Braided fishing line?

[long40shot]

Good morning folks,

I'm going to string up one of my old catfish poles. I was think of using some braided line. Any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[Texas Solo]

Power Pro. I switched to it years ago. 65lb test is = to 12lb mono diameter.
Super tough.

 

[TIMO]

I did that for a fishing trip to Key West earlier this year. I bought mine on Amozon. I like it, you do have to adjust your reels to it. All of my reels are bait casting. The line if smaller diameter for its pound strength. It is some tough string. If you get snagged up, don't use your bare hands to pull on it if it is really snagged. Use a piece of wood or something to wrap it around. It will cut your hand/fingers easily.
Tim

 

[CJ6]

I use Spider Wire.

 

[Toolbreaker]

I used to use Spiderwire when I bass fished 100 years ago. I remember having to change the type of knot I used since it didn't expand & stretch like mono to lock the knot in. Some recommended a drop of superglue on the knot. Test it before casting.

P.S. Heed Timo's warning on bare-handing it. It'll gitcha.

 

[CJ6]

I used to use Spiderwire when I bass fished 100 years ago. I remember having to change the type of knot I used since it didn't expand & stretch like mono to lock the knot in. Some recommended a drop of superglue on the knot. Test it before casting.

I've heard the Super Glue too. I've never used it though. The knot I use has never gave me issues though. Don't ask it's name 'cause I couldn't tell you what it's called. Dad taught it to us as kids.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I use braid for walleye/bass. I do not use braid for typical river catfish rigs, no roll sinker/hook/cut bait. Braid and fluorocarbon line sinks you don't want your line laying on the bottom in rivers, creeks. Mono also has some stretch which helps land catfish.

 

[jimmymac]

Sufix 832 is my favorite. Power Pro is my second choice for big cats.

 

[cjames]

Be sure and use mono for the first few feet on your reel then tie braid to mono after. Over time braid will unspool or slip off of your reel when it's being pulled. There are other ways to prevent it from slipping also. Just be aware.

 

[Ranger188]

As mentioned above.
If using a bait caster you need a mono backer.
If you just spool on braid it will spin on the spool and you'll never get a good hook set.
Don't tie it through the spool either. (if theirs holes in the spool)
Braid floats... Has little to no stretch.
Mono floats to a degree. Has some stretch
Flourocarbon sinks. For cat fishing, I wouldn't use expensive flouro.
Find some Power Pro in 50-60lb or 20-25lb mono.
I'm assuming you'll have some weight added to keep the bait down.
This for your application, sounds like not going to use all the time.
@tacklewarehouse has good prices a huge selection and free shipping over $50

Power Pro Spectra Braided Line Moss Green - Tackle Warehouse

www.tacklewarehouse.com

 

[ronsatspokane]

I've got braid on my bait casting reels that I use for Walleye. It chafes and does not stretch. I'm abandoning both braid and fluorocarbon and going back to good old mono. Having to replace expensive braid is getting old. Fluorocarbon also does not stretch and has been a pain in cold weather. Had more rats nests with Fluorocarbon than I care to think about.

 

[jimmymac]

I've got braid on my bait casting reels that I use for Walleye. It chafes and does not stretch. I'm abandoning both braid and fluorocarbon and going back to good old mono. Having to replace expensive braid is getting old. Fluorocarbon also does not stretch and has been a pain in cold weather. Had more rats nests with Fluorocarbon than I care to think about.

For bottom fishing for catfish, a good mono leader is a must for me. It avoids the problems you mention. I typically run 65, 80 or 100 pound braid with a 40 to 50 pound mono leader. I can’t remember the last time I had a fish get off due to a fishing line problem with the above setup. My braid lasts for several years or more on my baitcasters.

Maybe try a fluoro leader for your walleye fishing? I’m not a walleye guy, but I’d think that would work great.

 

[Dave M.]

I've heard the Super Glue too. I've never used it though. The knot I use has never gave me issues though. Don't ask it's name 'cause I couldn't tell you what it's called. Dad taught it to us as kids.

Use the Palomar knot with braid. It’s rock solid.
Dave

 

[swimster]

I wrap the line around the spool twice before tying the slip knot then a wrap of tape over the knot before spoolling it up. Be sure to spool the line on tight or if you get hung up or a really good fish on the line will burry in the spool and sometimes it won't come out to easy.

 

[Ned Ludd]

I switched to Power Pro 5 lb test for crappie/bass rigs a couple years ago. It easily has the breaking strength of monofilament line that is twice as heavy (or more), yet it is extremely light. It's more trouble tying knots, because the line is so soft, and I use a Bic lighter to melt the end of the excess line once I have trimmed it (i.e. the free end ). I also have to be careful that the line is tight on the spool/bail before starting the retrieve, because it sometimes wants to loop over the center of the spool. Even though it's only 5 lb test, I rarely ever lose any lures now, even fishing in pretty heavy brush. This stuff is just incredibly tough.

 

[JSH]

I use braid on some rigs. I always use a mono leader so it will break off if snagged.
Some say not to do it, it I have and no issues. When the braid gets fuzzy, take it all off and swap it end for end.

 

[Ranger188]

People are using a mono or fluorocarbon leaders in clearer water.
You get the feel of the no stretch braid, but the less visibility of the mono leader.
When using braid, I always use a double Palomar knot.
The braid is a bit slicker and you can have a knot slip.

Not all braids are the same. they have advanced some with coatings and
types of braid and materials used.

 

[chuckw2]

Jerry Brown hollow core

 

[muleystalker]

Ditch the braid and spool your reals up with IZORLINE First string Mono or their XXX Co Polymer Fishing line, The Best mono out and the price is reasonable. Its diameters are small for its Lbs rating and tuff stuff. I used it on my commercial boat for years used it on everything in my charter business from trout to 200+ lbs Tuna. I use it on all my Long Range Tuna gear when fishing out of San Diego, 5-30 day trips , I take up to 25+ rods for myself. This stuff is tuff, I rigged up a 15lbs class rod one day when we were into 40+lbs Yellowtail and also hooking 75+lbs yellowfin tuna just to see how far I could take the line, it surprised us all even the Captain. I boated over 30 fish on that setup before I broke the line, I was actually straitening the hooks on the jigs before the line would break. If any of you aren't familiar with Yellow tail they hit like a freight train and run strait down for the rocks, they are like an amberjack on the east coast. The line is the best and it is priced right so you can afford to change it out as needed and isn't breaking the bank.

 

[nmkid]

I remember using Spider(?) wire years ago when I lived in Wyoming. It was some tough stuff. Used it trolling with Countdown Rapalas for Lake Trout. The only problem we ran into using it was if you got into water that was a bit shallow and the line dragged on rocks...It was an almost instant broken line! Happened many a time. Slow learners, LOL.