| Pages:
1
2 |
Don Alley
Super Nomad
Posts: 1997
Registered: 12-4-2003
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by vgabndo
Mr. Alley:
About Spectra Braid. I recently bought a Shimano rod and reel combo. (Tekota 700) The dealer loaded the reel with 50 pound line that I never saw the
spool, and may if I remember correctly have been Spectra. The line diameter is about the same as 20 lb. mono, but everybody warned me not to EVER
wrap it around my finger, or around my hand. I understand why, but I'm not a big time fisherman so I wonder how many kinds of this line are out there
or if there is a way to tell if it is Spectra. Also it is supposed to be "invisible" how important is a mono top shot? |
I often use spectra braid; it is packaged under many brand names. If you have 50lb line the size of 20lb you have some brand of spectra.
IMO, it's not the best stuff to use unless you're an experienced fisherman. It can cut you up; keep your hands off it. Also be careful thumbing the
spool. It can blister or take off skin quickly.
Most of the time it is used as backing to increase line capacity. Monofilament line is attached, usually enough so that unless you hook a really big
one you never see or handle the spectra backing. That is the best way to use it unless you're fairly experienced.
On some of my heavier bottom fishing rigs I use a short length of mono, maybe 15-20 feet long, fastened to the spectra. These "topshots" are easy to
replace with a loop to loop connection, and as spectra has little stretch, such a rig does not allow much stretch and is very good at setting hooks
and feeling what a bait is doing.
Some people fish with just spectra. I'm experimenting at times with that.
The latest rage is Japanese or "butterfly" jigging using spectra, a short topshot of "invisible" flourocarbon line and imported jigs, sometimes on
conventional rods but often on spinning rods with $800 spinning reels.
Flourocarbon, the so-called "invisible" line, is a line with refraction properties close to those of water. So it's hard to see. It's expensive, so
it's used only for leaders or sometimes short topshots. There have been many discussions on the fishing boards about how effective it is; some swear
by it, others say it's not worth the expense or the extra knot (and any extra knot is an extra risk as line usually breaks at a knot).
I use flourocarbon frequently for two things: Fishing for yellowtail near bottom structure, and as a leader for light tackle dorado and billfish
fishing. Flourocarbon is more abrasion resistant than plain mono, better for surviving brushes with rocks and sailfish bills.
|
|
|
vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
|
|
Excellent information, thanks. I am not entirely a tyro, having been fishing the past dozen years on the SOC out of San Nicolas. I'm certainly not as
"addicted" as some, and I know I have a lot to learn. I've had notoriously bad luck "feeling" the yellows in deep water off Ildifonso, and my hope
was that the Spectra would get me pumping before I was already cut off!
I was also hoping that this new rig would let me cast a Tady closer to a boil when the Jureles were on the surface.
We're on the road Nov. 15th.
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
|
|
|
Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
|
|
This reminds me of the last time rock fishing. I ended up with a real loaded with 50# Stren super braid. not sure, but maybe 10# diameter. Wanted to
use that reel so took off the 80# red fluorocarbon top shot and tied a hook on. When I cast the sardine out, the sucker would come screaming back up
and jump about 4' out of the water and just swim back to the boat...Had to put weight on to drag his tail down to the fish.
I know you think I'm kidding, but I am not. It is real lite line.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
|
|
|
Don Alley
Super Nomad
Posts: 1997
Registered: 12-4-2003
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by vgabndo
Excellent information, thanks. I am not entirely a tyro, having been fishing the past dozen years on the SOC out of San Nicolas. I'm certainly not as
"addicted" as some, and I know I have a lot to learn. I've had notoriously bad luck "feeling" the yellows in deep water off Ildifonso, and my hope
was that the Spectra would get me pumping before I was already cut off!
I was also hoping that this new rig would let me cast a Tady closer to a boil when the Jureles were on the surface.
We're on the road Nov. 15th. |
Yeah, I've fished for them off Ildefonso, embarking from here in Loreto. They do like to get in the rocks. I think the spectra helps, but I'm always
trying stuff. But I still prefer monofilament for casting surface lures.
Izorline markets a bandage that helps protect the fingers from line burns from the spectra; I always carry some.
We just got back here, and as usual took I-5 down. Mt. Shasta, what a place.
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2 |
|
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
