1.) Swamp Fox - 05/28/2013

First of all, let me just say that You People Suck!...This is the first post in this section in three weeks, and I had to start the thread...again!...What are y'all doing with your time---scrapbooking? Or is it just not ice-out up there yet where y'all live?

I've been playing around with a few different lines and I wonder if anyone has any advice for me for a deadsticking/finesse/shakeyhead/semi-clear water line. I'm not sure I want to fuss with flouro or braid but I understand the benefits and the claims, LOL. The downside of the flouros and braids will be memory and/or casting characteristics on the rigs I'm thinking about (notably light spinning rigs), unless someone can convince me I'm making too big a deal out of it.

I'd like to find a line I can see above water but which is extremely low-visibility under the surface and I'm not convinced that the old photochromatic stuff from Trilene or even the fluorescent from Stren are the best I can do. I believe both are mono, but maybe the photochromatic is an early form of flouro; feel free to straighten me out here. I have some Vanish which seems to me is the updated photochromatic, but I haven't spooled it yet to try it out. I am still marching through my old inventory.

I have some Hi-Vis lines from various makers and I'm guessing those are out because they make no claim about underwater visibility, but I'm not sure whether to believe some of the claims made by some of the newer hi-tech lines regarding invisibility. Ideally, whatever line I use would offer better-than-average visibility even in 4# test, and would work with true deadsticking (no moving the lure except to put it in and pull it out of the water).

I'm not sure a no- stretch line is best for that vs. a mono that will give a little, so that's another question. Sensitivity isn't an issue since I'm not usually hand-holding the rod, but sometimes I think fish hook themselves on a mono that stretches and sometimes I talk myself into thinking I'd get more hookups with a no-stretch line.


What say ye?

2.) Triton Rich - 05/29/2013

[B]Well my friend, I'm no expert in the finesse type stuff you speak of but since nobody else seems to be either, I'll give an opinion. I've played with a couple varieties of flouro lines that claimed to handle well and they sucked! Lots of memory etc. However, they are the least visible lines out there. Just about everything I own has a superbraid spooled on it. You seem well versed in the plusses of braids, to me, the only negatives are that the lack of memory makes it a little easier to accidentally throw a loop around the tip guide and that, on a baitcaster, a sudden backlash will make the line snap because of the no stretch. To me, the superior strength, longer casts, and sensitivity way more than make up for it. For what you are doing, I would use a superbraid (I like suffix over power pro) with a leader of flouro tied on. [/B]

3.) Go Bucks - 05/29/2013

way toooooo technical... does it really take that much thought as to what to tie to the tip of your bamboo rig? for what its worth, a kite string and a jug works well here.

4.) DParker - 05/29/2013

What's on sale at Cabela's? That's about the extent of my expertise on different fishing lines, apart from weight rating.

5.) Ventilator - 05/29/2013

Ok swampnutz, here ya go, this after 15+ years of tournament fishing ultra-clear waters of Lake Keowee and Hartwell in SC. P-line makes a line called Flouro-clear. From what ive found, using 8lb test line on spinning reels, pure fluorocarbon will blow up in your face. I use 20lb test , pure fluoro , on my baitcasters for spinnerbaiting and topwater. The flouro sinks faster than mono, which also makes it a good choice for crank baiting using 10lb test on a bait caster. On topwaters, heavy mono may still be the best choice. Berkeley vanish is crap line ,in my opinion. It breaks easy and doesnt seem to be very abrasion resistant. P-line seems to be the toughest flouro/flouro-mono combo i have used. Seaguar makes great pure fluoro as well, but not for spinning rigs! I also use braid or fireline on some spinning rigs as well. I will take a length of 12lb pure fluoro and tie a leader using a bloodknot. I will use this for wacky rigging a senko for skipping under docks. Most of my spinning applications are drop-shotting or shaky-heads and thats where the p-line fluoro-clear really shines. This is a combo line of mono/fluorocarbon. This should give you some insight on what your asking, but what do i know. :)

6.) Ventilator - 05/29/2013

Oh, i forgot, you will absolutely get better results in clear water with light line and fluorocarbon type lines.

7.) String Twister - 05/29/2013

for years i have used trilene XL with good results, I use light line, 4 pound on my crappie rigs, the downside to it is once stretched it looses elasticity and becomes brittle, I have recently made the switch to suffix with the flo yellow color, it is a little harder to break in then the trilene but in my opinion flat out-last it and is more sensitive and visible, I have caught just as many crappies with the fluorescent colored mono as with clear.
I catch many hundreds of crappies every year on mono 4-6#
For perching I like the same line, for trolling I like 10# mono or a superbraid. Keep in mind the braids make your lure dive deeper and experience weed and structure problems in some depths.

