For those of you
who suddenly feel as though you've come under a full-on advertising
assault of the senses, regarding whether braided style or
monofiliment line is
the right choice, you need not feel alone. I empathize! For the last
five or six years, the amount of line options available to the bass
angler has nearly quadrupled, offering claims of unmatched
stretch reduction,
to complete and total indestructibility. As we speak, line manufactures
are pouring millions upon millions of dollars into research, in a
frantic attempt to create and market the next great "super-line". With that said,
it undoubtedly bears the question, "Which line is right for me"?
We'll start with the
basic monofiliment line, that has been considered the standard equipment
on the reels of angles, fresh and saltwater alike,
since FDR was in power.
Monofiliment, or "mono", as it is more commonly referred to, is compromised of
many synthetic components, that upon contact with air, solidifies into the slick,
string like substance that anglers have come to know and love. For the most part,
this
procedure, of "shooting" the gel though a series of progressively smaller openings,
while cooling it, has remained for the most part, the same for nearly half
a century. It is only in the last decade that true, quantum leaps have been
made
in the composition and production of this product. Before we go on, allow me
to dispel a
rumor immediately. Every monofiliment line is not same! A spool
of 10 pound test mono from Company A, can be drastically different
from Company
B.
It differs in line diameter, in line shape, and in overall handling.
For those of you who stick religiously to one brand of line, and have
used another
in a
pinch, can vouch for the
fact that there is a definite difference. We'll start with diameter.
For the
masses, packaging that advertises "super thin" will render an instant sale, but
are "thin" lines really thinner? On nearly every package of line, there is ,
right next to the pound test number, will be a small decimal number. That number
denotes in millimeters (actually tenths or hundredths of a millimeter), the average
thickness of that pound test line, from that company. With that said, if thin
is truly what you want, then select a pound test that suits you, then set out
comparing the millimeter numbers to find the truly thinnest line. Next, comes
the issue of stretch. As of late, line stretch has been banished from nearly
every brand of line, replaced
by the words "ultra-low-stretch" or "no-stretch". From the sales returns, anglers
can't get enough of these types of lines. The wave of low stretch monos has only
taken to the shelves of tackle shops in the past three or four years. They openly
boast firmer, stronger hook-sets, and fewer lost fish, and most of all, greater
overall sensitivity. While all of this is very true, is some stretch better than
no stretch at all? I feel yes. Yes for two reasons. Number one, because some
stretch provides for shock absorption, which can be an anglers best friend if
the circumstances provide. Example: fish making last minute runs at the boat,
where only a very shot length of line is out. That line stretch will buy you
those precious extra few seconds to get to the bail or the spool release to get
some more line out, thus avoiding the one that got away story entirely. Number
two, stretch actually, in my opinion gives certain lures, more specifically crankbaits,
an action enhancement. Example: A wide wobbling, diving crankbaits fished on
stretchless piano wire type line,
will noticeably loose some of its "bass appeal", because it will look like
its being dragged through the water, rather than lightly guided. Finally, the
shape
of the line will play more a part in its casting and handling, rather than
its action in the water. For the most part, even today, monofiliment line is
when
viewed head on, a perfect circle. However, there are several line companies
experimenting with flattened, fly-line type line shapes, which when viewed
head on will look
like a wide, tapering oval. I have used one of these lines on a trial basis,
and I will say this. It does not cast farther, nor more accurate. Though I
can say this. It lays much nicer on a spool, and provides baitcast
reel using anglers with a nearly backlash free day. As for handling
in the water.
It will
lay higher out of the water, just like its fly line companion, and
will drastically take depth off of any sub surface rig known to man.
One practical application:
Topwater lures and this type of line, are very good bedfellows! From
the way it lays on the water, to the way it stays out of the hooks
of the topwater
plug, in many cases I would take it over conventional spherical monofiliments.
As for
handling, that's a personal choice that can only be made by trial and
error. When a line feels right, or you "like the way it feels", then you
found the line you like. I will say this, in very few instances
with monos, is there a right and wrong brand. I will however strongly
urge you
to stay away
from the bottom shelf, bargain brands that offer five thousand yards
for six bucks. The problem with these lines is usually inconsistent
diameters
and handling,
as well as many nicks and abrasions that break down the strength of
the line, right out of the package. I have personally settled upon
two brands, which
include Gamakatsu's new G-Power line, and Excalibur Silver Thread,
this because they
combine all the
elements mentioned above, in what I perceive as a "happy medium".
