Mono & Wax for float & Jig?

Fshklr · 12-12-2003, 11:06 PM

After posting earlier, I saw a reply that refered to waxing mono for line mending and floating the line.
I know I could go with a power pro, power plus, etc but I am a mono kind of guy and plan on sticking with it, and would like any info for using wax and mono.
What kind of wax is used? How do you apply it?
Does it hinder performance of casting, reel operation, Guides? Or is this really not an advantage and to stick with the mono. any input put be welcomed.
Dan

drift fishing fool · 12-12-2003, 11:12 PM

although i havent fished much bobber and jig, i have fished bobber and eggs quite a bit for fall chinook. i think that some sort a braid is almost a must. no hassle line mending and no stretch for those long distance hooksets. i would say not using braid would be more of a hassle than puting some on a spool and going for it

crabbait · 12-12-2003, 11:19 PM

It is called "Mucilin" and comes in a small round red container about the size of a snooze can only shorter. The stuff is the consistency of butch wax and comes with a cloth applicator. You rub some of it on the cloth and then fold the cloth around the line before retrieving after a cast.

After a day of heavy use, you will notice a waxy buildup on your levelwinder. Other than that I don't know of any negatives.

That said, switch to braids.

ampersat · 12-13-2003, 07:06 AM

Ya know, I knew they were going to do that to you when I saw the thread title. "Use braids, switch to braids, blah, blah, blah." I tried braid and didn't like it for my particular bob and jig needs. I love it on my big bait and bobber rod though. You should try it at least on someone else's set up just so you know what everyone's yakking about.

OK, back to mono. Mucillin is great for winter fishing. It's some mysterious mixture of waxes and oils and it melts at a temperature at or below 98.6 so it will melt in your hands. That's why they give you a cloth applicator to use with it. Definitely not recommended for warmer spring and summer fishing.

An alternative is candle wax. Wax isn't just wax, there's differences in it. I've tried different types of candles and the ones I prefer to use are tea lights. They come in a little aluminum tin. Burn the candle for a while so that the wax melts, then blow it out and carefully remove the wick. Let it cool then pop it out. I do this because tea lights are very chalky at first. Melting it and letting it cool fixes that.

A different kind of wax that I've been wanting to try is the wax that is used for wax baths. You'll find it in the bath and beauty section of most grocery or drug stores. Most of the time, it comes as pellets so you'll have to put them in something to melt them together. It melts at a lower temperature than candle wax so it should be a little easier to apply.

Speaking of application, it's a little harder than it sounds no matter what you use. The problem is that you've only got two hands and one of them needs to be busy reeling in line. That leaves the other hand with two jobs to do, hold the rod and hold the floatant on the line to apply it. If anyone finds a good way to do this, I'd love to hear it. It's the kind of thing that makes me glad I only have to do it every once in a while. Alternatively, you can rub the mucillin directly onto the line on the spool. I works, but is very messy in the last place you want things to be messy, especially slippery messy.

And last but not least, there's liquid fly floatant. I was told by someone that they use it and nothing else. I haven't tried it myself but it has the advantage that you can apply a few drops of it directly onto the line on the spool and it will work itself onto most of your line. I guess I've shied away from it because the bottle is so small for what you're spending and I can see going through a bottle pretty fast. I might try it this winter. If so, I'll let you know how it works.

DanS · 12-13-2003, 08:36 AM

Quote:

i think that some sort a braid is almost a must

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Bzzzzzzzzzztt !! Wrong answer.

I use braids when float fishing chinook, but not for steelhead float fishing. Mono with mucilin is a better choice, IMO.

Mucilin is cheap, easy to apply, and once you dress your mono with it, it's way easier to mend than a braided line is.

Use braided line if you want to, but don't ever listen to anybody who says you NEED braided line to float fish steelhead. You don't.

Silver Hilton · 12-13-2003, 08:57 AM

I've tried both braid and mono with mucilin. I prefer the mono.

Mucilin is avaliable in the fly fishing section of GI Joes or FMS, or most fly shops. Ask for "line dressing". One container will last you for years, I think mine is probably ten years old.

Steel Reign · 12-13-2003, 10:14 AM

I have used chapstick and its small size makes it real easy to apply. I use it on braid and one application lasts a long time.

Fshklr · 12-13-2003, 11:23 PM

Amp, DanS, and Silver Hinton..

I knew if I waited long enough I would get the response I was looking for. Thanks everyone else for the reply's too!

I admit that tidewater, or extreme depth bobber fishing (4oz. weight and 20 to 30 of depth) braids can be the go to.

I'm fully aware of the braids and I use 65# power plus for summers/URB's and 80# power plus for gators. Can't beat the braids for those applications especially for a bankie like myself. I gave the spiderwire and power pro, both in 20# test and I tend to ride the line above my reel with my finger and SLICE!! went my finger on the first hook set, but really not worth the money for jig fishing IMO.
Will give the mucilan a go as that is the kind of product I was looking for!!

Dan