8.) Swamp Fox - 05/29/2013

[QUOTE=Triton Rich;6265] For what you are doing, I would use a superbraid (I like suffix over power pro) with a leader of flouro tied on. [/B][/QUOTE]

Okay, one vote for braid and a flouro leader...Actually something I was thinking, and the primary reason I bought the Vanish flouro. :tu:

[QUOTE=Go Bucks;6266]way toooooo technical... does it really take that much thought as to what to tie to the tip of your bamboo rig? for what its worth, a kite string and a jug works well here.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=DParker;6268]What's on sale at Cabela's? That's about the extent of my expertise on different fishing lines, apart from weight rating.[/QUOTE]

And two votes for rummaging around in the bargain bin at the Pump 'n' Munch on the way to the lake...:grin:

[QUOTE=Ventilator;6270]Ok swampnutz, here ya go, this after 15+ years of tournament fishing ultra-clear waters of Lake Keowee and Hartwell in SC. P-line makes a line called Flouro-clear. From what ive found, using 8lb test line on spinning reels, pure fluorocarbon will blow up in your face. I use 20lb test , pure fluoro , on my baitcasters for spinnerbaiting and topwater. The flouro sinks faster than mono, which also makes it a good choice for crank baiting using 10lb test on a bait caster. On topwaters, heavy mono may still be the best choice. Berkeley vanish is crap line ,in my opinion. It breaks easy and doesnt seem to be very abrasion resistant. P-line seems to be the toughest flouro/flouro-mono combo i have used. Seaguar makes great pure fluoro as well, but not for spinning rigs! I also use braid or fireline on some spinning rigs as well. I will take a length of 12lb pure fluoro and tie a leader using a bloodknot. I will use this for wacky rigging a senko for skipping under docks. Most of my spinning applications are drop-shotting or shaky-heads and thats where the p-line fluoro-clear really shines. This is a combo line of mono/fluorocarbon. This should give you some insight on what your asking, but what do i know. :)[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Ventilator;6271]Oh, i forgot, you will absolutely get better results in clear water with light line and fluorocarbon type lines.[/QUOTE]

Excellent. I like the specifics. Second vote for braid and a flouro leader. I figured no flouro on spinning reels for casting, as TR also mentioned. I think from what you're saying it would be fine for deadsticking, since all I do there is toss a bait or lure over the side and let it sit while I fish something else or eat a sammich. I bought some 6 lb. Vanish for leader material so I hope it will hold up for that. If not, I will take the advice and look for some P-Line or Seagur

[QUOTE=String Twister;6272]for years i have used trilene XL with good results, I use light line, 4 pound on my crappie rigs, the downside to it is once stretched it looses elasticity and becomes brittle, I have recently made the switch to suffix with the flo yellow color, it is a little harder to break in then the trilene but in my opinion flat out-last it and is more sensitive and visible, I have caught just as many crappies with the fluorescent colored mono as with clear.
I catch many hundreds of crappies every year on mono 4-6#
For perching I like the same line, for trolling I like 10# mono or a superbraid. Keep in mind the braids make your lure dive deeper and experience weed and structure problems in some depths.[/QUOTE]

I've been a huge fan of XL since I was a kid, and am using some Sufix Hi-Vis Yellow on one of my spider rigs so I can tell it apart from the others, LOL. I am hoping it's not costing me fish, but it's too soon to tell. I like the visibility! I started using some Sufix mono in clear, green and yellow last year on various outfits and I have to say: so far so good. I agree it's a little tougher and a little stiffer.



[COLOR="#FF0000"]Thanks for the feedback, boys![/COLOR]

9.) Ventilator - 05/29/2013

yep, i would go with at least 10lb for leader, especially since you are using vanish.lol

As for spinning, P-line fluoro-clear is made just for spinning applications. its a blend of fluoro-mono , if you missed that part.

good luck and post pics! :) (of fish) lol

10.) Swamp Fox - 05/29/2013

Yeah, I'll have to do something about pics. Regular camera isn't cutting it...never has in a boat by myself. That's why I think I might get in the market for a Go-Pro with remote. So many other things in front of it on the list, but I can mount it on a pedestal on what's called a Gear Trak for the entire voyage...(or you can get a mount for tube rodholders, I think--don't quote me---, but I don't usually use that type, except behind me, for running...or paddling, LOL).

