all-purpose

[weezymagic]

I'm getting a new baitcaster soon (revo stx). I need line for it. i dont know what to get though. mono is out becase its for topwater. do i go with braid and fluoro leaders or just fluoro? i will be using it for everything, gimme some advice

[MississippiBoy]

Mono is actually your best choice for topwater. You want something that will float so the action of the lure won't be affected, so forget the fluoro. Braid floats, but you want a little stretch so the treble hooks won't pull out, so forget braid. Mono is the way to go.

[Joel]

Yours is almost a impossible question to answer. If it was for me, I'd use a Mono backing, then tie on 30 lb Sufix Preformence Braid, and then a 3-6 ft 12-17 lb leader depending on what your using it for. I use a 12 lb test leader most of the time, but I switch to a 17 lb leader if I'm working a creature bait or jig in and around a rocky bottom.

[MIbasser]

Ok, I'm not sure if I read it right or not, but you said mono is out because its for topwater. Mono is what you want to use for topwater. It floats and you get a better action. If you use fluoro, it will sink and really mess up your action and not make the bait work properly.

But if you are looking for a good all around like I like BPS 12lb Fluoro.

My $0.02

[gizzardshad]

Some guys use mono for some topwater because it floats so well, like a sammy or spook.

If you're throwing everything..thats hard. I would say if you are fishing much grass at all to go ahead and put some braid on. No need for a leader for most applications, just tie on and go. This is perfect for frogs and and things like that.

For buzzbaits you can prob get away with braid, although I'd prefer fluoro. But if you use braid I think you will be fine just make sure you add a trailer hook.

[Joel]

Originally Posted by MississippiBoy

Mono is actually your best choice for topwater. You want something that will float so the action of the lure won't be affected, so forget the fluoro. Braid floats, but you want a little stretch so the treble hooks won't pull out, so forget braid. Mono is the way to go.

I can't remember the lat time I ripped a treble hook out of a Bass's mouth. The leader helps, but I don't use a monster hookset with crankbaits, just a controlled pull back does the trick as the Bass generally hooks himself.

[islandbass]

Mono is perhaps the closest thing to an all around line if there ever was one. I like to use all three, depending on the application.

Joel,

Someone new to braid stands a very good chance of ripping a bait out of a fish's mouth until they see what zero or near zero stretch really means. The first time I used braid, I was face to face with a bass and watched her suck down my crankbait. It was awesome to see. I got too excited and pulled up to "set the hook" not realizing what no stretch really meant. My little yank was enough to pull the CB out of her mouth before it even had a chance to close. Yikes! I learned the hard way what zero stretch really means.

Like you, since then, I have never ever missed a treble hook caught bass because I now know what to do. I do it just as you described. Heck, it's hardly a hook set, because I rely more on keeping the trebles so sharp that they practically impale themselves.

But to the newbie to braid, learn from my loss and heed Joel's advice. Monster hooksets are not needed for treble hook lures.

[cassidyta]

Originally Posted by islandbass

But to the newbie to braid, learn from my loss and heed Joel's advice. Monster hooksets are not needed for treble hook lures.

True, but they make for the best stories. One's that involve dodging (or at least trying to dodge) the flying lure!

[Joel]

IslandBass, Yep, we all learned that way. I learn more from my screw ups then my successes. I went back to Mono for topwater and spinnerbaits two years ago, what a disaster that was. Everything felt weird. I couldn't even cast with confidence! And when I did manage to hook a fish it felt like I had a big rubberband between me and the Bass. What stretch. Like you said, I just wasn't use to what it felt like.

My Braid technique is vastly different from most here. And I accept that. It works for me. I can even fish gin clear waters like Candlewood Conn and catch Bass. I just need a longer Mono leader.

Once you get a hands on for fishing with braid, it becomes easy to just use a slight measured hookset or none at all. Many times just keeping pressure on the fish while he/she hooks themselves is enough to set the hook. Sharp hooks are a must. I change hooks frequently and/or sharpen them. And I do carry a 3 inch file for just those times when the hooks needs a slight dressing.

[carolina-rig-01]

Originally Posted by MississippiBoy

Mono is actually your best choice for topwater. You want something that will float so the action of the lure won't be affected, so forget the fluoro. Braid floats, but you want a little stretch so the treble hooks won't pull out, so forget braid. Mono is the way to go.

i agree 100%

[aikenyounggun]

mono for spooks and sammys and most others.... but if our fishin a frog go with braid.

[weezymagic]

i know monos topwater. when i said mono is out. i meant, i dont want it because i dont do much topwaters. and if i do, ill just switch to my other reel with mono. i guess, after reading, im going with braid and leaders (if the water is clear)

[BigBassin144]

For topwaters, yes, use mono.

For everything else spinnerbaits, worms, finesse tactics, I use straight fluoro. Flippin'/pitchin' I use braid. I recomend Sufix Performance braid and Seaguar InvisX fluoro.

BB