Alright...I may have asked this question before, but I'm asking again as I'd bet the info has evolved or changed in some way.
I'm trying to find the "best" line to use for my walleye rigs. I typically have a smaller Shimano reel on a 6-foot St. Croix rod. Classic walleye set-up. And because I prefer vertical / casting jigs, every year I struggle with huge amounts of line twist. It doesn't seem to matter what type of line I use, it's just part of jigging without a barrel swivel at the top of a leader that goes to the jig. I typically just tie the jig direct and drop it. I've liked mono for many years, but recently starting using flouro which has better sensitivity and is super-strong, but the line twist is still abundant.
I recently saw on TV some guy using "superline" while jigging for walleyes. First question...what is considered "superline"? Is this the same as Fireline, or another brand like Spiderwire? And, just so I know, what makes it so "super"? Better sensitivity? Less line twist? [hopefully]. ???
The only experience I've had with this type of line is on my casting reel and it was a disaster. I couldn't get it "tightly" on the spool, and it was impossible to set the hook on anything. I took it off after only one outing casting for pike.
Anybody out there, please help me understand this, and your thoughts on using "superline" for jigging. If you have another line you like more for jigging...and general purpose also...I'm all ears. And if you have a brand that has served you well, again...I'm all ears.
Thanks.
My line of choice is Trilene Professional Grade 100% Fluorocarbon for jigging for eyes, 8lb. I have never had a line twist problem with that. Jig fishing is 95% of my eye fishing. Some where I heard " jig, jig, jig and when your tired of jigging jig somemore ::) ::) ;D.
John C
T
The Braid lines are considered "superlines"
I started using one called SAMURAI ( by Daiwa)about 3 years ago just on my jig line.
Casts great. My only problem was that to me it was visible ,so I still tie at least 20 inches of fluorocarbon leader on the end.
Is that defeating the purpose? I don't know ,but I do it.
Last weekend I cast for pike for 3 days at the cottage with it and sure, I had problems but I had no problems landing any fish and the casting distance was superb.
Hint. You must tie some mono onto the spool first prior to spooling on the braid. The braid will not grab the spool properly. My line is 20 pound test with the diameter of 4 pound test.
the old standard Trilene xl here. they all twist on me.
I use 8 lb. crystal fireline. With a 20" to 24" Flurocarbon leader connected with a barrel swivel to each other. I Tie the jig direct to the flurocarbon. I don't have line twist and if I get hung up on bottom the Fluro carbon will break eventually by pulling hard enough. without the flurocarbon line you will about cut your fingers off trying to break the fireline if you get hung up on bottom. It seems to work for me anyway. Oh and the fireline has no stretch that way you feel every bottom bounce or fish with your jig.
I tend to still revert back to good ole trilene xt. Since alot of guys like using flourocarbon leaders these days in clear water simply use a tiny inline swivel around 2 feet from your jig and tie on your flouro and that will prevent alot of line twist.
Hi Todd:
You may enjoy reading the following article entitled Are the Super Lines for you? - see http://www.jimporter.org/articles/article66.shtml
For me personally, a few years ago I switched to 8/3 Crystal Fireline for both jigging and slip bobbering. In both methods, I use a Spro ball bearing snap swivel between my main line and 3 feet of fluorocarbon to my terminal tackle. For me the main advantage of the snap swivel is that I can attach a pre-tied fluorocarbon leader in the blink of an eye rather than trying to retie in the dark. I'm not recommending anyone else do that - it's just how I like to do it.
19 more days!!
Jay
4lb. smoke fireline no leader
TBone,
I use a type of braid from the makers of Spiderwire. It's an olive green color and looks more like heavy dental floss than fishing line. Tie jigs directly to it and have no line twist issues and catch many walleye with this setup. Most likely they can't see it due to the tea stained water.
I would say super line comes from the fact it is tough and hard to break. I've had jig hooks straighten out when snagged and the line never broke.
My other rods have Spiderwire brand mono in 8lb and if it's a situation where the fish are ultra sensitive to seeing the line then I'll use Berkeley Vanish but that is not the best if line twist is a concern.