Switching to braid

[DerrickT]

I have 30# PP on all 4 of my bass setups. I have never used any leader, I always tied directly to the lure. Last outing I tried a floro leader and didn't see a difference. You should have no problem using it on an ugly stik. Just check the guides with a qtip before each outing.

[WackinEm]

ive switched all of my freshwater stuff over to 8-14lb p-line 100% flouro, with the exception of my topwater rod which has 10lb fireline, give p-line a try, amazing stuff

[Paul_M]

No need for a leader in this case.

[cordell]

I fish mostly ponds and small lakes in this area and 10lb test clear mono is my line of choice. If the drag is set properly and the line is kept inspected and maintained (the first 2 feet) I will normaly get the fish in. However there is a good reason why they make chocolate and vanilla, so go with what makes you happy and what the need is in your area. Take care and God bless.

[fish devil]

I've been fishing mostly open water (LMB, panfish, and trout in the spring) with an Ugly Stik (aluminum oxide insert guides) and a small spinning reel. There's a good sized patch of lily pads in the local reservoir that I'd like to try working, but from what I read, the 6 lb mono I'm using isn't going to make it. Am I going to cause myself problems if I use braid with my Ugly Stik? Also, any suggestions for the brand of braid?

 

Don't be afraid to use braid especially if you fish around pads, wood, scum, laydowns etc.. I use 50lb braid on three of my setups. Light mono will never get the job done.

 

[midwestexile]

Leader is optional, but if the fish are there but not biting, try one.

[NickinMass]

Don't be afraid to use braid especially if you fish around pads, wood, scum, laydowns etc.. I use 50lb braid on three of my setups. Light mono will never get the job done.

 

 

This picture cracked me up. I was using a small monitor when I looked at it, so all I could really see was the wad of scum - had to scroll down to see it was actually a fish...

[billthe5th]

Ok, so I'm hijacking (or maybe just redirecting slightly) my original post: use a leader with braid or direct tie when fishing lily pads and the like?

 

 

 

I woudl always use a leader w/ braid. many variables for what leader you use though (mono vs. fluoro vs. hard nylon even?) which shoudl definitely be a separate thread and has actually been discussed a bit already I think, or feel free to PM.

[Ebbtide231]

2 summers with 30lb suffix on my Abu 4600 & 5600 (on M & MH Lightning rods).

 

I'm not going back to mono.

 

The amount of feel is incredible... whether a spinnerbait blade is spinning or ripping a lure thru the coontail tops... I can feel it all.

 

Hooksetting power is superb.

 

I fish for LMB in the thick nasty places the rest cast around.

 

Scumfroggin, flipping or pitching the braid allows me to get their heads up right away.

[Billy29]

I use 20 lb fireline on all of my conventionals.

[john the fisherman]

i think youre guides would be fine, but i dont thinkbraid is nesccerary

[NickinMass]

Tried out the braid yesterday - only had about 45 minutes, but it was really nice just to be there (foggy, with the leaves starting to turn). I'm really happy I had the braid on - my allegedly weedless Johnson silver minnow hung up in the lily pads pretty badly a few times even after I adjusted the wire (had to find a stick to wrap the line around so I could pull hard enough - definitely would have snapped the 6 lb mono that I usually use). Noisy over the reel roller and guides, but seems to work well. Now I just need to catch some fish...

[Ebbtide231]

The noise diminishes with use, as the braid breaks in.

 

At least the Suffix that I have on two reels did.

 

Still louder than mono...