Line for topwaters?

Basshound · 02-11-2010, 07:50 AM

Wondering what kind of line people are using in topwater applications. I know some like the braid when froggin and some like a quality mono for its bouyant properties. I know i dont usually like using flouro for topwater. It affects the action to much in my opinion for what i fish topwater. So i picked up some Spiderwire Super mono, im gonna keep tied on the topwater set up. Anyone try this line for tops? What have you had better luck with ??

10Key · 02-11-2010, 09:55 AM

Generally speaking, use a heavier mono (large diameter) to keep the line near to the surface. If I had 27 rod and reel combos, I would have one rigged with 15 or 17 pound mono specifically for topwaters. You do want mono because of the stretch. With the little to no stretch of braid, you will tend to pull the bait away from the fish more than with mono.

codeman · 02-11-2010, 11:24 AM

for whatever its worth, i get WAY more strikes using ultra light set up and 4# line over anything else. Of course, i fish in relatively clean water with little vegetation, so its still pretty easy to land a 6# fish with that line. even in the thickest cover, i wouldn use over 8# line, the fish can just see it too easily and lures work much better with small line. IMHO Id rather lose the occasional fish to breakage and still get tons of bites, than to land the only fish or two that happens to bite using the heavier line.

tnj8222 · 02-11-2010, 11:51 AM

I agree with 10key it's spot on info. 65 pound braid for frogs. 15 pound izorline mono for most other topwater. I use mono on anything with trebles and never under 12 pound test. I really like berkley big game mono for 12 pound. If I go bigger than 12 its izor line.

Only time I would go with 4 pound test, is if I'm crappie fishing.

built2fish · 02-11-2010, 12:56 PM

Use 30lb. Power Pro braid on my top water set-up.

Basshound · 02-11-2010, 12:57 PM

I dont fish anything lighter than 8lb. Thats on my spinning reel. Then its 10 and up 12 being the avg. then 14 then on to braid.
But my biggest concern is the Majority favor in which mono is suited for LMB topwater. But good info. And yes structure and conditions do change things.

MXRacer105 · 02-11-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by built2fish

Use 30lb. Power Pro braid on my top water set-up.

Exactly the same. I should note, I mainly fish Spooks or other "walk-the-dog" type lures, if that makes a difference. Just don't set the hook until you feel the fish.

Mono will sink when it gets water logged, but the higher test lines will float pretty well, but still not as well as braid.

Flouro sucks for topwater IMO, ruins the action of the lure. This also includes P-Line (flouro-coated) and I run CX for almost all my other casting reels.

I love catching smallies on topwater....so fun

built2fish · 02-12-2010, 11:57 AM

Fluorocarbon sinks, that is why it sucks. (As you know Ryan) just FYI for anyone who does not know this.

Using 30lb braid as opposed to 14 will help the line to float better and it is still small enough in diameter to cast well.

Just mho.

Dan360 · 02-12-2010, 11:53 PM

For poppers, frogs, prop baits and spooks, I like the line to be fairly visible and something that stays high in the water. Stren Clear-Blue isn't bad for this and I've used it in 15 and 17lb. Superlines and braids also seem to stay afloat well.

Basshound · 02-13-2010, 07:12 AM

so far the recommended mono's are.
Stren clear-blue
Izorline
Any other mono's?

Dan360 · 02-13-2010, 09:23 AM

I'm going to try some Sufix Elite on a couple rods this year as well. I used it while steelhead fishing and noticed the line rides high in the water and is easy to mend. This would probably make it a good topwater line.