Thread: Does line color really matter?

Originally Posted by BIGBADDAD

I use hi viz for everything. I'm a line watcher and have never seen much of a difference.

I have. Even just last week on Ky lake gills and redears. For crappies, it didn't make a difference. But 4 lb test clear out fished hi vis pretty good.

For me, it always depends on water clarity. Color is not nearly as important on lakes like Kentucky or Barkley as it is on a clear-water lake like Lake Cumberland. It will knock your catch ratio down considerably on Cumberland when you use colored line....for any species of fish. Or at least that is my experience.

I use chartreuse braid with a long (10' or so) 6lb fluorocarbon leader. Best of both worlds, no stretch braid to feel the thump and no see fluoro. Also the knot lets me know when I have 10' of line out.

I used to fish just the braid by itself but have improved success with the fluoro leader.

How do u keep the knot from hindering your casting ability? If u have a 10' leader it would be reeled up into the spool. I've always used short leaders because the knot catches my line on the spool when I try to cast. Also, my knot tends to drag in my guides. I try to keep my leader and knot shorter than the length of line I leave out for casting. I use a uni-to-uni knot for the connection. Is there a better more slimline knot I should be using? I'm just trying to learn something here.

In clear water I think line color makes a big difference. What kind of knot do you guys use to tie the floro to the braid?

I've used the Yucatan Knot, Stren Knot, and FG knot. The FG knot is a pain to tie. I like the Stren Knot and Yucatan knot.

I've used a Hi Viz ever since my eyes have gotten to the point that I looked like an idiot waving at someone off in the distance when i break off and couldn't see the line anymore. I tie snap swivels for pulling, hooks, sinkers, and jigs directly to it. It's also easier to see the line when tying knots. I've always managed to bring home enough to eat and share some. One thing I did find that i'd like to try, last fall at the shin dig, I saw rods set up on a purple boat, I think the guy was a tug boat cook, anyway he had something to do with a tug boat. The rods had beads that "CLACK" against the rod when spider rigging,and get your attention. Do you look for beads that touch the rod or should they fall just short of touching when set up? The other question: where do you find them? Thanks!

Originally Posted by slabseeker1

I've used a Hi Viz ever since my eyes have gotten to the point that I looked like an idiot waving at someone off in the distance when i break off and couldn't see the line anymore. I tie snap swivels for pulling, hooks, sinkers, and jigs directly to it. It's also easier to see the line when tying knots. I've always managed to bring home enough to eat and share some. One thing I did find that i'd like to try, last fall at the shin dig, I saw rods set up on a purple boat, I think the guy was a tug boat cook, anyway he had something to do with a tug boat. The rods had beads that "CLACK" against the rod when spider rigging,and get your attention. Do you look for beads that touch the rod or should they fall just short of touching when set up? The other question: where do you find them? Thanks!

That "boat guy" takes his beads off necklaces from his old hippie days!!