Trilene Big Game

BassFeverJohn · 09-11-10, 01:20 PM

For the past week or so some guys I know, that are real hard core anglers, have been pushing this trilene big game on me for my cranking rod. Now as a rule I typically do not use mono on anything except for my ultra light spinning gear that I have spooled with trilene xl 4# on. I am a braid man myself, and I currently have 40# power pro on my cranking rod, 20# Sufix fuse on my soft plastics rig, 15# power pro on my MH spinning rod and light action rod.

Would I be better served by big game, or another line for cranking? Would I be better served by other lines on my other rods? The only one I am really not willing to touch is the worming rig, because of the sensitivity.

A bit more detail: I use my soft plastics rod, a 6' MH cherrywood for top water and spinners as well.

The cranking rod, a 5' ugly stik handles cranks, hard swimbaits, and some soft swimbaits.

My light action rod is a 5' ugly stik that I use for light tackle.

My UL rod is a 4'6" Micro Graphite that serves as a panfish rig.

My 6'6" rhino rod pulls misc duties, but when it comes to bass I use it mainly for large swimbaits, and spinners. I plan to replace it for that purpose with a 7' MH cherrywood soon.

Opinions/advice are very welcome.

CamG · 09-11-10, 01:40 PM

If you are using an 5' Ugly Stick for cranks, I'd keep the braid if it were me. That is a pretty flimsy rod and having braid on will at least help getting the hooks in the fish.

BassFeverJohn · 09-11-10, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamG

If you are using an 5' Ugly Stick for cranks, I'd keep the braid if it were me. That is a pretty flimsy rod and having braid on will at least help getting the hooks in the fish.

I have to disagree with you on the rod there. It is a thick, fairly stiff rod.

CamG · 09-11-10, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassFeverJohn

I have to disagree with you on the rod there. It is a thick, fairly stiff rod.

Guess I've never seen an ugly stick like you mention. Everyone of them I've ever been around was more like a bull whip than a fishing rod.

BassFeverJohn · 09-11-10, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamG

Guess I've never seen an ugly stick like you mention. Everyone of them I've ever been around was more like a bull whip than a fishing rod.

My light rod would fit that description lol. So would the rhino rod. I feel it made a fine intro into the baitcast world, but i love my new cherrywood. I have plans to replace the ugly stick for cranking with a 7' tourney choice rod I saw at academy. Its not a bad rod for the price. Either that or a second cherrywood. The ugly stick will become my pier rod.

walkeraviator · 09-11-10, 06:38 PM

I love Big Game line... but you really dont need mono for treble hooks unless you are working with a really fast tip that wont let teh fish have a little give... i use mono because i use Fast tip rods for everything... i will probably look into Flouro when i get a crankin rod...

CaptO · 09-11-10, 10:00 PM

I think mono is quickly dieing in the bass fishing world but there are still some times I'll use it.

For a swimbaits as long as the water is not super clear.

Buzzbaits, helps add that split second to the hook set

other than that I used ether braid or Fluo

Bubba_Bruiser · 09-11-10, 11:35 PM

I like Big Game, but it develops a ton of memory quickly. Once you start picking nest every other cast, snip and add more though. Myself, I have fell in love with CXX P-Line for my cranks. I was dragging it through the jungle last time I went and never lost a crank. I feel it was due to the sensitivity. And I wasn't getting much abrasion. I also relocated several bush tops with it without it snapping off.

rrw4258 · 09-12-10, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubba_Bruiser

I like Big Game, but it develops a ton of memory quickly. Once you start picking nest every other cast, snip and add more though. Myself, I have fell in love with CXX P-Line for my cranks. I was dragging it through the jungle last time I went and never lost a crank. I feel it was due to the sensitivity. And I wasn't getting much abrasion. I also relocated several bush tops with it without it snapping off.

I am also a huge fan of the CXX from P-Line. I am using for almost everything now, and the stuff is as strong as nails. The other day, I bent a spinnerbait hook straight with 12 lb. CXX. It does have some memory, but it is treatable with KVD Line and Lure.

Ryan

bamabassman · 09-12-10, 08:17 AM

one way to help with the memory is to use KVD line conditioner. trust me on this. it may not get rid of the memeory forever, but it makes the line lasts longer.

