Fishing lines mono or ?

[Fishermanartur]

I have been using mono lines on my entire rod collection. But this year I want to try Spiderwire Fusion line or maybe Fireline for my jigging outfits. Any suggestions?

-o{Fisherman

[REW]

A couple of thoughts -
If you are happy with mono -- and are catching lots of fish - I certainly wouldn't change all my rods at once to a different line. I made that mistake several years ago -- and basically lost about 1/2 the summer - because of my unhappiness with the line at that time.

However, in general - there are lots of folks out there that like a superline for trolling. Some folks tie the line directly to the lure, and others use a 50 foot section or less mono as a shock leader. You gain - from superline in the fact that it is no stretch - but many folks lose fish - because when a large fish gets a head shake - they shake themselves off the hook.

Some folks like to use superline for all jigging - both shallow and deep. It seems that there is a larger contingent out there that - if they do use a superline for jigging - limit themselves to deep water jigging -- i.e. 20 feet and above. The no stretch properties for these deep water eyes help set the hook.

For those that fish for deep Lakers - jigging - many folks have found it a good line indeed.

For rigging -- it is a mixed bag. Yes the no stretch properties of the line allow you to feel every stone, rock, and indentation on the bottom. However, that same sense of feel is transmitted to the fish -- and in many cases -- as soon as you feel the fish, they feel you -- drop the bait -- and you lose the fish.

If you are going to jig fish with a superline -- make sure that you can see it. Many folks don't realize the difference in jigging with a line that they can see easily, as opposed to an "invisable line".

When jigging with the original "smoke" fireline -- my success dropped into the bottom of the barellel. I didn't realize, until I couldn't see it; how much jig fishing is -- also line watching. With the invisable smoke fireline -- you simply can't see the line twitches thata are -- in fact a fish biting.

If you do want to use fireline for jig fishing - I wouldn't consider anything else - except for the solar green fireline.

Although - you might think that the fish would be spooked by it -- I have done a lot of testing -- tying this line directly to jigs -- and then using a mono leader of 4 feet or so -- and I found virtually no difference. One thing that I also use for jigging is the 4 lb test solar green fireline. This line is so fine -- that I suspect -- that although it is opaque - that the thin diameter very much becomes second order in the eyes of the fish.

If you choose to use one of these lines -- just work with one rod and compare the differences -- you might decide to stay or switch. If you do use one of the superlines -- consider going to the next lighter rod that you might have been using. i.e. - if you are using a medium action rod for jigging - you might consider going to a medium light action rod for jigging with superline. With the no stretch properties of the superline -- the hook sets are much less, and the power of the rod is transmitted much better to the hook. Thus, the rod difference is absorbed by the mono line.

Also -- very important -- if you are going to use super lines, set the drag on your reels to about 1/2 that of mono .

With the superlines -- you need to be on the verge of slipping with a routine retrieve - for your bait of choice. There have been lots of lines snapped, and lots of rods broken because the drags have been set too tight with the super lines.

Also keep a dowel, or equivalent in the boat. If you get wrapped up on a snag with a super line -- DON't grab the line with your hand and attempt to break it off. It is quite likely that you will cut your hand to the bone. Instead, wrap the line around the dowel or broom that you need to keep in your boat a few times -- and then grasping the dowel in your hand - break off the line or straighten the hook (s).

Take care and enjoy experimenting.

REW

[Fishermanartur]

Thank you Rew. I will rig one rod with this line and I will use it on limper rod too. Thank you again.

-o{Fisherman

[RIVERRUNNER]

Well put rew!! One other thing too consider is what line do most of your partners, friends or guest's use. I fish with several different people troughout the year some very experienced, some newcomers.Anyway, whoever has conrol of the boat will backtroll thier line vertical, if others in your boat are using heavier or lighter lines ,not all will be vertical do to line diameter. I USE 8# XT SOLAR MONO tied direct to the jig. Most people coming out usually have 6, 8 0r 10# mono on , this is do-able even when jigging deep .If I know fish are very deep 40' + , I have everyone on same line for vertical accuracy.good luck good fishin