On the other
end of the line spectrum, falls the braided, "mega-lines", that for the most
part, have been hyped more than a Don King fight in Manhattan. They, upon their
arrival, they boasted everything from "absolute zero stretch", to complete
invulnerability to anything the fish and elements could throw at it, short
of a global apocalypse.
Granted, they do offer something awesome in the form of sheer
strength and toughness, they are not something brand new. Fly fisherman
have been
using braided type lines, as backing on their reels for several years
now. It's only
after a scientist at JWA, the makers of the popular Spiderwire, saw
its potential as full fledged fishing line, did it began to attract
attention. It's no
secret why it
is so tough though. It's because all the materials in it are made
by DuPont, and were originally designed to be used as the stitching
and
reinforcement
on bullet proof vests. An interesting point of fact, is that the
actual name of
the original braid, Spiderwire, is derived from the way it is produced.
It, much like a spider weaves silk, is woven using a series of spinnerets,
tightly
braiding
strands
of its components together to form a very tight single strand
which is what anglers receive on the spool. This also explains its
uncommonly high
shelf
price. It so happens that not only is the material used very expensive,
but the process takes several hours just to produce one 150yd spool.
Spectra,
Specta2000,
and Dacron are just a few of the new synthetic materials being used
in the new line's construction. Unlike monofiliments, these lines
have a personality
all
their own when they hit the
water. First off, they float! This will take some getting
used to, and in some cases, rigs need to be adjusted to accommodate
it.
I would also
not recommend
this line for a topwater application, as such it has a nasty habit
of floating back around the lure when not being twitched, and fouling
in the hooks. Second,
one has to have a
keen eye to see when these lines do begin to deteriorate.
They do not show the "pockmarks" or light colored slices that monofiliment does. It merely
begins to fray and unravel, thus significantly decreasing the lines overall
strength. Likewise, the line should be given a quick visual once over while
reeling it
in, and a thorough looking at near the last five or six feet. Also, a quick
look at the knot wouldn't hurt either. Another very important fact about these
lines,
is that from the way they are produced, they are given all the qualities of
a hacksaw when it comes in contact with rod and reel components, as well as
body
parts. Unless your rod has titanium or another similar material lining its
guides, I would not recommend you use it without changing the guides or putting
inserts
in each guide. This because in more than one instance, I have had it and have
seen it make serious indentations and abrasions in rod guides. This also applies
to line rollers on spinning and levelwinds on baitcast reels, as such they
will be harmed from its ultra coarse texture as well. Now, in fear of sounding
like
a salesman for JWA, I do prefer to use the reels that is advertised
as for use with this type of line. Rods can vary as long as they
have sufficient guides to resist abrasion. However, I don't believe
there
are any reels,
besides those that are produced by JWA, that can properly lay the
line on the spool.
This because of the "cross-web" line wrap feature, that makes spools and levelwinds
travel extra fast, being sure not to allow the line to bury under itself causing
fouling and backlashes. Unfortunately, there really is no way around this one.
It's patented, and they set the prices! A final tip on ways we can prepare
our equipment for this type of line, is to take a cotton swab, and place a
coating
of Turtle Wax on all the rod guides. One might ask why? Because like boats,
and surfboards, wax protects the surface, and reduces the friction of line
on metal.
As far as this line being practical, I will say that it does have its applications.
I cite flipping and
pitching as one of them. You will be grateful for its pure
strength when it comes time to start horsing hawgs out of some truly
nasty cover.
Also, one
can rest assure that the chances of this line being abraded from
structure contact, provided you are not fishing razor blade plants,
is absolutely
minimal. Aside
from that aspect, where ultra heavy cover comes into play, chances
are the new advanced monos can take care of business. As far as the
selection, due
to a massive
advertising campaign,
ones braided line choices are very limited to say the least.
As from what I have seen, we have been reduced to the JWA spider
wire, and I believe
Bass
Pro Shops
produces a "generic" braid, sold in its catalogs.
With that said. I suggest
taking your time with line selection, giving each a
fair chance, and using what you are comfortable with. Because
only then will
you be performing to your very best. And rember, The line is the only
link
between you and the fish!
Catch ya' on the water...
