I’ll try to collect some data tomorrow if it isn’t too windy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
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I’ll try to collect some data tomorrow if it isn’t too windy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
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Attachment 368075
I was able to do a quick and dirty experiment this afternoon testing out the casting distance of four lines. It was a little breezy and the wind was swirling on my ridge. So it wasn’t ideal conditions but I did it anyway. Here is the setup. I used the Tict IceCube Rockin Finesse 69 for all treatments. I cast a 0.5g jighead and a Trout Magnet body, five reps and averaged the distance for each treatment. The lines tested are the following.
-Varivas Area Master Limited Ester 2.3-lb (on Daiwa Presso Limited 1025)
-Unitaka Nightgame PE 3.0-lb (on Daiwa Luvias 1003)
-Trout Magnet SOS Nylon ~3.5-lb (on Daiwa Freams 1000s)
-Sufix Nano Braid PE ~4.0-lb (on Daiwa Luvias 2004)
Results
Varivas Ester 44.7 feet
Unitaka PE 42.7 feet
SOS Nylon 41.5 feet
Suffix Nanobraid 41.8 feet
I realize these were not perfect experimental conditions, because there could be some confounding factors (model of reel, size of reel, strength and direction of wind, diameter of line, etc...). Also, each line wasn’t the same strength. But I do think there is some interesting take aways. When using a really light jig (~0.5g) with a little breeze, you can only cast the jig so far. If I would have increased the jig weight to 1.5g, I think the differences would have been greater. I should also mentioned that I had my first malfunction with the Varivas Ester and I had to cut some off to get rid of a slipped loop on the reel. But the Varivas Ester did cast slightly longer than the other lines tested. I wish I could find a 3.0-lb Ester line that I liked. Haven’t found it yet. So Randy, I think your observations were correct. The Ester does cast slightly further than semi-comparable PE.
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Nice write up D10... thank you for your testing... have you ever tried the 3lb sunline ester?
I have some and I tried it out but didn’t like it as much as the Varivas 2.3-lb Ester or the Unitaka PE. For me, it had much more management issues compared to the Varivas Ester. I may need to give it another try though.Quote:
Originally Posted by VaCrappieMan
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Thanks D10, shortens my learning curve. I have some 2lb fireline crystal to try and I’m thinking on trying the pe. It has peaked my interest. The area master and troutist wild have done well so far but fishing has been off here so I’m only claiming to a limited testing on crappie. No issues with the nylon when shad fishing and they were all over 16”.
I have only tried the Varivas 2 times and I am not a fan at all... I didn’t have near the issues out of the Sunline but I was using 2.5lb... I have a spool of the 3lb Sunline but still haven’t used it... I need to do some casting tests myself to see what I can throw the farthest... distance is important to me since I am on the bank
Before NanoFil ever came out I tried every brand of US market braid in 2# test that there was. I never found one that cast farther than 2# test nylon. But when trying NanoFil I found out real quick you could cast around the world with that stuff. It was a Godsend for us Trout Magnet users. But I soon went back to nylon.....and a couple of years back switched to all JDM nylon...and or ester....or FC. The Unitika is not a premium line. Premium JDM PE lines cost an arm and a leg. But they are supposed to cast much better than the cheaper PE lines. From what I have gathered in reading it is because they are multi-stranded PE...to make them round instead of flat.....and many of them have super slick coatings. Im sure one day I’ll get around to trying one of these lines....but at 50-60 bucks a spool it’ll be a while yet....LOL.
Regards
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Like the Unitaka PE, stuck another nice Smallie with it this afternoon and it made him famous (picture and released- Not Billy the Kid Style famous). I have put that Sunline SG High End Pink PE in my shopping cart a couple times on Digitaka just have never pulled the trigger. I bet it is good stuff.
I know it’s here somewhere but when you guys tie your MONO straight to the jig/bait which knot are you using? I would like to use other lines but I have to have a floating line. Man I got some of the trout darkness from Finesse fishing. Great line just struggling with seeing the line to try and tie a knot. Thanks in advance
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayou Boy
I use the Palomar knot.
Regards
Palomar or Trilene knot for under 3 lb, "Kreh" loop knot for jigs 3 lb and up. If in a hurry, triple-overhand loop. I keep reading glasses in the boat at all times!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayou Boy
Randy - what are some examples of premium JDM PE that is 3.0-lb or less? I would like to do some reading up on them. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D10
Had my eye on these for a while.
DIGITAKA! - Japan Fishing Tackle Store
DIGITAKA! - Japan Fishing Tackle Store
DIGITAKA! - Japan Fishing Tackle Store
There are others I have not located webpage for them yet. I watch a lot of Japanese fishing channels and get the ideas from them....sometimes it take a while to find the lines. But I think probably the best you will find is the Small Game PE from Sunline. I know Chris has the Sunline but not sure he has used it.
