Big Game Line for the extra stretch...did you notice a Landing ratio increase???

[KokeRook]

Hello all,
Koke Rook (Rookie) here with yet another Rookie question.

Berkley Big Game line: When I fish rivers for Steelhead and Salmon I tend to not like it because it seems to be more "stretchy" than other monos.

My Question is: Does anybody use Big Game when trolling for Kokanee? And When you started to use it did you notice the extra "stretch" helped with hook to landing ratio?
Also: What is a reasonable expectation on landing ratio ( 95%, 85%, 70%, ??)?

Just looking for every possible edge to help bump the landing ratio.

I have a nice limber rod (Lami JJ), keep and light drag, take my time and try to let them tire out before bringing to boat, try to keep them down and in the water, and try to avoid the (Victoria Secret) landing technique at the boat.

Just wondering if anybody noticed a difference when they switched to BIG GAME line....or ANY different line for that matter?

Thanks again for all the help....Enjoying a little "Smoked American Lake Kokanee" as I type this thumbsup, thanks to the help many here have provided.

 

[SilverBullets]

When trolling for kokes line stretch is usually a good thing. I've always used Maxima Utragreen... never tried anything else. As far as loss ratio here's some good information...
http://www.kokaneefishingforum.com/...347-Improving-Loss-Ratio&highlight=loss+ratio

 

[KokeRook]

Thank you Silver bullets. Good info on the thread!

Anybody had any experience with the Big Game line?

 

[mrmike]

I to use ultra green max 8# or 10# found it work great also notice my catch ratio went up after I changed to Chamberlin releases for my down riggers hope this helps got away from the clips O'h so happy.

 

[KokeRook]

mr Mike...I've seen posts where guys want a HARD release for a good hook set...others want light release.

What do you set for on the chamberlin?....those are interesting releases. How do you feel it helped your land ratio?

 

[dragonfly]

I too run the chamberlains, I did see a little better landing ratio , but a MUCH better catch ratio the thing with the chamberlains is consistency, its is the same pull every time so if you have every thing else right (like pole, line, sharp dbl hooks good drag control, net, etc ) you should boat more fish, like any sport the team that is more consistent is the one that wins. I don't get to get out as much as I would like so any thing that gives me an edge and makes my day on the water more productive I am all for it. dfly

 

[KokeRook]

I too run the chamberlains, I did see a little better landing ratio , but a MUCH better catch ratio the thing with the chamberlains is consistency, its is the same pull every time so if you have every thing else right (like pole, line, sharp dbl hooks good drag control, net, etc ) you should boat more fish, like any sport the team that is more consistent is the one that wins. I don't get to get out as much as I would like so any thing that gives me an edge and makes my day on the water more productive I am all for it. dfly

This is the exact reason why I asked about the Big game line...is it a make or break...doubt it...does it give a slight edge? sounds like I will have to try for myself. As for the Chamberlins...next year I think they will be on board. 101ok101

 

[mrmike]

kokeRook Its what best works for you as for line I stay away from white line or brn. I prefer the ultra green seems that color the fish like or don't see / DragonFly is right on the money with the releases they run about 18.00 each or so at Kokanee Tackle was a good investment. I also use my reels for different species of fish like WALLEYE or steelhead the 10# ultra green is extremely strong I had Ollie Damnon in Portland put new line on two of my reels it wasn't Max ultra green was pro line for some reason Them poles don't catch as many fish maybe its just me but I did notice it. The rods with ultra green seem to do a little better.

 

[SuperD]

I run Big Game line and have always run big game line. Some days it is just in how agressively the fish are biting as to success ratio. One can do everything right and with the right equipment and still lose fish. The size of the fish also has a lot to do with landing ratio. We have lakes here full of 9" - 11" kokes. Those fish can cause 50% days on a regular basis with their soft flesh. When you start getting into 16" - 17" fish, I might lose 20%, some days are even 100% land ratio. Lots and lots of factors. But, I do enjoy using Big Game line. It is so affordable, I can replace or splice in a new 100 foot of line on a regular basis without having to shell out $20 for a small spool of line.

 

[KokeRook]

Thanks for all the input guys. Greatly appreciated. Back out after them Saturday. I want to catch that PIG that spit my hooks last weekend.

Man these things are addicting.