Fishing line suggestions?

[birdhunter]

Okay, so I went cheap and it has cost me. I bought 400 yrds of 10 lb test Trilene XL. Thought that would be reasonable for fishing low clear water and could take on coho and steelhead. It casts great and is almost invisible in clear water so I do like that. However I lost one nice coho this past weekend and have lost a couple more salmon this summer due to the bad line. I have landed a few fish with it, but not enough compared to how many have broken off. All the fish I lost broke the line when they rubbed it against rocks or rolled over it. No bad knots yet anyways. I'm usually pretty good about changing out my knots anyways, and I check for abrasions so that shouldn't be it either. Bottom line is I'm getting rid of this ****** line and want some suggestions for something else.

Anyone have any casting line they really like for coho or steelies? I've got some ideas, but I don't want to buy another lemon. Something versitile I can use to cast spinners or rig up for BnJ fishing. Was 10 lb just too light to consistently land fish? I didn't think so. Do I just suck? Hmmmm, I'll blame the nanners. images/icons/rolleyes.gif I guess the water clarity issue shouldn't matter too much more. I've got a nice 6'6" Fenwick w/ a Shimano reel that is just dying to get into some more fish. Please help. Will be eternally grateful. images/icons/grin.gif

[FM2]

Hi BH, I've had really good success with Berkley Big game. I run 12-14lb on my steelhead reels and have rarely broken off. Is your line breaking or the leader? Whenever I fish small creeks I use a heavier leader knowing the fish can run upriver or down and scrape against rocks.

Good Luck!! images/icons/smile.gif

[Drifty]

I will have to second FM2. I fish Big game on all my reels now for the past year and have not had a problem. Except my big reel that is loaded with 80lb tuff. images/icons/grin.gif

[chuck 'n' duck]

Hey there BH, long time no see. I hope that fishing....ehem, I mean school is going well for you. We have been knocking the snot out of the silvers this year. I put up 7 quarts of eggs from the previous weekends bloodbath and am now ready for some tidewater nookie.

About the line. I would go ahead, spend the money and put some Tuf line on your reel. It is not the best line for drift fishing, but really shines when it comes to bobber and jig/bait fishing. Because it floats it is really easy to mend (unlike mono). As for abrasion resistance, braided line isn't really that great. I would get some heavier braid to account for this shortcoming. If you are fishing fast water with your spinners, the braid is really nice as well, because of the easy mending capabilities that I mentioned.

As far as mono goes, stick with the tried and true: Maxima UG. It simply can't be beat.

Good Luck and Tight Lines,

CnD

[SlabQuest]

Berkley Big Game is good line at good price. I am now gradually changing all my reels to IZORLINE. It is amazingly tough and strong for the poundage rating.

[DanS]

Did you say 6'6" Fenwick?

With 10 lb. test, that could be part of the problem. Another thing: XL is made for spinning reels, which is why it's so soft and limp. Use XT or Big Game on baitcasters, it's more abrasion resistant.

[Spot]

I've been using Fireline (braided carbon fibre I believe). 10lb Fireline will hold even when your 15lb leader fails. 20lb Fireline is still probably narrower than most 10lb mono. Oh yeah, and it floats which is great for Jigs or Eggs and Bobbers.
It starts out a little stiff but after a couple of casts it becomes super limp and appears to give a nice natural drift. It doesn't appear to spook fish easily either. I've watched Steelhead take multiple bites at my bobber bead without getting spooked by the line. There is no stretch so you feel every pick-up even on a long drift. Just make sure your drag is loose enough so you don't snap your leader. Also, you have to temper your urge to set the hook hard but as soon as you raise your rod tip, that hook's in.
Dang, I sound like an advertisement!
Hope it helps!

[birdhunter]

Thanks all. Should have clarified DanS. It is a spinning rod and reel. A bit smaller, but what a rush when you catch fish w/ it.

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

IZORLINE PLATINUM NUFF SAID

[Silent Lucidity]

I've got spiderwire on my spinning reel now and it casts like twine through a buttonhole. It's strong as a bull though.