Regards
The Varivas is only 75m, but for Area lakes or Pay lakes that is probably sufficient for them. On my 7.4 Corto I believe I could sore lip a few Bass or Catfish if they wanted to play.
The Diawa has a SG of .98, so you know it will float. This can be beneficial in some shallow water applications. Do you or Chris know the SG for the Sunline. Bet it floats also if it has a coating.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
It is .97.....no coatings on it.Quote:
Originally Posted by StantheMan2567
Regards
The Sunline Small Game PE I have is 6 lb. I like it a lot and it is my "go to" line for my UL baitcaster. I have not tried it on a spinning reel. When I first started carrying it, I checked the price on the 3 lb and decided no one would buy it so I've never imported any. I can't remember how much I'd have to charge for it but I was shocked.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
Can someone detail spooling instructions for ester line, to elimante line twist? Normally I spool from the label side of the line spool facing me as my wife runs the line through a damp cloth to provide tension.
Thanks
Disco has posted this...I have been using this method for a while and it works.....although it goes against the conventional wisdom. I use this method and I dont have line issues.Quote:
Originally Posted by slowhand
Regards
YouTube
Thanks, I'll try it that way New rod is supposed to arrive Tuesday, so I'll give it and the ester a test run Wednesday.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
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That's how I put mine on. I run my line thru all the guides and with a soft tissue apply soft pressure when I reel it on.Quote:
Originally Posted by slowhand
-Jaime
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I am on the same page as Alphahawk about the price of the PE lines. I was about to order some just to try it because I was so impressed with the nylon. Then I saw the price and changed my mind. I thought it would be a healthy experiment. The super lines I’m using now are doing fine for me, maybe I’ll stumble into a sale or try some someone has on an existing rig. Still interested........
Ordered a new line a several days ago, one that has been discussed here quite a bit.
?Attachment 369613
Attachment 369614
?Attachment 369615
?The top picture has the line coming out from the spool, can you see it? I drew a rudimentary arrow in its general direction. Man this stuff has a very small diameter, almost like a human hair. I spooled it up on the Diawa Ballistic FW 1000, a brand new reel I bought several weeks ago but have not used. Pretty in Pink, on the spool it has a good color but off spool it is so thin it is hard to tell it is even pink. I harnessed the reel to the 6.10 Corto and tied on a 1g jig head. Locked and loaded by noon and watching it pour down rain all day, I hoped to get an evening trip in with the new weapons. Stay tuned for the field report.
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It is the size of a human hair....which is .080mm-.100mm. The line mics out at .085mm. I got that number from doing a lot of research on UK LRF forums and of course the Russians.....LOL. The only negative thing I have read about the line is after 6 months of heavy use the line fades to very light pink....almost white. That’s it.....haven’t read another negative thing about it....of course us Americans will complain about the price but if you want the best you got to pay. Many may not be aware.....you probably are so this is for others reading this......these JDM rods are designed in many instances for a particular line. This was first pointed out to me by Chris and also Allsorts. For instance the Ice Cube Rockin’ Power is designed for PE line. Of course we can use any line we want with it but one would get the best results using PE line. From everything I’ve read this line casts great. I’m still researching high end PE lines. I have the one FW reel with the Mebaru PE and that will do until I hear your reports about the Sunline.Quote:
Originally Posted by StantheMan2567
Regards
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Well I just had to get out and try my new reel and line. I will keep it short on the reel, the Ballistic LT 1000 is no Luvias or Presso Limited, but a very light and slow ratio retrieve reel with a great drag. No complaints on the price paid, would recommend this reel for any UL application not Salt Water related. Now for the line, as I said before this stuff is like human hair fine diameter. The first cast went across the creek, literally. The 1g jig head and TM in grasshopper color cast like butter, great distance, about 5 yards more than the Unitaka Braid I used last night on the 7.4 Corto. The 6.10 loads a 1g jig head a little better, so I would expect more distance anyway. First 3 casts resulted in 3 White Bass. They were all fun size, nothing big but fighters. The bite detection was obvious, WB do not mess around, especially in current.
?Attachment 369629
Next couple fish were small, Gills and a small Bass.
?Attachment 369630
?Attachment 369631
The bite detection on the Gills, excellent. Their little rat a tat tat was transferred to the rod nicely through the line while twitching. Here is where I must say, the thin diameter is great, but very hard to see while fishing from the bank in muddy water in low light evening conditions. About the same as the Red Ester I bought last year and tested/reported about in the Fall. The Yellow Unitaka braid I used last night at the same time was definitely more visible where it meets the waters surface. On a normal sunny day the Sunline should be sufficiently visible from a boat or bank, but the thin diameter puts it harder to see to start with, no matter the light conditions. I knew the Bass were lurking, and a really solid thump and subsequent drag squealing pull let me test the strength or the new line real quick.
