What's the right line?

[sailfish919]

Spring will be here soon and I was starting to think about getting new line for my poles.  There are so many types out there now, what is the best for the surf?(I've always used mono in the past)

[Luna Sea 5]

I only use power pro..

[Bucktail]

It may take a little to get used to, but once you use braid you won't want to go back to mono from the surf.  Power Pro, Stren Super Braid (now called Sonic Braid), and Sufix Performance Braid are very good lines.  Of those three I like Sufix best.

BTW, you can find rebates for both the Stren and Sufix lines here.  http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=10155.0

[Pfishingruven]

I used mono up until the summer time.  Best change I ever made.  Cast smoother and farther much more sensitive and responsive, and you can fit more line on the spool for the "just in case" fish .  I do still use a mono leader and you have to tape, bandaid or buy a finger guard or you will slice your finger up, but it is well worth it.

I used Power Pro and Sufix and I didn't notice much difference, but I think I like the feel of the Sufix better.  It is a few cents per yard more than PP, but with the rebate it should all equal out.

Good Luck

 

[ped579]

I agree with everyone above. 

Braid for the surf is the only thing I like to use.  The diameter is much smaller so you can get a line that brings you up to the max of the rod you are using.  So many people that have changed over to braid have made the mistake of loading up on braid that goes way over the intended weight of the rod and when the rod snaps they wonder why and blame the rod manufacturer for making a lousy rod.

If you do change over don't forget to put at least 20 yards of mono backing on so that the braid does not spin on the spool.  The biggest mistake so many make when changing over.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Luna Sea 5]

yes, finger guard is key, I leared last season.. the hard way

[ped579]

Finger guards are good but don't stay on if you like to put some backbone into the cast.  What I have been using are the Curad waterproof fabric bandages.  They last all day even when wet.

I feel more secure knowing there is one less thing to worry about and I can feel the line better.

I use 2 on my finger one at the tip and the other lapped over the bottom at least a 1/4 of an inch.  A hint would be to put it on before you actually intend to use it.  I usually put it on when I am airing down.

Happy Catching

Paul

[makokeith]

I use power pro on everything. Saltwater and fresh.  I dont use a finger guard, never had a problem. tying knots and raising fish is another matter. Never wrap braid around your hand or fingers. It will slice as good as a knife.

[ped579]

You are one of the lucky ones but when I am our there slinging 8nbait for 8 hours my finger will get raw if I don't use some protection. 

If someone is new to braid I think they should be aware of the things that could happen and what people have done to alleviate the problem.

I for one use the bandages and they work great.

Happy Catching

Paul

[wb]

sufix and power pro all the way well almost

altho I still have some trollers setup with 50# mono for the big bastages

maybe switch maybe not

never had a problem. tying knots and raising fish is another matter.

well said keith

[gjb1969]

well u guys can keep the braid i say its over kill for nj ionly use suffix tri 17 lb thin and strong thats my 2 cents 

[ped579]

To each its own I guess.  I was a hold out for a long while as I have been from the old school that was raised on mono.  I have been fishing for almost 56 years on the jersey shore and all I ever used was mono but a couple of uears ago I was introduced to braid and have not turned back since.

I am strictly surf and as you know distance is everything sometimes.  I can now cast with the best of them both in spinning and conventional.  My catch rate has gone up considerably.  And my finesse level is quite accurate.

Happy catching

Paul

[seanr8w]

I will me switching to braid this year as well. but intend to keep one pole loaded with mono in case of a JellyFish Spawning". It's best to learn from watching others mistakes, isn't that right Paul?

[ped579]

You got it Sean.  I still love using braid I have two spare spools I might use for mono just in case of that.  That was insane and as well as a pain in the arse.

[seanr8w]

You got it Sean.  I still love using braid I have two spare spools I might use for mono just in case of that.  That was insane and as well as a pain in the arse.

[Great American Fisherman]

A number of folks will disagree with me.  But I am a Trilene guy.  I use 25 pound on all my reels except for when I go offshore sea bass, I use 30 pound.  I'm not any good in the surf, but I do try when I am on vacation.  For that its 17 pound.