BigBassin144 · 09-12-10, 08:35 AM

As far as which mono to use, junk the Big Game and get some Sufix Siege or Elite. Best mono's I've used and won't use anything else.

Personally, if you do a lot of crankbait fishing, I'd look into getting a dedicated crankbait rod and running some good mono (like the two I mentioned before) on it. Personally, I like a longer crankbait rod, 7'+, but you seem to prefer shorter rods.

A good general crankbait rod is either a Medium or Med-Heavy powered rod. If you fish mostly under 1/2 cranks, go M.

A Moderate or Moderate-Fast action is ideal for cranks.

BB

CamG · 09-12-10, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptO

I think mono is quickly dieing in the bass fishing world but there are still some times I'll use it.

For a swimbaits as long as the water is not super clear.

Buzzbaits, helps add that split second to the hook set

other than that I used ether braid or Fluo

You don't think the fish see the giant treble hooks in super clear water? Line shy fish is a myth IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

As far as which mono to use, junk the Big Game and get some Sufix Siege or Elite. Best mono's I've used and won't use anything else.

Personally, if you do a lot of crankbait fishing, I'd look into getting a dedicated crankbait rod and running some good mono (like the two I mentioned before) on it. Personally, I like a longer crankbait rod, 7'+, but you seem to prefer shorter rods.

A good general crankbait rod is either a Medium or Med-Heavy powered rod. If you fish mostly under 1/2 cranks, go M.

A Moderate or Moderate-Fast action is ideal for cranks.

BB

IMHO, Big Game is much better than either of the lines you mention.

To get back to your question John, if you want to try mono - go for it! That's the best part about Big Game - very inexpensive!

Tavery5 · 09-12-10, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamG

IMHO, Big Game is much better than either of the lines you mention.

CamG, I also use allot to the Suffix mono line, I am interested in what your experience with it has been that makes you feel Big Game is a better choice.

I have used big game on my bass reels and felt like it had too much memory for my liking, even when treated with KVD. It also does not seem consistant, never seem to get the same line twice.

I do continue to use Big Game on my Catfish and Spoonbill rigs, using enough weight on those to make the line memory a non issue.

BassFeverJohn · 09-12-10, 12:16 PM

Well, I was snooping around the garage this morning, and what do you think i found. Yup, a spool of 30# big game. It must be my father's, as he pier fishes almost exclusively and only uses heavy mono lines.

I just spooled it up on my cranking rod. I will give it a try tonight. As for memory; it seems to have a good bit right off the spool. But, I am going to give it a fair try.

Backwater Charlie · 09-12-10, 12:26 PM

30LB Mono???!?! Take that off. Your Bass rod won't do well with that.. I use Big Game. But the stretch is tremendously bad.. I've missed a lot of Buzzbait fish because of the stretch.

Tavery5 · 09-12-10, 12:49 PM

John, that is probably going to be too heavy of a line on your setup to make a fair assessment of Big Game Line, I would try and get a hold of some in the 10-15 lb range. I don't think you are going to have good luck casting that on your current CB setup.
Anyway, good luck

CamG · 09-12-10, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tavery5

CamG, I also use allot to the Suffix mono line, I am interested in what your experience with it has been that makes you feel Big Game is a better choice.

I have used big game on my bass reels and felt like it had too much memory for my liking, even when treated with KVD. It also does not seem consistant, never seem to get the same line twice.

I do continue to use Big Game on my Catfish and Spoonbill rigs, using enough weight on those to make the line memory a non issue.

I've had the exact opposite experience as you. I bought a spool of Sufix Elite and Siege because of all the hype I've heard on here about it. The 10 lb. Elite I used on one of my crankbait rods was plain and simple weak. A quick tug after the line was tied to the bait would snap. The Siege was a little better in the 12 lb. but honestly I thought it had way more memory than the Big Game even after treating it. With Big Game, it's always consistant and tough as nails.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassFeverJohn

Well, I was snooping around the garage this morning, and what do you think i found. Yup, a spool of 30# big game. It must be my father's, as he pier fishes almost exclusively and only uses heavy mono lines.

I just spooled it up on my cranking rod. I will give it a try tonight. As for memory; it seems to have a good bit right off the spool. But, I am going to give it a fair try.

Umm...there's no way to give Big Game a "fair try" when you're using 30 lb. test. ANY 30# test is going to feel more like wire than fishing line, and will have memory.