Nevertheless, I'll have to spool up something different next time for sure.

[DanS]

BH,

A couple things. First, Big Game or XT line will give you fits on a spinning reel because of the memory it has. XL is good for spinning reels, but it has very little abrasion resistance, so you need to check your line carefully for nicks and rough spots all the time.

You might consider the braided or gelspun lines. It would make life easier on you if you're float fishing with such a short rod, and the tougher lines will be better since your rod doesn't have enough length to absorb the shocks to the line.

I'll bet it IS fun landing one on a short rod like that. images/icons/grin.gif

[Tanner]

Birdhunter,
Try the Trilene XT. 8 and 10 lb XT is all I use for spinner fishing and bobber and jig fishing for winter steelhead. Last year my wife landed an (aproximately) 19 lb buck on one of my bobber rods with 8 lb xt. The XT
has more memory than the XL so you end up with a few more birds nests but it's not bad. Just remember to use a swivel if you are spinner fishing. Swivel Good, Line twist Bad images/icons/grin.gif

[boater]

i vote for trilene XT, i`m not a fan of marlin gear when i fish for salmon or steelhaed.

[invader]

tryed trilene only once.... didnt like the way it tied.... seemed to be not a smooth tie.... kinda brittle, i guess, only have bought maxima for ten years now.....almost never break the line on any fish several 6 to 8 foot sturgeon too!!.......john

[stlhdr1]

I prefer Maxima UG on baitcasters and occasionally will use chameleon, but I don't like it's memory though.
For spinning rods I'd strongly recommend Stren Extrastrength and Magnathin. Both these lines have amazed me, and I've tried them all.
Keith

[Deleted User]

I'll have to give the Stren stuff a try Keith. Salmonator likes it too. I also must agree with 'Yall about the Izorline - it has all you'd want in 10 lb. +/- line rating for spinning reel steelheading. It's very tough and strong like the Maxima UG, yet has less stiffness & memory (kinda like old guys images/icons/grin.gif ). I was very impressed with it during the late steelhead nate season on tough fish.

BTW, I haven't tried the superbraids for quite awhile on spinning reels for big chinook floatfishing (only did briefly back when they first came out). I haven't again because more than one tackle store rep told me the latest braids get twists in it when retrieved on spinning reels. But I just read on the back of the Fireline braid box that it was designed for both level wind and spinning reels. Can anyone give us some feedback about using braids on spinning reels - including the Fireline results? Thanks.

RT

[Crusin]

You guys might want to give the Gamakatsu line a try, im running 12 pound and its handled a 47 # nook and several silvers whith no probs..the one thing about the Gama though is it doesnt seem to like saltwater much..

[mike5097]

I use Fireline on my spinning reels.
The floating characteristic is great for bobber fishing and bobber/jig fishing because of the mending ease, and also it has no stretch.
I have also used it for driftfishing, but it takes a while to get used to because you feel EVERYTHING. The action of the rod makes a difference too. Not to fast because the rod does a lot of work since there is no stretch in the line. When you get a good sized fish on, it's fun! Quite a difference compared to mono.
I have noticed while drifting, the last foot or so gets kind of frayed and beaten up, but I have not lost a fish because of that. It seems to retain it's strength unless it gets cut.
I use 14 lb test, it's got a pretty small diameter and casts ok.
I have had people tell me that this kind of line really screws up drifts if you snag and lose the line in the water. It will cut through some elses mono. But, everytime I have snagged it has broken at the slinky, lead, or leader. Using 10lb leaders,I get my line back with everything below the barrel swivel gone, but the fireline intact. With spinners I usually attach a 2 ft leader to a barrel swivel with the spinner on the end of that. It works OK. It doesn't really suffer from line twist like mono does when I don't use a swivel/leader.
When you get a bad tight tangle in it, it's a pain to undo.
I have not fished it from a boat, since I don't have one.
All in all I like it.
It is expensive though.
Mike images/icons/smile.gif

[ 10-12-2001: Message edited by: mike5097 ]

[Slow Roll]

