Using very small line

[Crestliner08]

I have two 9' rods and one 7' rod set up with 2# Fireline Crystal, with a 4' section of 4# test Fluorocarbon for a leader. Both joined with an Alberto knot. I also have one rod set up with 4# test Fireline Crystal, which I use with heavier 1/8 & 1/4 oz. jigs.

As you can see, the leader I use is rated heavier than the main line. This 2# test Fireline has a breaking strength much greater than posted, so no worries with anything going on there. I've taken some pretty big bass, trout and northern pike on this line, so I know first hand that it works.

The reason for the fluro leader is not for invisibility. Rather for a shock absorber (fluoro stretches about on par with monofiliament, regardless of the hype to the contrary) and for the sinking qualities of fluorocarbon. Fireline has no stretch, so it needs a buffer for sure. And I can see the white Crystal version of Fireline quite well.

Now here's another upside for using this combination. I can cast 1/16 oz. jigs a country mile! And even at the end of the cast, I have much greater sensitivity than I ever had using straight monofiliment. You can almost "feel" the fish breathe on your jig! Honestly. The down side is that you must get use to not using a "power hook set". Even the fluoro buffer can't keep you from tearing hooks out if you haul back. I just raise my rod and start reeling. No problems....no worries.

Also, I would not recommend this kind of combination for any situation other than open water fishing, where brush, trees & cover are not being fished. If I were in such a situation, I would definitely beef up the pound test ratings accordingly - but not arbitrarily - rather I'd try the 2# test and move up depending on my hook-up/snagging ratio. JMO.

[Tom 513]

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.

[Alphahawk]

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

[z520tom]

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.

[MidMsAngler]

Down here is MS the water on my home lake is heavily stained at best. Downright muddy or chocolate milk even many times that I go to fish. I use hi-vis line in the 8-10lb range without ever having an issue. I think 6lb is the lowest I've gone and only because the reel I bought was pre-spooled with it.