I am trying Braid

Tomorrow I will try out some braid for the first time. I just strung up some 30 lb Power Pro and have a short 8 lb Mono leader. I use a knot called the FG Knot to attach the mono and braid, what do you guys use for the mono and braid knot. Also how long do you guys make your leader? Thanks

That's my favorite knot. I use it for all my rods. I usually leave longer leaders when fishing docks and rocks. Mono and floro are more abrasion resistant compared to braid. When fishing kelp I leave shorter leaders since braid cuts through the kelp.

Also, you might want to back off your drag a little more than you are used to. Braid has no stretch so something has to give.

.:LOLLY:. wrote:That's my favorite knot. I use it for all my rods. I usually leave longer leaders when fishing docks and rocks. Mono and floro are more abrasion resistant compared to braid. When fishing kelp I leave shorter leaders since braid cuts through the kelp.

Also, you might want to back off your drag a little more than you are used to. Braid has no stretch so something has to give.

Cool bro thanks that is very helpful.

jeffcpr wrote:Tomorrow I will try out some braid for the first time.  I just strung up some 30 lb Power Pro and have a short 8 lb Mono leader.  I use a knot called the FG Knot to attach the mono and braid, what do you guys use for the mono and braid knot.  Also how long do you guys make your leader?   Thanks

I use braid on all my rods even my spinning finesse rod (10lb). The only rod I don't use braid on is my swimbait rod because I have the fear of the braid snapping when casting and throwing a 100$ swimbait to the bottom of the lake. Because braid has absolutely no stretch its very easy to be casting. And you get a backlash and the reel seizes and no matter what lb braid your using it will simply snap from the force. I've had it happen with a lot of crank sits and whatnot. I use the RP knot (aka royal Polaris knot, John Collins knot, Alberto knot). And I use the tony Peña knot. Out of the two I trust the RP knot the most

BTW why are you using mono for a leader instead of floro? It's a lot less visible in the water and more abrasive resistant and more sensitive. I recommend no less than a 3' leader depending on water visibility. I use a longer leader when using finesse baits because braid floats and changes the action of the bait. If you give braid an honest chance you will probably start using it on all your rods too. I made the switch a couple years ago. I think the positives definitely out weigh the negatives.

Crazy Alberto to a short up to 3' leader

Thanks everyone I will let you how it goes.

Knot to hijack the thread. But,
what do you guys use to cut braid while "ON" the tube.

Jerdon wrote:Knot to hijack the thread. But,
what do you guys use to cut braid while "ON" the tube.

Knife. However a 'boomerang tool' are nice to have and cut braid like warm knife through butter. You can find them on Amazon for about 10$

I use the P Line Adaro Pliers. After several years they finally started getting a little dull but the cutters are replaceable so no big deal.

P Line Adaro pliers here also.

That is also important as i have found out the hard way.

braid to 15 inch fluro leader is my go to, unless im running straight mono....love braid! plus more line fits on your reel

Cool i was impressed with its castability and it does feel diferent when the fish hits. Still looking to land one on it. I will say this i am not complety sold yet but am impressed with the easy of use so far. More testing to come.

jeffcpr wrote:Cool i was impressed with its castability and it does feel diferent when the fish hits.  Still looking to land one on it.  I will say this i am not complety sold yet but am impressed with the easy of use so far.  More testing to come.

Just wait until you get a really good birds nest with braid! Those are so much fun. Another problem I run into is when casting if you happen to get a backlash and the reel siezes in mid cast you can kiss whatever lure/swimbait you got on goodbye. The braid will snap like its a piece of yarn. I've invested a few dollars in the lake that way.

Ya I am not looking forward to my first Birds Nest, I am sure it will be a blast in more ways then one.

The trick on a fixed spool setup is to never go for a hero cast with dry braid, give the reel a little dunk before use and your braid will handle a lot better.

Mscustomflies wrote:The trick on a fixed spool setup is to never go for a hero cast with dry braid, give the reel a little dunk before use and your braid will handle a lot better.

Great advice! I 100% agree with that. Your first cast should always be a test run.

Jayb1rd79 wrote:

Mscustomflies wrote:The trick on a fixed spool setup is to never go for a hero cast with dry braid, give the reel a little dunk before use and your braid will handle a lot better.

Great advice! I 100% agree with that. Your first cast should always be a test run.

x3
I would either lob the first few casts or let the lure fall straight down if the water is deep enough. Once you get used to it, birds nest will be a non-issue. Until then, you will get really good at picking them out LOL.

you guys recommend a backing of mono before spooling as i heard braid slips? no clue i never liked braid and just not confident throwing it

When spooling braid I have done several methods. I have tried a short 5'-0" mono backing, electrical tape, that medical self sticking tape that people use for their thumbs while fishing, or if it's a wiffle spool I'll pass the line through the holes. All of those methods have worked with no negative effects.

Misfitdog wrote:you guys recommend a backing of mono before spooling as i heard braid slips? no clue i never liked braid and just not confident throwing it  

You can use a few yards of mono backing if you like. I use a small strip of electrical tape around my spool and that keeps the braid from slipping just fine.