View Full Version : My problem with Fireline
LakeErieNewbie
08-02-2001, 04:30 AM
This is a pretty stupid problem but I figured I'd post it here for all you experts. I just bought fireline for my spincast reel. I put it on yesterday and went out trolling Lake Erie. Threw on a Number 1 Dipsey and let out about 125' of line. The problem is the fireline is so slick that even after my drag was set, the line was unspooling itself!!! If I would have gotten a fish (we didn't - skunked) there would be no way to reel it in! anybody have any suggestions?
Neal
nealsquires@yahoo.com
Dutchman
08-02-2001, 04:35 AM
It's a simple fix, unspool the Fireline you have on now and respool with some 12-14lb mono as backer. This will stop you line from slipping.
That's a new fireline users problem. The answer is you have to tie some mono to the spool first(it will not slip on the spool) and then tie the fireline to the mono. Use back to back uni knots(described in knots section of this board) to tie mono to fireline. Also use the palomar knot to tie the fireline to lure, leader, Dipsey etc.
RANGER
08-02-2001, 04:46 AM
Backing with mono is a good way of doing it, and recommended. However, there are reasons that I want Fireline all they way through. In this instance I use a small piece of Duck tape to tape the tag end to the spool before winding it on. In other words - I tie the Fireline onto the spool and then put the tape over the knot and portion of line on the spool. When spooling the line on to the reel I also use a cloth wrapped around my right hand to pass the Fireline thru to put a bunch of tension on it as it goes on the spool. Never caused a problem! Some folks like to glue the tag end, your preference.
RANGER
"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"!
LakeErieNewbie
08-02-2001, 04:46 AM
Awesome!!!
Thanks for the quick response!
Neal
Or you can just put a wrap of electrical tape on the spool before you start spooling the fireline. If it's tied even reasonably tight to the spool, it'll grip fine and spool right up.
Eyez
Duct tape is the answer once again! :)
That's what me and my bro use, and it works great, is easy and cheap.
Good fishing,
Box
Diffenantly use a palomar knot with this line, I have lost 3 huge pike with this line using trilene knots.... not again!!!
Northern Manitoban
08-03-2001, 12:02 AM
all these methods work but all i do is use your hands and wrap it around your spool a few times very tight,and you will have no problem.It is a great line to troll with when down deep you can feel everything.FISH ON.
LakeErieNewbie
08-03-2001, 08:40 AM
Yeah, I've been using the Palomar knot from the beginning. I love it! I think it is easier than using the trilene knot!
Badger
08-03-2001, 08:42 AM
Couldn't agree more. Plus, you save yourself some $$ by not having to fill your entire spool with Fireline. Do it right, and you can fill a couple of rods off the same spool.
Cangl
08-03-2001, 08:49 AM
North Manitoban has the right idea. The thought of having the sticky stuff from tape working its way up through my spool 3 year old 250 yard spool of fireline would be repulsive it gets hot out. Along with several wraps around spool with a clinch/uni knot sliding down taught, you may notice that the direction of the line through the knot can actually lock the knot with (by laying the knot back over the main line) adequate tension if reversed it slides easier and is easier to remove the knot as well as tension. When parting fireline I always use mono backing half of the 130 yd spool is almost a 200ft cast, which I find adequate enough for 2 cranking rods, and if you reverse the line on these after a couple of months....
slick2526
08-06-2001, 12:33 PM
Powerpro, is close to fireline but better. More rounder, and slick. Why I Though I would bring this up is because i use electrical tape with 20ft of 18lb xt then tied with the uni to uni to 10lb powerpro it doesnt seem to slide then after that I use a 8lb Segaur Carbon pro leader any where from 12-18in. I tried to use the triliene knot on that. Never again!! I figure I lost a 6lb walleye because of that knot. After that I started using the juls modified way of the palomar knot. Havent lost a fish since intentionally. caught a 7lb northern, a few 5lbs, a 10lb carp on the same knot and line without retying the next day.
I've got 2 linecounters spooled with 2 year old fireline with electrical tape on the spools, and there is no sticky stuff working up through the line. I let out the whole spool last night while trolling just to look at it. Both of those rods sat out in the sun every day last summer, and many of this summer, as I didn't have a tarp on my boat until this may.
Not to pick a fight Cangl, it's just a different method. :)
Eyez
Peter H
08-06-2001, 03:10 PM
Solution to the slip on the Trilene knot with Fireline. Take normal tag line that goes through the double loop back though the loop that was created before going into the double loop. Pull tight. I have caught a large number of walleyes on that knot and not lost any. And I use my line alot.
Polamar is a good overall knot also and easier in most cases.
Just put a wide rubber band around the spool before respooling. This works great with trolling reels where you are not actually "wasting" the line that is on the bottom half. NO slips
lobo
I use carpet tape -sticky on two sides - around the spool before tying the fireline on. Works well.
I HAVE FOUND THAT A SMALL PIECE OF SCOTCH TAPE IS ALL THATS NEEDED ON BOTH FIRE LINE AND SPIDER WIRE. I'VE BEEN USING THIS METHOD FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS AND HAVE YET TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH SLIPPAGE OR GLUE WICKING THRU THE LINE.
Bronco
08-07-2001, 05:04 PM
Duct tape has worked well for me
Bronco
TONY ON ICE
08-08-2001, 01:30 PM
L.E.N.
All the methods mentioned will work fine but if you're worried about the glue from the tape coming through when it's hot, use the new silicone "Tommy Tape" that has no adhesive but sticks to itself when stretched and wrapped.
One complete wrap is all that's needed and it can be streched to go on evenly so there's no bulging.
The "Tommy Tape" works great for securing reels to the rod and creating a comforable grip that is non slippery in the summer or when wet and it's much more comfortable in the winter.
I even used it last winter to fix a leaking radiator hose so I could get home.
Most hardware stores carry on variety or another.
ALWAY USE THE PALOMAR KNOT !
Bobber
08-09-2001, 03:52 PM
The problem is you are putting adult fishing line on a kids reel.
Cybrdave
08-11-2001, 07:15 AM
You got it Bobber. Not that spincast reels are necessarily "Kids" reels, but FireLine is too soft to perform properly on a spincast reel. You need a medium to heavy test mono with some spring to it. That's why most spincasters come spooled with 10 lb test. It's big and springy enough to wind its way through that mechanical maze inside.
Everything all the other guys have been saying about slipping and knots and stuff is good info though. It's just that if 'Newbie is looking for advice, the first thing he should consider is that he won't get all the performance advantages of FireLine on a spincast reel, especially when casting.
Cybrdave