10 lb. diameter fireline and Precision Trolling

[Bo Fisher]

Hey gang, these may be a stupid questions, but this is bothering me:

Just got the book Precision Trolling v. 6. I was planning to find some 10 lb. diameter Fireline which would have the same diameter as 10 lb. mono. OK... now:

I can't find any in any store. powerbait.com doesn't list diameters that I can find, only poundages. Furthermore Precision trolling only goes up to 6lb dia=14 lb. test Fireline.

Here are my questions:

There is 20lb. and 30lb. Test fireline, what are the mono equivalent diameters?

At $4 and up for a crankbait, why not use the heaviest Fireline?
Is there a good reason not to? After reading Precision Trolling, i assume no one would use it.

Experienced Trollers, please help!

Thanks! Sorry to be so long-winded.

Bo Fisher

[Doug Burns]

Bo,
Yes crankbaits are expensive, with many brands well beyond $4.00. However, The only time I would recommend Fire Line in the 20 or 30 pound test is if I were casting lures into heavy cover. For most of my trolling I use 6/2 (6 lb test/2 lb diameter) or 10/4. These lines have an actual breaking test well beyond their rating.

The reason for using the smaller diameter lines is two fold: 1. the thin diameter, coupled with the no-stretch, allows the lure to dive deeper. 2.The lighter line gives the lure a harder action. In other words the lure as more wiggle. Sometimes this can be a detriment if the fish want a softer action, so don't convert all of your trolling rods to Fire Line.

I expect to get about %30 more lure depth with 6/2 and about %25 with 10/4.Should you go with 20 or 30 lb Fire Line you can still expect some increase in depth over the equivalent mono line due to the no-stretch of Fire Line.

Good luck,
Doug Burns

[Butch]

I could be mistaken here but as I recall most of the fireline
boxes have the equivalent mono poundage stated on the outside?

i.e. 6# FL = 2# mono, 14# FL = 6# mono, or 20# FL = 10# mono
It should be stated on the box....
Or, call Berkley*

Good luck!
B2

See ya on the water!

[SUPERTROLLER]

20 lb. test is 6 lb. diameter
30 lb. test is 8 lb. diameter

I use these heavier weights exclusively. They hold better in the releases and fray less quickly so I don't have to retie as often. Not sure what equates with actual 10 lb. diameter. 50 lb.? The smaller diameters and lack of stretch are ideal for open water trolling. The only drawback is using this line in snagggy areas where you need to be sure your drags are loose enough not to break rods, should you snag up. The strentgh of these lines allows you to bend out the hooks and retrieve your lures. A replacement hook is far cheaper. Remember to bring a piece of dolling rod to pull with or you will cut your fingers.

[Bart]

I'd be scared of what would happen if you snag. Rod breaks, rod holder breaks, bye bye rod, reel, holder and crankbait.

[Gilligan]

20# fireline is = to 8# mono... I'm spooling it right now.

[SUPERTROLLER]

That's why I use Ugly Stiks and keep the drags loose.

[SUPERTROLLER]

Gilligan, you are correct. I was going on my, not so good, memory. Thanks for catching this mistake. (30 lb. must be 12 lb. mono equivalent)

(Please disregard the above diameter ratings in my other posting)

[rawburt]

Fireline/monofilament: 4/1, 6/2, 8/3, 10/4, 14/6, 20/8, 30/12. Whiplash/monofilament: 20/4, 30/6, 50/12, 65/14, 80/17, 100/20, 150/30, 200/50. Good fishing.