New Braids for Crappie

[gbs52]

I know there is info in old threads 2007 etc. How many have tried the newer and now smaller # test braids. What brand and size do you use and do you use a flouro leader with the braids. I'm just getting into crappie more as I get older and being a bass tournament fisherman I feel like I need to cast for the crappie and like to cast and feel the tick or see line jump. ...Thanks for all opinions

[justinp61]

Power Pro Super Slick 8, no leader.

[fe1]

Power Pro Super Slick 8, no leader.

+1 here

[Good Stuff]

Nanofill 8lb.

[Crestliner08]

I use Fireline Crystal 2# test for my main line with a 3' section of 4# test fluorocarbon (abrasion resistance and toothy critters) connected with the Alberto knot. Easy to see, casts great and reliable. Have been using this combination for several seasons now. No problems, no worries.

In the lighter tests, I would definitely NOT use Nanofil. If you search this forum, you will find posts indicating what fragile line the 2# test really is. However, I have used it in the 10# & 12# tests with no problems. I just prefer Fireline which has proven reliability, over the last couple of decades.

[Good Stuff]

I use Fireline Crystal 2# test for my main line with a 3' section of 4# test fluorocarbon (abrasion resistance and toothy critters) connected with the Alberto knot. Easy to see, casts great and reliable. Have been using this combination for several seasons now. No problems, no worries.

In the lighter tests, I would definitely NOT use Nanofil. If you search this forum, you will find posts indicating what fragile line the 2# test really is. However, I have used it in the 10# & 12# tests with no problems. I just prefer Fireline which has proven reliability, over the last couple of decades.

Of course the 8lb works fine too. I have never used anything smaller or had any problems but have seen were other have.

[INTIMIDATOR]

I am a 100% braid fisherman for Crappie, Walleye, and Bass....have used braid for it's strength since Spiderwire first came out...always without a leader!
My favorite up until last year was Daiwa Samurai....soft, no waxy gunk, small, and strong.
Now I use Seaguar Smackdown Tourney braid....smaller than anything else with the same test rating, soft, supple, and strong...and I do not notice abrasion!

[gbs52]

I am a 100% braid fisherman for Crappie, Walleye, and Bass....have used braid for it's strength since Spiderwire first came out...always without a leader!
My favorite up until last year was Daiwa Samurai....soft, no waxy gunk, small, and strong.
Now I use Seaguar Smackdown Tourney braid....smaller than anything else with the same test rating, soft, supple, and strong...and I do not notice abrasion!

What braid color would you folks use if using a leader or if a direct line tie. I cast fishing mostly clear waters of Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow, Green and Barren River.

[CrappiePappy]

What braid color would you folks use if using a leader or if a direct line tie. I cast fishing mostly clear waters of Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow, Green and Barren River.

I'm still using PowerPro 10/2 hi-vis yellow braid, but use it mostly for casting Roadrunners & Whirly Bee Pro baits. Otherwise my casting of jigs is done with Vicious Panfish 6lb test hi-vis. While I've never fished Barren or Dale, I have fished Cumberland and Green. I've successfully used PowerPro 10/2 on Green, on numerous occasions. Braid is tied direct to any baits used. I've also found that if you want to mostly "feel" the thump ... use a split shot sinker about 8" or so above the jig. And if you'd rather mostly "see" the strike ... no sinker is necessary.

The colors of these lines are in the yellow spectrum. But I've previously had success using lines in the bright green or gold coloration (but those were mono lines).

Some things of note, when using braid and when using braid on a spinning reel :

Fill the spinning reel spool 1/2 to 2/3 full of old or cheap mono (depending on size of spool), then attach braid and finish filling the spool. This will keep the braid from spinning around on the arbor, plus allow you to fill more than one reel from a filler pack size spool of braid.

Purchase a pair of Child's Size Fiskar Scissors for cutting the braid. The scissors will cut the tag end of the line "blunt", rather than leave it ragged with fibers sticking out of the tag end. This will allow you to more easily push the tag end through the hook eyes of small jigs or hooks.

Have something available to wrap your braid around when you're bait is snagged & you need to pull it free, bend the hook open, or break the line. A wood dowel or small piece of wood will do. DO NOT attempt to pull the bait free by wrapping the braid around your hand !! It can & will cut right through your skin, trust me. It's also not a good idea to use a cork or foam rod handle to wrap the braid around, either, as it can cut into these materials, as well.

... cp

[gbs52]

I'm still using PowerPro 10/2 hi-vis yellow braid, but use it mostly for casting Roadrunners & Whirly Bee Pro baits. Otherwise my casting of jigs is done with Vicious Panfish 6lb test hi-vis. While I've never fished Barren or Dale, I have fished Cumberland and Green. I've successfully used PowerPro 10/2 on Green, on numerous occasions. Braid is tied direct to any baits used. I've also found that if you want to mostly "feel" the thump ... use a split shot sinker about 8" or so above the jig. And if you'd rather mostly "see" the strike ... no sinker is necessary.

The colors of these lines are in the yellow spectrum. But I've previously had success using lines in the bright green or gold coloration (but those were mono lines).

Some things of note, when using braid and when using braid on a spinning reel :

Fill the spinning reel spool 1/2 to 2/3 full of old or cheap mono (depending on size of spool), then attach braid and finish filling the spool. This will keep the braid from spinning around on the arbor, plus allow you to fill more than one reel from a filler pack size spool of braid.

Purchase a pair of Child's Size Fiskar Scissors for cutting the braid. The scissors will cut the tag end of the line "blunt", rather than leave it ragged with fibers sticking out of the tag end. This will allow you to more easily push the tag end through the hook eyes of small jigs or hooks.

Have something available to wrap your braid around when you're bait is snagged & you need to pull it free, bend the hook open, or break the line. A wood dowel or small piece of wood will do. DO NOT attempt to pull the bait free by wrapping the braid around your hand !! It can & will cut right through your skin, trust me. It's also not a good idea to use a cork or foam rod handle to wrap the braid around, either, as it can cut into these materials, as well.

... cp

Oh yes on cutting you. I keep a piece of shovel handle. I'm use to breaking 65-80 # braid. Do you think you your catch ratio would be as good here on Cumberland using say the small Hi Viz braid without a leader