Home Forums Fishing Freshwater Your fav fishing line for UL or light spinning reel? Flouro vs. Braid?

Trying to ramp up my knowledge of the latest lines - hear pros cons types and applications.

Primarily interested in what is working well - casting, hassle free use, etc. on spinning gear where most will be using 4-6lb or 8-10# on reels slightly larger.

I understand the newest lines can give you say 10# for the diameter of 2#.

Looking for any input and fav Flouro and/or Braids. Hear some say Flouro falls off the spool giving 'birds nest' - others say no issues if 6# or under.

Thoughts? Thanks all.

I like p line flouro in4 lb for my ul spinning outfit

65BR,

Yesterday I got some TUF-LINE DURACAST 6 LB. The line is .003". It says on the package "Performance Of Braid Handling Of Mono" and Ultra Round Tri-Axial Construction".

I will let you know how it works after I crank it on the reel.

Gentlemen,

I had a chance to compare the DURA-CAST 6 LB casting against some mono 4LB line. I used the same weight for casting both lines. The DURA-CAST actually had a vibration as it forced its way through the first guide. I never felt any line of any weight do that before. Despite being about the same diameter as the 4LB it did not cast as far by about 15%.

It is now on the back up spool.

I use Stren Original 4lb test almost exclusively. Yes, I have tried a lot o different line out, but always go back to Stren.

I would like to try out the Dura-cast 6lb, but honestly I don't expect to be switching to a braided line with light/UL spinning rigs. The vibration mentioned by Ringman has me questioning whether or not I even want to try it out.

Thanks Guys, and Ringman, head a few things on that line, also reading on P-line - a new one they have out for spinning outfits..CX or something like that.

Sounds like many of the 'new tech' lines have some 'idiosyncracies' - as I read user comments i.e. Basspro site, reviews very informative, also read some on crappie.com as I searched for info on flourocarbon lines - good info - thanks guys.

Always open to new better ways, if it's cost effective. Faster sinking line and better hook set/sensitivity - low stretch are appealing...as abrasion resistance.

Need to do more reading and try some various ones. The more you can 'FEEL' strikes, the more fish one should catch...

I fished P line for a summer or two, but I've switched back to Trilene and Stren. I love fishing with UL gear, and 99% of my fishing is done that way.

Tried Stren Flourocast 4lb, Sx big time, have never had so many tangles, lasted 2 short fishing trips. Dumped the flouro and went back to Stren original no problems after fishing for 3 days. By the way I like the green tint.

PS I do almost all of my spin fishing with UL tackle, do go to medium tackle when fishing for catfish.

Thanks for feedback guys.

I have had excellent results with Fireline. Began using it 9 years ago. I fish 3-4 days a week late March through late June. I use 2, 3, 4 and 6 lb the most. These super thin lines last one to two seasons. Unlike mono this line doesn't deteriorate with heat and sunlight.

2 and 3 lb are no longer available but I purchased many of them on closeouts and still have years worth left.

I've been using braid, but I use a flouro leader with mine. The sensitivity of braid is great, but the leaders make it a hassle. Some use straight braid, but I fish from my boat in current so like the ability to break my line off fairly quickly without breaking my pole!

Thanks all, ringman - so the 6lb outcast the 4? Cool.

Around here I like 6 and 8 vs. 4 for what I do - no trout in La- well, Speckled on the coast/gulf...

Looks like P-line and Fireline are GTG - heard many on fishing forums like those.

Timbo - what brands and #? Thanks guys.

I use Trilene XL because it is much more supple e.g. managable.
I don't beleive Fluoro was ever meant for ul spinning. Its to stiff and sinks. Fluoro is fantastic however for pitching Sinkos on a casting rod.

I have some Sufix Siege and Trilene XL both in 6lb to try.

I figured the sinking Flouro would give better feel for finese fishing jigs and light lures taking the slack up...

Thanks.

