I was snagged none the less. My line must have been out nearly 200 feet--over 60 meters! When you consider mono stretching about a fourth, I was doing a LOT of reeling and tugging. Also, the mono I was using reminded me of a pencil it was so thick!
You live and you learn. Read this and don't make the same mistake I did!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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