Tavery5 · 09-12-10, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamG

I've had the exact opposite experience as you. I bought a spool of Sufix Elite and Siege because of all the hype I've heard on here about it. The 10 lb. Elite I used on one of my crankbait rods was plain and simple weak. A quick tug after the line was tied to the bait would snap. The Siege was a little better in the 12 lb. but honestly I thought it had way more memory than the Big Game even after treating it. With Big Game, it's always consistant and tough as nails.

This is why I find it so interesting to hear others experience with tackle. I can't explain why you had such a bad experience with Suffix, but I will say it has been good line for me. I think I will run over to Wally World and pick up another spool of 12lb Big Game and give it another try, who knows, maybe I am missing out.

CamG · 09-12-10, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tavery5

This is why I find it so interesting to hear others experience with tackle. I can't explain why you had such a bad experience with Suffix, but I will say it has been good line for me. I think I will run over to Wally World and pick up another spool of 12lb Big Game and give it another try, who knows, maybe I am missing out.

I understand...they have some Sufix Pro Mix here in town on clearance for $4. Thinking I may grab some of that to give it a try this week.

BigBurlyBass · 10-08-10, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camg

i understand...they have some sufix pro mix here in town on clearance for $4. Thinking i may grab some of that to give it a try this week.

4 dollars for suffix! Man get all you can!

CamG · 10-08-10, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBurlyBass

4 dollars for suffix! Man get all you can!

I did...not really worth much more than that IMHO.

BassBandit · 10-08-10, 09:56 PM

You must have had a bad batch. It might have sat on the shelf so long before you bought it. No problem with Sufix Elite on my end.

Back to the subject, I don't like Big Game line for bassin but do use em for flatheads.

dave0943 · 10-09-10, 02:09 PM

I'm going to give the suffix lines another try. I did try Big Game 10 lb and it wasn't for me. It was coiling right off the spool. Could have been old line. I bought it at a Dunhams store. They don't move much fishing gear at that store. Many of the Salted plastics look real bad on the racks, like they have been sitting for years. I only have two BC reels with mono out of 10. I have 5 spinning reels with Trilene XL and Pline. I will give the Big Game another try at some point and will buy it from a high volume store that moves allot of product, so it's fresh. At that price I have everything to gain if it does work good.
I have really taken to braid with fluoro leader. Wish fluoro was a little more user friendly.
Dave

walkeraviator · 10-10-10, 06:59 PM

Well after a season of 15lb big game im gonna go to something else in the spring... noticed today that it looked like I had a phone cord hanging off the end of my rod... hard to fish a weightless plastic when the first 4 ft of rod movement is simply removing line slack...

BassBandit · 10-10-10, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

noticed today that it looked like I had a phone cord hanging off the end of my rod...

Hate the pigtail too. I don't get that with Elite as its limp hardly a memory.

09-11-10, 01:20 PM	#1
BassFeverJohn BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Middleburg, Flawda Posts: 548	Trilene Big Game For the past week or so some guys I know, that are real hard core anglers, have been pushing this trilene big game on me for my cranking rod. Now as a rule I typically do not use mono on anything except for my ultra light spinning gear that I have spooled with trilene xl 4# on. I am a braid man myself, and I currently have 40# power pro on my cranking rod, 20# Sufix fuse on my soft plastics rig, 15# power pro on my MH spinning rod and light action rod. Would I be better served by big game, or another line for cranking? Would I be better served by other lines on my other rods? The only one I am really not willing to touch is the worming rig, because of the sensitivity. A bit more detail: I use my soft plastics rod, a 6' MH cherrywood for top water and spinners as well. The cranking rod, a 5' ugly stik handles cranks, hard swimbaits, and some soft swimbaits. My light action rod is a 5' ugly stik that I use for light tackle. My UL rod is a 4'6" Micro Graphite that serves as a panfish rig. My 6'6" rhino rod pulls misc duties, but when it comes to bass I use it mainly for large swimbaits, and spinners. I plan to replace it for that purpose with a 7' MH cherrywood soon. Opinions/advice are very welcome. __________________ Ish?

