Using very small line

Questions about using very small fishing line.

1. Has anyone used braid? I think I saw a 6 lb test braid that is equivalent to 2 lb diameter mono. I like braid for bass fishing because it casts so limp and has no memory and is stronger for the same size line diameter.

2. Does anyone use 2 lb test line with a fluorocarbon leader? What main line and what FC leader do you like?

3. If yes to #2 above, what knot do you tie the leader on with? Some leader knots are a bear to tie!

4. I do not fish much water that is devoid of brush/stumps/live trees. Also, my water is stained and some of it very stained. Do you think that, say, 4 lb. test line would be okay to use versus 2 lb. test due to the water stain, or do you think that 2 lb. test line if too superior not to use it on very light jigs?

5. I like to see my line and favor high vis. I want to know where my line is at all times. Do you find that a necessity in low lb. test lines?

Thank you.

Our water here is heavily tannin stained, looks like black coffee or tea. I use 4lb Trilene XL and have no problem catching fish. Dont know as though I would go down to 2lb having to work fish out of brush and pads. But I never tried it either.

I use braid quite often for sensitivity's sake. I have some 10lb test that is 2lb diameter and love it. I only use hi-viz colors as well and have never had any issue catching fish as long as I know where they're at to begin with. IMO the color doesn't matter that much. I also use anywhere from 10lb - 6lb mono in hi-viz yellow. Our water can range from Yoohoo stained to extremely lightly stained.

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Originally Posted by callmecamo

I use braid quite often for sensitivity's sake. I have some 10lb test that is 2lb diameter and love it. I only use hi-viz colors as well and have never had any issue catching fish as long as I know where they're at to begin with. IMO the color doesn't matter that much. I also use anywhere from 10lb - 6lb mono in hi-viz yellow. Our water can range from Yoohoo stained to extremely lightly stained.

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What brand of 10 lb braid do you have that is equivalent to 2 lb mono diameter? I like Sufix 832 Superline and their 6 lb is equivalent to 2 lb diameter but 10 instead of 6 is certainly better! Does that mean your brand 6 lb braid is invisible, lol?

EDIT: I see that Power Pro has 10 lb that is 2 lb equivalent, and they have high vis.

I've tried 2lb test and it is ok however I don't think it makes a huge difference. For your type of fishing in cover and stained water, 4lb should be perfect, and it will stand up to the occasional bass or large bream.

Also, I have not been able to find 2lb in high-vis, only clear.

I used to use 4lb test almost exclusively ... but am currently using 6lb test. I always use hi-vis line for casting jigs. Like you, Bill ... I fish heavy cover, most of the time, and my waters range from lightly stained to murky. I've been using Vicious Panfish 6# copoly hi-vis line and like it enough to continue using it. I'm a line watcher, too !!

Yes, PowerPro Braid comes in 10/2 hi-vis ... and I do use it on one of my casting outfits. Mostly for casting Roadrunner or Whirly Bee baits, but occasionally for casting & vertical jigging with jigs. I tie direct to the baits, using a Improved Clinch knot. If the line is new or still "slick", I will tie a overhand knot in the tag end of the line & then tie the Improved Clinch ...wet it, then cinch the knot down & let it slip until the overhand knot snugs up to the Improved Clinch & stops the slipping. That knot combination won't need to be re-tied until you want to change lures or break the line ... at least not in my experiences.

And I don't particularly believe in the hype of line being "invisible to fish". Fish can see better underwater than we can, but I don't believe they give the line much notice. A streak of color going through the water is not a threat, not something they're interested in eating, and not SO out of the ordinary to them that it "scares/spooks" them ... especially when there's so much snagged or discarded line hanging from every tree branch in the lake, or strands of moss & such floating around in the water or hanging from every underwater object. IMHO the fish that are "spooked" are that way due to the presence of the boat, you, noise, your movement or shadow, or the encroachment upon them. Fish don't seem to pay much attention to that black/bronze/gold/red colored pointy thing we call a hook, sticking out of our baits ... so why would they care about a long strand of colored line :dono

... cp :kewl

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Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

And I don't particularly believe in the hype of line being "invisible to fish".

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One import aspect of using the lightest line possible is lure action. Cast a 1/32oz curly tail jig on 8lb test and then do it on 2lb test and you'll see large difference. Lures have a lot more action on lighter lines.

Chartreuse 6lb braid. Fireline has the "fused braid" that is 6lb test 2 lb diam.

If you are concerned with fish seeing the braid use a 24-36" 4-6 lb flouro leader tied to the braid with a surgeon's or blood knot. I have found that the leader is typically not necessary but since I had some extra fluoro I use it.

I never go lighter than 4 lb test mono .....and mostly use 6 lb mono ....
I do use braid a bit at times and its 10 lb braid with I think a 2 lb diameter
I use hi viz and regular mono along with a few other colors ...
most of the time it does not seem to matter to the fish ..."most" of the time " ....
water clarity does have some play in it for sure

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

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. :)

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by Tom 513

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.

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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

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.

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.