?Attachment 369632
15.5in Smallmouth, the 6.10 Corto made this a fun battle, and the line performed flawlessly. No line/guide sounds, watch the pros and listen to their guides sing when they use braid. This line did not do that, if it did it was very muted. Remember I am fishing in 1-3ft flowing water, lots of tail walking and and surface thrashing, no deep water runs. Bright on the spool, I think I mentioned that earlier, more WB were caught and released.
?Attachment 369633
I did have one fish break me off, a WB that made a run by a shallow water rock and cut the line. You can see here the big rocks I was bringing fish around.
?Attachment 369634
Last fish of the night was another Brown Fish, about the same as the first one, a little smaller maybe.
?Attachment 369635
Lastly, when I got home I took a picture of the line after it’s first use in muddy waters. The Yellow Unitaka stains and takes on a brownish color. The Sunline showed just a little staining, but not as much.
?Attachment 369636
?Attachment 369637
I really like this line, I am a big fan of braid to begin with. Not cheap this line, but worth it.....so far yes. As far as tying a leader to this line, well I have not tried that yet as I do not normally fish a FC or mono leader. I may try using a leader but the small diameter is going to be a challenge. Try a spool if you can, I think you will be surprised and pleased, just remember this stuff is small!
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Great write up. The first ester I tried was .085mm diameter....clear...I had to take it off as I couldn’t see it. Not sure I would be able to see the Small Game PE either. Still may give it a try though.Quote:
Originally Posted by StantheMan2567
Regards
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I am using the Unitika PE (3 lb) on my Rockin' Power. It was only around $14 a spool on sale last month, and I have 3 extra spools on hand. I'll try this stuff when that is used up - maybe my 401k will be back where it should be by then!Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
The Unitaka Braid is a good deal, cheaper than Nanofil or Fireline if you leave out shipping. I have been using it for almost a year and have been pleased. I just wanted to try the Sunline, but sure did not realize or expect the tiny diameter. I only used a JDM jig head last night with a true closed large eye to tie my knot. In an USDM jig head the eye of the hook is usually not closed. I use the BG Itty Bitty heads a lot, but I bet the line will slip out of the eyelet it is so small. Time will tell, growing impatient with the rain and such, cabin fever I guess.Quote:
Originally Posted by jawjatek
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Very good write up Stan, some great info within. Also the info about the hook eyes, never crossed my mind. Have to look into unitaka PE line if the price difference is that great. Thanks for the time you gave us all.
JDM jig heads are a must for me now.....have been for a couple of years.....just no going back....and using true 2# test lines one really needs them unless you want to modify the eye on most US market jig heads. Using PE with .085mm diameter you really don’t have many options.
Regards
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I am using Sunline Troutist Wild 3lb test on my Triple Cross. It proved to be very sensitive and tough today. I also like its suppleness, it's very manageable.
Realized the “not many options” as soon as I opened the package. That is why I may try tying the 2lb Fluorocarbon leader on to the Sunline. Been watching You Tube videos on that Surgeons knot. I experimented with it a bit last winter using some of the other Superlines and just could not get the results I expected. Bank fishing will be over sooner than usual due to all the rain, so a good knot that I can tie in the boat relatively quick when fishing the nasty stuff is imperative.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphahawk
Found a new line made by Shakespeare to try for bigger panfish. Good color for line watching, hi vis, and should hold up well. Will see[emoji16]
Attachment 370592
Going to string it up on the Diawa Ballistic [emoji16][emoji16]
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Is that trimmer line!?
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Can you tell I am bored?? I would much rather be working than at home watching it rain. Did get out a bit in between showers today and test the new rod out, will report later. Attachment 370616Quote:
Originally Posted by D10
Yes it is weed eater line, just trying to have a little fun.
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I’m bored to. Working from home is no fun.Quote:
Originally Posted by StantheMan2567
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Fellow Anglers,
Let me express some frustration with USDM braided lines: I just lifted a 8 lbs weight with a 2 lbs test Nanobraid from Sufix. At this point I gave up on breaking it. Which USDM braid is closest to be true to its test? Nanofil?
i just want a real 2-5 lbs test braided line. I will certainly be ordering JDM braid from this point on...
I use the small lines to get casting distance and correct lure action. I don't care much about the breakage weight. Too many variables anyway.
I’ve never done a breaking strength test on the NanofI’ll 2lb that I use but it’s pretty strong. No abrasion resistance is its downfall but I haven’t found anything as limber or that casts as well so I just deal with it.
Hey Stan.....I finally used the Unitika PE line yesterday. I had it on the Finezza Prototype with a Ballistic FW reel. With that line....rod.....reel...and those Daiwa Gekkabijin jig heads those fish didn’t stand a chance.....LOL. The line is very bright out in the sun.....which is a good thing for me. Of course it will take some time for me to come to a conclusion on the line but so far so good....was not any wind at all down there so I had no wind knot issues. Crappie in the 12-13 inch range and white bass in the 13-15 inch range....pretty good test for the line.
Regards
Attachment 371173Attachment 371174
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