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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
Power Pro Super Slick 8, no leader.
+1 hereQuote:
Originally Posted by justinp61
Nanofill 8lb.
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.
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!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crestliner08
Of course the 8lb works fine too. I have never used anything smaller or had any problems but have seen were other have.
I did the same as you are, was a bass fisherman for years, but age, back and shoulder issues brought me to crappie full time about 15 years ago. Anyway I use Power Pro Super Slick 8 and like it a lot so far. I use the 10/2.
I have been using the bonehead braid for 2-3 years. That is all I use year round, clear water no leader. 12-2 I think is the size 12# test I am sure of.
I notice some folks say they use the Power Pro Super Slick Braid. Why the slick version over the regular Power Pro? This Okie is just wondering.
It's behavior characteristics are different from the original and in my opinion, a lot better. 15/4 is my poundage of choice
I sam trying slick 8 out on a couple of jigging poles. I am replacing the original power pro which constantly would wrap around my pole, especially in wind. Slick 8 seems to fix this wrap.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by INTIMIDATOR
The SuperSlick 8 is smother so there is less resistance in the rod guides. One time I tried the SuperSlick and Bonehead on two identical rod and reel set ups, my 12' two pole rods. With the reel bail open I had shake the rod to get a 1/16 oz jig to fall with the Bonehead. With the SuperSlick it would fall on it's own.Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodworker42
Used the regular for years and like it fine, but once I tried the new Super Slick I changed. I like not hearing the ling go through the guides when reeling in a fish, like how smooth it is and cast great too. Just think for me it's better then the regular and in my book it's as good if not better than Spider Wire and a little less money usually. Have not ever tried Bonehead as I have a lot of what I use now so can't say much about it either way.Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodworker42
What color braid would you folks use Hi Viz or Ghost, Crystal etc.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by gbs52
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 :kewl
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 leaderQuote:
Originally Posted by CrappiePappy
Haven't had the opportunity to test that theory, but I don't see why it wouldn't work on Cumberland as well as it has on Green. Well, maybe with the exception of those times when you can read a newspaper on the bottom, in 20' of water, at Cumberland. :RoflQuote:
Originally Posted by gbs52
Oh, and :welcome to Crappie.com !! Stop in the KY state forum and check out what's happening. It is a slow period on the forum, but there are still some occasional reports and discussions going on. We have a fair sized group of members representing the KY/Barkley Lake area, and the Green River Lake/Cumberland Lake area. We also have Spring & Fall events on KY Lake & Green, plus Fruit Jar tourneys on various lakes around the area.
... cp :kewl
Thanks, I will check it all out....There are a lot of good folks on here...Always willing to help.Quote:
Originally Posted by CrappiePappy
Original braids were 3 strands of woven fibers, the original Power Pro is one of those. Three strand braid are not round, easily cuts into itself on the spool, and was made of older fibers that needed a waxy coating to help manage and tame them. Some makers then bumped up a couple more strands, but the characteristics were still the same. Once the waxy coating came off (and sometimes this was quickly) the braid did not cast as well, became sticky, and it quickly lost any abrasion resistance.
Lines like nanofil are just long fibers that are heat bonded and fused together in a continuous strand...that is why it casts well, but has other issues.
Japanese braid manufacturers starting making 8 strand braid with newer fiber combos that didn't need wax, were softer and supply, and handled ALOT better with Great abrasion resistance. Power Pro Super 8 and Suffix 832 are just a few that came within the last few years. IMHO, The newer braids are even better than before, and are even smaller....some now are braiding the 8 strands that are then braided. I have pics of different 20lb braids and the New Seaguar looks to be half of the size of other manufacturers. It seems that every manufacturer measures different, so I just buy spools and put them together to see which is smaller, then test.
I will also tell you that the newer braids cast farther than nanofil and do no have the problems, and are smaller.
There are a lot of misconceptions about braid and it's use...there is no need to debunk any of it because most people have their own views and won't listen.
I use braid for it's sensitivity, casting ability, abrasion resistance, and strength...THE FEEL IS AMAZING...I can feel every rock, twig, tickle bite, etc...I lose nothing because the line floats, it just keeps me out of the rocks or cover and it does not change action. The money that I have saved from being able to pull lures and jigs free has saved me many times over.
I have never used a leader because I feel that a fish is not going to look at a hair thin piece of fiber that looks like STRING ALGAE, when it is looking at a big ol' juicy swimbait swimming by or doing a death dance! I fill 2 freezers every year in the Spring, so those fish didn't seem to see my line, and neither do the ones that are released the rest of the year.
The only downside of braid is that you cannot show off your Professional Hooksets...if you do the Crappie's lips will be the only thing left on your hook. With braid, if you chose your pole correctly, the rod and tension will bury the hook...all you do is reel!
Try different kinds, experiment, and enjoy!
Good Fishing!
Original Fireline solar green in 4# test. No Leader. Casting and jigging. Twenty plus years now.
Nanofill in clear mist 10 lb test 4 lb dia,12 lb test 6 lb dia!! Pricey but worth it!! can see the line jump even in the wind and will out cast a 1/16 oz jig father than any other line!! Started using it 2 years ago still using the same spool of line!! us a jig pole and can feel the line going through the brush.Which means less snags!! Use lightwire hooks and if get hungup on a branch can pull the hook loose and keep on fishing!!! We fish a super clear lake!!,rocks,trees,manmade brushpiles Have sold a bunch of folks that fish with us!!