Thread: Using very small line

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

I use 2# test almost exclusively for everything from crappie to smallmouth. I use it because I throw micro jigs and lures. I also on occasion use 1# test NanoFil...which is a braid....if I am in waters with small fish....lets me have fun even with small fish. I have also used 2# test NanoFil a lot. I have never had any problem landing dozens of Smallies in the 20 inch and over range with 2# test. Of course we are on a crappie forum and that is all I use for crappie. I cast for them and enjoy the fight a crappie gives on 2# test line. I fish around wood at times and getting hung up sometimes is just part of it. Two pound test line is for UL fishing....no matter the specie. As was mentioned if one is throwing micro jigs the 2# test gives the jig a lot more action. If you are not going to be casting micro baits no need to use 2# test. When using a leader I tie a surgeon's knot. It is very easy to tie and I have never had an issue with it.


Regards

Alpha, if You are using 2# line for 20" smb You are a patient man. Although lately I am using lighter and lighter line too, I just like the way 4# mono cast in comparison to say 8#. I use 4# Vicious Hi Vis mono on most my Crappie poles including the spider rig poles and land 8 to 10# Channels often. You know it may sound odd but I like catching smaller fish in My local creeks as much as big slabs from the lakes, I like the super lines such as Nanofil and Fireline for gils, pumpkin seeds, creek chubs etc.. Also the best fisherman I know has assured me that fish are not line shy, which I do believe, actually the only time I waist money on fluorocarbon line is on My flypole when I'm trout fishing and thats mainly because of the price of having to replace the tippet to often.

Originally Posted by Tom 513

Alpha, if You are using 2# line for 20" smb You are a patient man. Although lately I am using lighter and lighter line too, I just like the way 4# mono cast in comparison to say 8#. I use 4# Vicious Hi Vis mono on most my Crappie poles including the spider rig poles and land 8 to 10# Channels often. You know it may sound odd but I like catching smaller fish in My local creeks as much as big slabs from the lakes, I like the super lines such as Nanofil and Fireline for gils, pumpkin seeds, creek chubs etc.. Also the best fisherman I know has assured me that fish are not line shy, which I do believe, actually the only time I waist money on fluorocarbon line is on My flypole when I'm trout fishing and thats mainly because of the price of having to replace the tippet to often.

Let me explain how it came about using 2# test for Smallies. I love fishing for bluegills. While using a Trout Magnet at Center Hill Lake for Gills I started catching a lot of Smallies. The same thing happened at Pickwick. This all started about 7 years ago...or more. When fishing for them from the bank I would lose a few each time out as they would pull the line across the rocks heading for deep water and many times it would cut. I started kayak fishing about 5 years ago and got back into boating last fall. The Smallies just pull me out to deeper water now. I lose very few.....and most losses are from the hook pulling out and not line breakage. I always use a fluro leader when using any NanoFil as it has no abrasion resistance....and I always use a fluro leader for trout no matter the main line I am using. While I catch a lot of Smallies....KY bass...white bass, and trout on 2# test line, I would just as soon catch 9 inch Gills all day...or crappie. I just enjoy catching fish using UL gear.

Regards

I have been using 4# Fireline Solar since it came out many many years ago. No leader. I use it for casting and vertical jigging. I also use it for bluegill and shell cracker fishing but i use a fluoro leader for these guys.