When to use the various types of line

[Full_Monte]

I've been looking at a lot of different lines. Now I know just enough to be dangerous. As near as I can tell, there are a lot of different types that we didn't used to have. I may forget one or two, but here's my list:

Monofilament
Copolymer
Fluorocarbon
Hybrid
Braid

Then there's the more seldom used
Dacron
Leadcore
Copper
Stainless Steel

I'd be interested in your opinions about when one would consider using the various kinds. My eyes glaze over at the tackle shop looking at all the labels.

 

[Bduck]

I use alot of the monofiliment lines on most of my reels but I become a fan of braid for about the past 6yrs. I'm not getting the twisting like I do with mono. Mono holds alot of spool memory and stretches and eventually the stretch is going to end. Braid holds more truer for me when the fight is on but unfortunately doesn't give when snagged up like mono. I use 20# braid when I'm out for lakers and thinking about spooling a couple of my kokanee rigs with some 10# or 12# braid. Another note with braid is it ties a good knot but the end will frey. That's where a dab of glue comes in or just let it go. Back in the day, when I wasn't using downriggers, I used alot of leadcore, but couldn't achieve the depths at all to catch the fish unless they were up in shallower water. To try and buy lines now will make your eyes are glaze over. The thousand yard stare.

 

[Kokonuts]

Line types

I started using Power Pro braid in the moss green color last year and I love it. The 10 test is very thin, dosnt coil up like Mono. I add a 10 ft. Mono leader and it works great! Its easy to change the leader as often as necessary.

Kokonuts....thumbsup

 

[SilverBullets]

I used leaded line to catch my first kokanee years ago before purchasing downriggers. About the only way I'd go back to leaded line now is if I'm fishing a lake that isn't that deep that has alot of snags. Instead of getting the downrigger ball hung up, you can just break off the leader from the leaded line and replace it.
I use braided line on my jigging rod with a 10' section of mono leader. The braid doesn't stretch so I can get a solid hook set and be able to detect the fish the minute they breath on the lure. Some say they can feel the fish fart useing braid. Anyway, this year instead of pulling out line or trying to mark it at a certain spot to get to a desired depth I'll be replacing the spool with colored metered braid...http://www.tuf-line.com/products_Tuf-Lines_5.html Years ago I tried useing braid on my trolling reels when koke fishing, but found with the no stretch I lost more fish due to the hook pulling out of their soft mouths and the braid had trouble staying in the clip which resulted in many pre-releases.
I use mono line mostly and have found Maxima to be the best...especially for coiling up for leader storage. It lays good and limber when coiled between two fingers and secured with wire ties.
I use fluorocarbon to tie up leaders while out on the water in circumstances where the leader won't be stored pre-tied to the lure. I'll go with this type of leader mostly while targeting fish that are line shy like trout.

 

[SmokeOnTheWater]

Those of you using the braided lines - Does the suspended and floating algae later in the summer stick to the braid more quickly than mono lines? It seems to me that this algae would have more of a clinging effect on the braid than mono.

Personally, I use Stren, Magnathin line in #6 -#8 test. I guess I'm a light tackle freak. I have been pretty successful with this set-up over the years. I do agree with Bduck though about the mono developing spool memory. When it gets too bad, I change out the line as I buy it in 1000+ yard, bulk spools.

 

[HiTechKoke]

For my Kokanee reels I like Yozuri Hybrid (Fluoro - Nylon ) 8 to 10 lb line and have been using it for years with no failures and complaints. Not many I know use this and it is harder to find in the tackle shops. A lot of Kokanee guys around me go with the standard Maxima Green. For trout I started using Pline braid last year, mainly toplining and have gotten used to it now but it took a few trips. Everybody will have their favorites and reasons why they like it so a lot comes down to what you are used to and what you trust. If you have ever lost a fish from your main line breaking I'll be you won't spool that brand again.

Kevin

 

[Full_Monte]

Great discussion! I don't often fish with other koke fishermen, (not counting my wife) and so it's good to hear what others are using. I'm also curious about the "why" of your line choice. Anti-twisting seems to be a good reason. Do the specialty lines also stretch less, making the bites more noticeable?

 

[HiTechKoke]

Great discussion! I don't often fish with other koke fishermen, (not counting my wife) and so it's good to hear what others are using. I'm also curious about the "why" of your line choice. Anti-twisting seems to be a good reason. Do the specialty lines also stretch less, making the bites more noticeable?

The Yozuri Hybrid has minimal stretch so I like that as the fishing rod is the shock absorber for me. I also use it as my leader too. Since we don't long line for Kokes it does mean with a non stretchy line you will see the tap taps of the hits and misses which I like and further counter with my very annoying bells. tongue2 I like the direct feel with this line... not as direct as braid which can really throw you for a loop if you are not used to it. On the trout you feel that every little head shake and tug at 150 feet out.

Twist has never been an issue since there are so many good swivels in line that make it a non factor. Back in the early days when I used spinning reels then the twist was a huge factor when the kids were reeling against the drag.

 

[Pounder]

I use the .99 line in what ever color they have....lol

 

[smokin' Kokes]

still a firm believer in mono for kokanee downrigger trolling line, either early in the spring with 200ft flat line shallow surface trolling in the spring or 70ft downrigger in late summer.
has the stretch to help prevent hook tearout.
i get too many of those crazy kokes that think they're 150lb tarpon that can jump 10ft out of the water, head thrashing and throwing the gear around.
used to use those stupid snubbers but what a pain
the mono does the job.

firm believer in braid for lots of other fishing, tuna, salmon, steelhead plug pulling, sturgeon hook set.

mono is still king with me on my 12ft mooching rod and knuckle buster single action. nothing like a krazy Vanc. Is. spring chinook on light mono and a long whippy rod.