I thought I was the only one who ended up cursing fluorocarbon on a light spinning reel. AMAZING tangles the first time out had me cutting back until I had only about 40 yards of line left - and that's when I left.

I went back to good old mono on my UL rig, although I did tie on a 10-ft section of same-test fluoro to take advantage of its invisibility factor. I'll replace it when lure changing brings it back to three feet or so.

Thanks for sharing, I have read mixed reviews re: Flouro on spinning reels, I think it depends on many factors.

I know spool size, what # test line is used, etc.

No doubt, as you I had to learn not to 'over fill' on UL or 'micro' UL reels even w/6# it created many more issues, MUCH better leaving say .2-.25 space to edge of spool lip.

This was w/Mono btw. Rocky, do you recall what brand line your experience was with and also what specific reel?

THanks.

Sorry, no. The filler spool is long gone. Daiwa reel, but I'm not near it to check the model now.

Another Fireline fan here. Great stuff. I use the crystal version on my spinning lights and ultralights. Minus, as with any braid, is you need to place backing under the braid to keep things running right.

flouro is still really stiff. I like it, but use it as a leader only. Tried it spooled on the reel, but it coils excessively. Especially when cold, the braid just casts and works better.

Thanks all very much for the input folks.

FWIW, this new P-line is supposedly made just for spinning reels. Looks like some good reviews. If I try P-line this is what I will get, and report on findings, won't be anytime soon, have other line to go thru first.

http://www.p-line.com/product_detail.php?id=94

If you've read the reviews in Bass Pro, I'm one of the folks who has used CX premium in 6 pound for trout and 8 pound for walleyes on spinning rods since it came out, and although it isn't shown in saltwater catalogs, 20 pound for salmon trolling and ocean spinning, with 30 pound on my ocean level-winds for medium fishing. It isn't stiff, is fluorocarbon coated, knots well, holds up to mild abrasion, and is relatively cheap.
In fresh water I've been using cheap Berkely Cherrywood graphite rods, medium light or medium weight - $22.96 at Wal-Mart, and my salmon trolling rod is a Cabela's Depthmaster composite - $34.95. I've had it on 6 trips in 6 years, and it's still going strong.

Picked up a fewcherrywood rods at BiMart. Good rod for the$

Havevused p line fluoro 4 and 6 lb extensively on ul outfits.

Great results.

I tried a couple of the non mono lines and went back to Trilene mono "XL "Smooth Casting Low Vis Green" in the 4 to 8lb range on spinning gear and 10 lb on two of my baitcasters. Not saying it's the best but it works for me.

Appreciate all the comments.

I tried florocarbon line and find it too brittle and it abraids fairly easily. It just isn't worth the extra money. I echo Pwlr's feelings about it.

Line cost is something I pay attention to. I replace my Stren 4lb mono about every two usages due to line twist (with spinners). I am also always checking for abrasion in the last foot or so of line and cut my line off and retye frequently (at least every hour).

You sort of adjust to line stretch and so forth after you become familiar with a given line. Your rod choice has a lot to do with your ability to feel strikes.

Thanks for your post, now as to your username, take it you like slingshots?

Something's not right there, do you use a good quality swivel? Necessary with spinners and spoons.

Any suggestions on brand/type/size? I catch alot of fish on spinners and spoons on UL tackle. Good point.

Not really except stay small. I use a snap swivel and for UL go with the smallest I can find which is darned small and still several times stronger than 4 pound test. People have a preference for styles but to me they all work about as well. Some people absolutely refuse to use a snap. For spinners I believe they tie on a small swivel, a length of leader, and tie onto that. Check the terminal tackle pages at Bass Pro or Cabela's for an idea on styles/sizes.

If you're boating an old trick to untwist a line is to use a heavy plug (and a swivel) and let out a lot of line while motoring at a good clip. Not perfect but gets most of the twists out.

Thanks for the info, no doubt that drive/untwist is a good idea when able. I hate I can't do that when bank fishing - lol.