I got the Vanish in 6 for crappie, but I guess I'll do something else for gamefish. Thanks for the warning, LOL :beer:

11.) Ventilator - 05/29/2013

As for the Gopro, with remote. I finally broke down and bought the remote with wifi backpack for my gopro. I used it in canada last week and it worked perfectly. The remote mounts on wrist like a watch. It has great range and is actually pretty simple to use. I set it up right above the bait barrel on our bear hunt. It should work very well on your tricked out kayakin machine!

12.) Pa bowhunter - 05/29/2013

I went Braid with fluro leader on my spin gear about four years ago after fishing with a tournament fisherman, and have never looked back,i have not found a down side to it, not to mention you will feel things that you would never feel with mono, just my thoughts, but what do i know i mainly fly fish..

13.) Ventilator - 05/29/2013

Y'all have any big fly's in PA? ;)

Post some pics, since swamps can't. Lol

14.) crookedeye - 05/29/2013

whatever string thats in my pocket fisherman is what i use, and what i reccomend..

15.) Old Crow - 05/29/2013

I am running Power Pro 10# = Dia 0.15 mm with a 6' 8lb Floro Leader tied with a Uni to Uni knot for walleye this year.

Seems to be working awesome..... I can cast a country mile with a 1/4 oz jig head from a 6'9" rod it and it has no memory at all.



For Mono I like Stren Low vis Green and have caught a ton of smallies on this stuff over the years in shallow clear water ......

16.) Triton Rich - 05/29/2013

[B]Come to think of it, I believe vanish was one of the lines I tried and didn't like at all so count another vote for vanish sucks![/B]

17.) Go Bucks - 05/30/2013

[QUOTE=Ventilator;6286]Y'all have any big fly's in PA? ;)

Post some pics, since swamps can't. Lol[/QUOTE]

In Ohio yes... that's why we have to stand so far back from the urinal.

18.) billy b - 05/30/2013

I use 8lb Suffix for Texas crappie, it's about the same diameter as 6# other stuff, where I fish the water isn't very clear so that's not a problem but the Suffix disappears when under water, if you use your line frequently you don't have to worry about memory:wink. I caught a Senior Citizen limit last Friday in less than hour, they are really hungry after spawning.

19.) Swamp Fox - 05/30/2013

We don't have very clear water here, either, but this is a new kick I'm on. The blackwater and the piedmont lakes will get a lot clearer without rain and water-skiers, and I figured after so many years doing what I've always done, I'd tweak something.

Billy, I'm trying to use my line more frequently, but life keeps getting in the way, LOL.

20.) Ventilator - 05/30/2013

[QUOTE=Go Bucks;6294]In Ohio yes... that's why we have to stand so far back from the urinal.[/QUOTE]

no pics need on this one. LOL

Barry, you shooting ASA this weekend?

21.) luv2bowhunt - 05/31/2013

What the..............

...umm deer season is only 4 months away, I've got some new remote areas to check out, stand sites to choose, shooting lanes to clear, cameras to get ready and hang, access paths might need cut.

Way too much prep for archery season to be worried about a stupid fish being able to see a line in the murky water. Just stick some cheese or corn on a trebble hook and sit in your 1980's lawn chair with your beverage of choice and forget about it.

You ain't that good chief, just relax and enjoy the scenery. Put some tunes on the MP3 player and chill out. Of course, judging from your recent 'success' in NC/SC/VA deer season, you ought to be like me and up the scouting game.

But who am I to point out the obvious?

...geesh it's just a stupid fish. There's not much room in their tiny little heads for a brain you know.

22.) Ventilator - 05/31/2013

Hey L2, how about passing on some of your tips for mountain climbing training. I drew a limited unit elk tag in Colorado. Doing a DIY 7 day backpack hunt in the wilderness. Lets here your extreme methods for getting in elk shape over the next 3 months. I have a gear list ready. I even have most of it already, except food. My pack should weigh in around 43lbs for the 4-5 mile hike to base camp. :hb:

23.) luv2bowhunt - 05/31/2013

Sounds too tough. I could never make it, I'm so out of shape and fat. Fat is hanging off of me in clusters now, really pathetic looking. I can hardly make it up the stairs without taking a nap.

You can fill us all in on how you're going to get all Rocky-ed up for the adventure. Maybe post a video or something.:tu:

24.) Ventilator - 05/31/2013

i think i will go eat a BBQ sammich to start with. Its almost lunch!

