Before we get
started, let's go over options. Monofilament fishing line has
been around a long time now. It's good stuff! It's generally
supple, hard to see by fish, and economical. Recently some
manufacturers have introduced a copolymer line. It's benefit is
less stretch than standard mono. That provides better feel for
the angler, and greater reliability when fishing under tougher
conditions. Both the copolymer and mono products get bit well,
with the copolymer doing a bit better in terms of maintaining line
test after you've taken a few fish and given the line the opportunity
to get worked (meaning potential for stretch and reduced test
strength).
Next
up we have woven lines, the old standby dacron and newer
Super Braided lines made from polyethylene material including PE,
Dynema & Spectra. Dacron has long been used as a backing. It's
durable, and has almost zero stretch. Bottom fishing, sharking,
and use as a backing are it's primary strengths. It will degrade
over time. I'd suggest replacing your dacron every other
year. The new Super Braids differ from dacron by being something you'll
keep on the reel for up to 10 years or even more. I say ten
years based upon current experience...time flies, make that 12 or more. We just don't have enough
long term use beyond that point to make a claim. It's very
skinny compared to mono or dacron, about 1/3 the diameter. So, it's a great tool for use
as backing. It shares dacron's zero stretch characteristics, so
many anglers are using it for deep water fishing. If your intent
is to catch big fish on smaller reels, it's the only way to go these
days and dispite the initial cost, long term there are great savings
since you'll need less mono when you re-spool. Going a few steps
further, these days there are many rigging options available with
firms like Sato making rigging kits and Daho making wonderful
needles that really take things to a new level with the new hollow
core super braids like the 16 strand product from Toro Tamer.
The third line
innovation we've seen recently is fluorocarbon leader. Due to
it's specific density it's virtually invisible to fish. This
material has been used for a few years now, and it works. In a
wide open bite it's no great advantage. But, when things get
picky it's a proven commodity and it makes a significant difference.
We are now offering professional and
consumer grade line winders.
These are not cheap, but they're the way to go if you like doing
things yourself, operate a charter boat, or have a need for
considerable spooling. We've also added
Momoi mono and braided Spectra
lines to our mix. And, there's another playing coming on the
scene - Toro Tamer Spliceable Hollow Core Super
Braid with 16 strand braid from 40-130#!