09-11-10, 11:35 PM	#8
Bubba_Bruiser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 3,659	I like Big Game, but it develops a ton of memory quickly. Once you start picking nest every other cast, snip and add more though. Myself, I have fell in love with CXX P-Line for my cranks. I was dragging it through the jungle last time I went and never lost a crank. I feel it was due to the sensitivity. And I wasn't getting much abrasion. I also relocated several bush tops with it without it snapping off. __________________ \,,,,/ ROCK ON! HRN4L!

09-12-10, 08:17 AM	#10
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	one way to help with the memory is to use KVD line conditioner. trust me on this. it may not get rid of the memeory forever, but it makes the line lasts longer. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

09-12-10, 08:35 AM	#11
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	As far as which mono to use, junk the Big Game and get some Sufix Siege or Elite. Best mono's I've used and won't use anything else. Personally, if you do a lot of crankbait fishing, I'd look into getting a dedicated crankbait rod and running some good mono (like the two I mentioned before) on it. Personally, I like a longer crankbait rod, 7'+, but you seem to prefer shorter rods. A good general crankbait rod is either a Medium or Med-Heavy powered rod. If you fish mostly under 1/2 cranks, go M. A Moderate or Moderate-Fast action is ideal for cranks. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

09-12-10, 12:16 PM	#14
BassFeverJohn BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Middleburg, Flawda Posts: 548	Well, I was snooping around the garage this morning, and what do you think i found. Yup, a spool of 30# big game. It must be my father's, as he pier fishes almost exclusively and only uses heavy mono lines. I just spooled it up on my cranking rod. I will give it a try tonight. As for memory; it seems to have a good bit right off the spool. But, I am going to give it a fair try. __________________ Ish?

09-11-10, 01:40 PM	#2
CamG BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Superior, NE Posts: 974	If you are using an 5' Ugly Stick for cranks, I'd keep the braid if it were me. That is a pretty flimsy rod and having braid on will at least help getting the hooks in the fish.

09-11-10, 06:38 PM	#6
walkeraviator BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,119	I love Big Game line... but you really dont need mono for treble hooks unless you are working with a really fast tip that wont let teh fish have a little give... i use mono because i use Fast tip rods for everything... i will probably look into Flouro when i get a crankin rod...

09-11-10, 10:00 PM	#7
CaptO BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 16	I think mono is quickly dieing in the bass fishing world but there are still some times I'll use it. For a swimbaits as long as the water is not super clear. Buzzbaits, helps add that split second to the hook set other than that I used ether braid or Fluo

09-12-10, 12:26 PM	#15
Backwater Charlie BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Littcarr, KY Posts: 299	30LB Mono???!?! Take that off. Your Bass rod won't do well with that.. I use Big Game. But the stretch is tremendously bad.. I've missed a lot of Buzzbait fish because of the stretch. __________________ It was THIS BIG <---------------------------->

09-12-10, 12:49 PM	#16
Tavery5 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,427	John, that is probably going to be too heavy of a line on your setup to make a fair assessment of Big Game Line, I would try and get a hold of some in the 10-15 lb range. I don't think you are going to have good luck casting that on your current CB setup. Anyway, good luck

10-08-10, 09:56 PM	#22
BassBandit BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 430	You must have had a bad batch. It might have sat on the shelf so long before you bought it. No problem with Sufix Elite on my end. Back to the subject, I don't like Big Game line for bassin but do use em for flatheads. __________________ Rest in peace Zooker Last edited by BassBandit; 10-08-10 at 10:01 PM.

10-09-10, 02:09 PM	#23
dave0943 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Iron Mountain, MI Posts: 174	I'm going to give the suffix lines another try. I did try Big Game 10 lb and it wasn't for me. It was coiling right off the spool. Could have been old line. I bought it at a Dunhams store. They don't move much fishing gear at that store. Many of the Salted plastics look real bad on the racks, like they have been sitting for years. I only have two BC reels with mono out of 10. I have 5 spinning reels with Trilene XL and Pline. I will give the Big Game another try at some point and will buy it from a high volume store that moves allot of product, so it's fresh. At that price I have everything to gain if it does work good. I have really taken to braid with fluoro leader. Wish fluoro was a little more user friendly. Dave

10-10-10, 06:59 PM	#24
walkeraviator BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,119	Well after a season of 15lb big game im gonna go to something else in the spring... noticed today that it looked like I had a phone cord hanging off the end of my rod... hard to fish a weightless plastic when the first 4 ft of rod movement is simply removing line slack...

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