Braid vs Pike

[jooleyen]

How does this stuff hold up against pike/musky?
I've never lost a pike due to it not totally engulfing the bait to where his teeth come in contact with the line.

I'm thinking 50lb powerpro? Do I really need a steel leader?

[Buzz Wing]

A leader will hinder a lures action, although if you were that afraid of a pike cutting your line, I'd use one. Personally, I use 17lb. Stren Clear Blue or 17lb. Cajun Red Lightnin' w/o steel leaders and have never lost a pike or musky. Last year, my father and I caught 36 pike in the fall along with two musky, losing none to cut lines. Maybe try something like mono with a braid leader or just straight braid. My buddy did lose two musky to 65lb. Power Pro last week though...

-Buzz

[jooleyen]

Did he loose it because the hooks came out or because the line snapped?

[Marty]

I've never used heavy line, but pike and pickerel can cut through 15# braid like a hot knife through butter. I wouldn't trust any fiber to be pikeproof and use steel leaders. I don't think they affect the lure's action in a way to deter strikes, because I've caught loads of bass and toothy fish while using leaders.

[Buzz Wing]

Originally Posted by jooleyen

Did he loose it because the hooks came out or because the line snapped?

He lost the fish to snapped line. They hit right at the boat though, so the fish had a lot of leverage and it strained the line/pole really hard.

-Buzz

[BigBassin144]

We use 30lb braid for Musky. (I'd like to eventually get both our rods to Power Pro) and steel leaders. We haven't lost one yet... although we haven't hooked one yet either! We'll get one sooner or later, but we've only fished for them three times so we may still have a while to go.

BB

[BigBassin144]

Buzzie, unless I was there to see it, I would not believe him. There's no way a Musky around here could break 65lb braid by just putting tention on it. Just my opinion though.

BB

[Buzz Wing]

His teeth sliced the line, maybe I typed it wrong. Oops...

-Buzz

[Lilmoosecountry]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Buzzie, unless I was there to see it, I would not believe him. There's no way a Musky around here could break 65lb braid by just putting tention on it. Just my opinion though.

BB

I understand you don't trust anything he say's. But the kids right they will saw right threw the line. Or atleast badly fray the line. Which could cost the line to break. Steel leaders are cheap & worth the investment when dealing with ol Gator mouth.

[jooleyen]

Alright. Thanks you guys.