RT, gotta give a big yes to using fireline on spinning reels. When I was back in MT it was all I ever used for all my fishing. That ran the gambit from catfish and walleye jigging in the rivers to trolling for salmon and lakers in Fort Peck.
It casts smooth and can take the abuse like Mike5097 said. It has a short memory (kinda like me) that disappears within a few casts. Give it a try sometime, I think you will like it. Just don't use the green stuff if the water is clear, its acts just like a fish repellent. images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>i vote for trilene XT, i`m not a fan of marlin gear when i fish for salmon or steelhaed. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry there, Bill Dance. images/icons/wink.gif

For spinning reels, 10 lb. Izorline Platinum. If you buy Izor, make sure it's Platinum. For some reason, the platinum is a better line.

I've been running 15lb main and landed several mid 20's, a couple of 30's, and I broke the 40lb club not too long ago. I've been using 15lb Maxima leaders since it's not good enough to go on the reel. images/icons/grin.gif Had a 50+ saw the maxima 2 nights ago, and I haven't broken my main line on a salmon this fall, so Izorline Platinum.

If you fish the Platinum, do a double-cinch knot. Make sure it's wetted well before pulling tight. It's the best knot for this line that I've found so far.

[Deleted User]

Thanks guys. I will go ahead then and try the Fireline on a couple of my spinning reels for big 'nooks. I think the Izor Platimun is a good way to go for the steelhead. It just handles better than the 'bench mark' Maxima Ultra Green in my opinion. ... Hey SR, have you caught any upper Missouri river 'paddlefish' above Peck with that line? I'll let you tell them what MT paddle fish are - I've never fished for them. They are big like sturgeon and can spank you with the paddle like bill. Maybe. images/icons/wink.gif

[Slow Roll]

I don't really know if anyone would ever believe me that they exist once I told them what they looked like.

But yes, I have caught them on Fireline, busted a few rods in the process too. Learning curve is pretty steep, only took twice before I figured out that when the line don't stretch, the rod is gonna work a lot harder.

Of course 100+ lbs of P.O.ed paddlefish doesn't take to kindly to people trying to remove them from the water. I'll see if I can find a pic or two. If anyone wants to see one that is. images/icons/grin.gif

[Hookset]

Birdhunter......hmmmm, that's what I did this morning. images/icons/wink.gif

Check out P-line, I've been using this line for almost 10 years off and on. I've also used Stren magnathin with good results. At present, I'm hooked on P-Line CX Premium. Great stuff with low memory and good abrasion qualities. I'm using 30 lb. for chinook and sturgeon and 10 lb. for steelhead. Read all about this fantastic line on the link below. Just wish you could buy this line locally.

P-Line (http://www.p-line.com/)

Almost forgot, another added benefit, very small diameter, compare P-Line CX premium to the rest. On the web page, they have a new fluoroclear line, could be a good one for line weary fish.

Gregg

[ 10-12-2001: Message edited by: Hookset ]

[corky23]

I've been using silver thread Excaliber for a few years now. It's really abraison resistant and also has a small diameter. I used 8# on my spinning reel all winter for steelies and did'nt loose a single fish.

[Thumper]

Nailed a bunch of steelhead and silvers boondogging with Fireline on a spinning reel. Also busted at least two fish off on the "set". Poink! Fireline is the thinking man's braid. If you don't think, you will bust them off.

In Alaska many of the guides have gone to Magnathin for their baitcasters, and it is impressive stuff. And it doesn't "Poink" at the set.

[FISHFINDER]

Thumper,
I think you may have answered a problem I have been trying to figure out. I use Fireline on my steelhead rods. A fish that I broke off on the hookset was at the bottom of the drift and there was little or no belly in the line. I think the belly absorbs some of the shock when setting the hook. Most of the fish I heave-ho on are upstream or pretty straight away. When boondogging, your line is pretty tight and, you're right, you have to be careful on the hookset with the stuff. I also think a little slower action rod helps the cause a bit.

FF

[ 10-13-2001: Message edited by: FISHFINDER ]