25.) Ohbuckhunter - 05/31/2013

For my catfishing rigs I use suffix lead core 27 lbs

For my bait caster bass rigs I use 17 lbs suffix

For my open face rigs I use 12 lbs suffix.

As you can tell I hate suffix. I use to use fire line on all my bass poles but it just don't last more than a couple months.

26.) Swamp Fox - 05/31/2013

So far Sufix is whupping Vanish, lol...Those would be two good names for some WWF guys...Or maybe girls...Am I right?

Now, rather than hijack my own thread, I will start a new one in Bowhunting for Backpack Hunting/Conditioning.

But before I go: What are you talking about four months? Deer season is only 2.5 months away. LOL. There is still a month and a half of good fishing left, the way I count. I'm just prioritizing. :wink. I try to do most of my hunt work in the cool, no-skeeter months. Of course, it is not always a complete success, but I've come pretty close this year. There are still things to do, though, which is why I am headed that way this afternoon.

27.) Ohbuckhunter - 05/31/2013

I start fishing from late feb till sept. I don't fish allot anymore. Cat fishing I've been having a ball with the past 7 years. But I still have a great time fishing local ponds and smaller lakes.

28.) Swamp Fox - 05/31/2013

Yeah, there's always some good fishing for something either right here or within three hours, say, year-round. But I kinda start putting the gear up mid-July and focus on hunting something til maybe late January, though there is plenty of good fishing to be had in late summer, through the fall and even in late winter.

I'm getting my fishing bug back the last few years, though, so I have a feeling I'm not going to be so single-minded about hunting in the future as I have been in the past. I've missed a lot of good fishing in December waiting for the one stupid post-rut buck left in the South to mosey past my treestand....:wink

29.) luv2bowhunt - 05/31/2013

You know what's funny is, I've got 2 lakes (abandoned quarry) about 200 yds from my office, filled with largemouths, bluegills, rock bass, that no one fishes for.

I have no idea why I don't walk over there and throw a line in during the Summer. Of course I probably wouldn't be using the correct line, so why bother?:tu:

30.) Ventilator - 05/31/2013

yeah,those quarrys usually have clear water. better get some flourocarbon for your cheese treble hook. :tu:

31.) Swamp Fox - 05/31/2013

There's a couple of quarry ponds that stick out in my mind with excellent fishing. One's a big blackwater gravel pit with fingers (clear water for here) in Cheraw that I have to figure out how to get invited back to since I've lost touch with the owners somehow. Huge bream and nice bass and plenty of both unless it's gotten over-populated and stunted in the last few years since I've been there. It used to be managed intensely, but not so much after the original owner died. It would be a real shame if it has gone downhill. :(

Then there is another, a big hole down the road from the house that's quite infamous for various reasons. It has opaque green water. My recollection is you'd have trouble seeing one foot down it was so cloudy. They don't allow you in there anymore (it was always an ignored trespass anyway) but now they have a fence up and the deputies pop up out of the bushes on a semi-regular basis, but back in the day it was THE redneck beach for three counties around, LOL. Green sunfish would nip you constantly. If you hung your butt down in a tube you had to be ready. Most girls weren't, no matter how many times they'd been there, LOL.

There were some white catfish in there, too. Weird-looking things. The rumor was that they were albino because the quarry was so deep, but I don't think that's true, LOL.

I mostly swam and yelled "Wooo--ooooo----oooo!!" from the cliffs like all the other yahoos ---it was like a stadium yell on Saturday afternoons...Never fished it much and don't remember catching anything to speak of.

32.) luv2bowhunt - 05/31/2013

This water looks dark green but that's mostly because of the depth. Its a couple hundred feet deep in one end. I mostly like to sit on top of the cliffs and watch the occasional bald eagle come in and terrorize the mallards.

I didn't know mallards will swim under water when attacked but they do. Actually they are quite good at it. Lots of deer living around the cliffs too, walk around like mountain goats on the limestone edges.

Anyway, I think I will grab a rod and give it a go next week. I'll take pictures and write stories and pretty much make you jealous that you're not there with me. Of course if you were, you'd be working here and you'd have to put up with everything...................you're probably better off where you are.:td:

33.) Swamp Fox - 05/31/2013

This one close to the house has cloudy, light green water. Always reminded me of swimming in some type of shampoo I've used...Prell, maybe? LOL

34.) Hunter - 05/31/2013

As long as you are not "glowing" when you get out of the water, you are probably ok.