Hoping by using low memory line and a reel w/quality roller and larger spool I will eliminate issues. Not overfilling the spool and using proper technique loading it has helped a good bit.

I'll have to p/u some small swivels to use as needed.

Guess I'm not fussy enough. I still have and occasionally use a rod and reel my dad had made up for me around 1959. The reel is a Mitchell 308 presently spooled with 6# Stren Sensor. Sensor was a low stretch mono line with great sensitivity, maybe a little stiffer than regular Stren. Still it casts well though something like Magnathin does better.

The rod is two piece five foot glass basically ultralight and fits the reel and a little kid well. Mom and I stayed with my grandparents in northern Wisconsin while the Army had Dad in Korea. When he got back it was about a 12 mile ride to the St. Croix factory in Park Falls. Dad told the guy at the factory store what he wanted and the guy went to the factory floor and came back with the bottom section from one rod and the top section from another. Worked beautifully together. Seems that they were experimenting with the idea of a short, light rod for working streams in hip boots where you have brush at your back. You would pull the rod tip back with your off hand and the spring from the bent rod would propel the lure.

If it works - us it Thanks.

I use Pline flurocarbon on my light spinning out fits.
On my medium spinning rods I use fire line original. No backing just spooled straight to the reel. I like both really well.

Thx 221

I have found , without question, Trilene XL will have less spool jump, loops, and line twist than any other brand:
The down side is it softness does not wear well on rocky bottoms. I overcome this by tying on 2-3' leader of XT with a surgeons knot.

If P Line is coming out with a line dedicated to spinning reels I will certaimly try it as I have always found their quality to be excellent.

I quit Fluorocarbon a long time ago.

Tried Berkley Nanofil.

Expensive, but casts 20% farther, smooth and no kinks or memory.

Clear/white color can bee seen in the water, but not too bad.

Only goes up to 10# or so I think, but for L/UL, appears so far to be the cat's anus.

For braids I like PowerPro. For mono I like Trilene XL, XT, and Stren. I only use Fluro for leaders. For salmon trolling I like Trilene Big Game

Good info - thanks

Not a big UL fan, but I do use spinning gear in the medium to medium-heavy range.

I like P-Line Flouroclear in the 10, 12 lb. range. I find it very managable on spinning gear. Also very impressed with the new Trilene XL Armor Coated line.

Thanks Ed

Got to use a small swivel to keep the twists away. The swivel next to the dime is the smallest usually found in stores. The one I use is below it.

+1

RD, where do you find them, what brand/spec? Thanks sir.

Good info guys.

+1 on the swivel info. Thanks.

Any decent tackle shop should carry small swivels, SPRO ball bearing swivels are nice if you aren't prone to hanging up gear and breaking it off.

The only place I have been able to find a #0 ball bearing swivel is Bass Pro Shops. Others carry down to #1, but a #0 enough smaller to make a difference with light tackle. If line twist is a problem, only a ball bearing swivel will help stop that. The Crane style will not. They may work for a little while, but will not come close to a ball bearing swivel for performance. The new 100% floro Pline is good stuff....

Those swivels are Garcia - the former company, and were mfg. in Germany, not sure who might mfg. a similar product now.

I tried the Pline CX (copolymer and made for low memory/spinning) this a.m. - my first use of a Flouro/copolymer - and it def is a big improvement in sensitivity and getting a light lure down, less stretch, etc and it cast very well.

That said, I heard on another site guys recommending:

Vicious Ultimate

P-line Original

P-line Cx 8# but the guys is wanting to try YoZuri hybrid 6#

If I did not have any mono, not sure I'd buy any now that I have tried the P-line CX this am, I may be a convert

FWIW, for ultralight spinning I have tried almost all types of line and keep coming back to tried and true mono. I found that flouro doesn't cast as well and with braid I still use a mono leader, to much hassle for me. The only real downside to mono for me is its memory and needing to change it fairly often.