Which Superline is best for Baitcasters?

[Neal/CO]

I love Fireline for using on my spinning reels but I know it doesn't perform well on baitcasting reels. Right now I have 12 lb Sensithin mono on my baitcast rig. I would like to switch to the low stretch and small diameter of a superline. I also need a line that casts well. I use my baitcast rig for two purposes.

1. For dragging Bouncers
2. For casting large lures for Pike.

What line would let me accomplish both of these tasks the best. I fish out of other peoples boats and would like to carry as few rods as possible.

[Matt]

I prefer Spider Wire (braid) on my baitcasters. I seem to have fewer "nests". If I'm rap trolling I'll tie on a mono leader. But I mainly use it for bass fishing in heavy cover.

[Fish-on]

I have been using Berkley Whiplash in several sizes since the middle of last summer and I think it will fit your needs very well. I think you will be hearing a lot more about this line in the future. The 65-pound whiplash is 14-pound diameter and it comes off the reel like silk. I have caught a half-dozen muskies and probably a couple hundred of pike on it. I am now using the smaller diameter lines on my trolling reels and on bottom bouncer rods. It's very thin and cuts the water nicely, allowing you to use a light bouncer at times.

The one problem I have found is that in casting the lighter Whiplash, it tends to weaken when it backlashes. After you have had several backlashes, you'll make a huge cast and it'll snap right off when you get a backlash. This has been a significant problem mainly because I have a couple teenagers using it all the time. I'm honestly not sure exactly what's causing it, but the lots-of-backlashes theory is the best I can come up with.

I love the no-stretch quality and the thin diameter for casting. You can rip a big lure right trough most weeds and power the hooks into the bony jaws of the biggest muskie. I will be using it a lot more for trolling in a couple weeks, but so far I like it a lot.

[EyeBoy]

I use Spiderwire Fusion,& have had good luck with it. Tom
FISH-ON!!!

[Andrew]

Spiderwire, hands down. I have it on all five of my baitcasters...usually 6/30lbs but I also use 8/40lbs and 10/50lbs.

In regards to backlashes, it is very limp and you shouldn't experience any due to the line itself. However, every superline is practically non-stretch. When you birdsnest, your lure stops instantly...well sometimes your lure keeps going, but the line isn't attached. This is the only time that the no stretch quality causes a problem...the shock of the sudden stop can weaken or break the mainline. Whenever I do happen to backlash, I always make suer to check the line carefully for cuts or visible stresses.

Other than that, it's great stuff.

[cisco]

This one's easy. My vote goes without qualification to Whiplash.

[Neal/CO]

I have been using just a regular Clinch knot with Fireline without any failures. What knot or knots should I use with Spiderwire or Whiplash?

[Sun Devil]

Has anyone tried Bass Pro's new Excel Nitro?

[Andrew]

I've only used the Polomar knot on my superlines...even the one rod with fireline. Personally I don't know if I would trust a clinch knot on a superline...too slippery.

I did hear about a knot developed (I think) by Larry Dahlberg...basically you tie a clinch knot but with the line doubled (as if you were tying a Polomar knot) and then after the 5 wraps and tucking the end through the small opening created by the first wrap, you pull the swivel/leader, whatever through the loop (again, just like when tying a Polomar knot), slobber all over it, then pull tight. The tag end will be a loop, you can cut it down without worry.
Very hard to explain...relatively easy to do. I've only used this once so it hasn't proven itself to me yet.

[EAGLE EYES]

Nothing beats Spiderwire for heavy Pike applications. It's in a class all by itself. That's my OP. It's limpness is extra forgiving on Baitcasters.

[Gunga Din]

Have you tried PowerPro? Good stuff--strong, thin, tough, and round (not flat).

[Neal/Co]

I have never seen it anywhere. Where do you get it from? I have seen you post about it several times and it sounds good. I have two baitcast outfits but I only want to carry one for the two purposes I listed in my earlier post.

[Backwater Eddy]

You can order Whiplash in bulk cheap from Jan's Netcraft. I love the stuff! Pulls big cats from anywhere they want to hide! Trolls well for Walleye and cuts weeds like a knife! No more fraying then any other braid, but very strong!

It casts well but you need to keep the spool tension a bit tighter then you would normaly set it for Fireline or Spider crap. So far so good.

[Smokin J]

Hello!
I have used Nitro all this fishing season-have lost one (1) bottom bouncer in a snag. It works well on may baitcasters and I will continue to use it for many reasons, strength, durablity, and of course the price is great compared to Fireline. I also have some Fusion on a couple of baitcasters and it works well also-here again this price is nice compared to Fireline. Thanks

[Neal/CO]

It seems pretty much split down the middle between Spiderwire and Whiplash. I haven't seen Whiplash here locally yet? Thanks for the input.

[Gunga Din]

I surprisingly found PowerPro at our local sporting goods warehouse (they usually have a poor selection of the products I read about on this site). What I can't find is Whiplash--not even in the mail order places. Guess I look at Jan's Netcraft.

[Bugtussle]

You can order Power Pro from Cabela's.

[Scoot]

Powerpro from Cabelas'. I use the 30 lb.thats only .009" in diameter. It stays round, doesnt go flat like some other superlines.

[Sprinter]

Scoot, If you don't mind telling use what color you use most moss green or white would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Sprinter

[slick2526]

I use powerpro braided line for every thing I want braided line on h t t p. powerpro. c o m it is the smoothest braided line you can buy. Its very strong too.

[oddball]

Ive been using cabelas SI Ripcord great stuff for casting, trolling & jigging for over 5 yrs now doesn't fray like fireline or whip lash . i use 2/15lb on my spinning reels and 6/25 on my bait and trolling reels . Ive never been bit off using this stuff but have been with frayer line (fireline)

[ETT]

Power Pro is good stuff. It is a Spectra fiber line, which is the same material Spider Wire is made from. It has more body and it's round. Holds up very well. Den uses it for musky so I know it will be fine for pike ( even those nasty old gators). Good luck

[Scoot]

Sprinter, I like the moss green Power Pro. Its about the same color as the dark green Trilene mono.

[Neal/CO]

I assume you still have to use a steel leader to ward off teeth, or will it withstand them?

[oddball]

no leader

[Sprint]

Thanks Scoot