Braid vs. rod guides

[Bandit1]

I have decided to give braid a try this year. Actually, I got talked into giving braid a try this year. I don't have the newest or most up to date rods there for I was wondering if the braid will wear on these fast? Will it groove them when you get the tension of a fish on them and reel them in? I have always just used mono for everything (old school, I know) but has always worked.

Also what is the best brand of braid? I know that a Ford vs. Chevy question but just want to hear everyones opinion.

Thank you,

Jason

[Tyme2fish]

I also don't have top dollar rods but I haven't noticed any abrasion on my guides and I've used braid for years on the river.

I've used Spider Wire and P-line (or is it Pro-line?)

Also I use a mono backer on my reels so I'm not filling the entire spool with the expensive braid. This will also eliminate "slip" that can occur if you tie braid directly to the spool.

It's my thinking that the Ohio river water is so discolored, the fish won't see the braid. That being said, I still use a mono leader that is tied to the hook. Gives a little shock absorption when a big fish hits.

[artcarney_agr]

PowerPro is my brand of choice. I've used it on pretty much all my rods without issue.

Putting it on a spinning rod is the only way to go! 20 lb. braid with a 12 lb. fluoro leader is a tough combo to beat for finesse fishing - also lets you cast little cranks a LONG ways!

[wolfewiz]

Putting it on a spinning rod is the only way to go! 20 lb. braid with a 12 lb. fluoro leader is a tough combo to beat for finesse fishing - also lets you cast little cranks a LONG ways!

X2

Love this setup on my finesse setups.

10lb braid with an 8lb fluoro leader on all my ultralight spinning setups too.

[Bandit1]

I know this has probably been asked before but how do you all tie the two lines together? Or do you all use swivels?

Thank you,

Jason

[Astrobass]

I use an albright knot most of the time, sometimes a blood knot, just depends on the wind and how patient I am at the time. LOL

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

[artcarney_agr]

I know this has probably been asked before but how do you all tie the two lines together? Or do you all use swivels?

Thank you,

Jason

Double uni knot
http://www.netknots.com/html/double_uni_knot.html

Easy to tie, and works very well.

[lroberts]

I love Power Pro myself. I know some guys do use a leader of mono or flouro, but IMO you lose the advantage of using a super line (braid) if you do so....strength vs line breakage. I use braid on top water baits and around heavy cover, so I guess using a leader (to disguise the line) wouldn't make a difference anyway.

[Tyme2fish]

I tie the single uni-knot. Works well for me.

http://www.fish4fun.com/Joining2Lines.htm

[Atomdata]

I started using braid 2 years ago. No guide issues that I have seen. I used a couple different types but settled on Stren's Sonic braid in green. 30lb = 8 in mone equiv.

I also use the mono for filler and a blood knot.

Drawback is a deep snag....alot of effort to break it off!

[Tyme2fish]

Drawback is a deep snag....alot of effort to break it off!

I keep several pieces of broom handles in my boat to wrap around the braid when I get hung on the bottom. Don't ever wrap the line around your hand to try and free it. I cut them into about 6 to 8 inch lengths.

Be prepared to run when your wife grabs her broom and it's handle is only 2 feet long!!

[artcarney_agr]

I love Power Pro myself. I know some guys do use a leader of mono or flouro, but IMO you lose the advantage of using a super line (braid) if you do so....strength vs line breakage.

You use braid for reduced stretch, to get a smaller diameter to help with casting, and for abraision resistance...not for added strength.