30 pound line comparisons

I took the advice years ago to run Berkley Big Game mono for just about anything. I have developed mucho confidence in my 10# , 12#, and 20#.  Haven't needed anything stronger as of yet for my main line (mono).

As for braid I have built some solid confidence with 10# and 20# PowerPro. 

I believe that good drag control (set light) and good quality knots will win over snapping my line due to a fish taking a run/leap/turn. 

Accidental abrasions, or bad terminal tackle are what they are and break offs happen. Such is life.

+1.  Berkley Big Game and Power Pro for me for the most part.  And Seagar Flourocarbon.

However I tend to go higher in drag and put the wood to them.  Break their will fast, I say.  However, it does result in the occasional green fish to the boat, and then the fun begins!  I've used BG and PP for so long that my "feel" for a given line is tuned for them and I know just how hard I can push them.  I use the same knot too, for most applications.

-Allen

^^^ Exactly my lineup!

Fluoro being new to me, I've been experimenting with different types. I thought the Blue or Red Label Seaguar was good, but then I tried the STS! Anyone else have the same experience?

I took the advice years ago to run Berkley Big Game mono for just about anything. I have developed mucho confidence in my 10# , 12#, and 20#.  Haven't needed anything stronger as of yet for my main line (mono).

As for braid I have built some solid confidence with 10# and 20# PowerPro. 

I believe that good drag control (set light) and good quality knots will win over snapping my line due to a fish taking a run/leap/turn. 

Accidental abrasions, or bad terminal tackle are what they are and break offs happen. Such is life.

+1.  Berkley Big Game and Power Pro for me for the most part.  And Seagar Flourocarbon.

However I tend to go higher in drag and put the wood to them.  Break their will fast, I say.  However, it does result in the occasional green fish to the boat, and then the fun begins!  I've used BG and PP for so long that my "feel" for a given line is tuned for them and I know just how hard I can push them.  I use the same knot too, for most applications.

-Allen

I completely understand the putting the wood to them and bringing in a green fish. 
What I mean by light drag, is merely the starting point in the fight.   I never know what size of fish will slam my lure and I don't want to end the game right out of the gate, so I start light and add enough drag to keep it interesting. 

Nearly all of my bigger fish in the 30-45"range were caught on my 6.6" UglyStickLITE/Shimano Sienna spinning rod loaded with 10# PowerPro/Berkely mono combo, or any of my Barbie poles loaded with 20# braid.  I know these rods are unconventional for most fishing with their super flexible fiberglass tips, minimal to no backbone, and such but they are my go to setups that I have confidence in. 

I feel if I use good quality lines, use good quality knots, therefore I can worry less about rod/reel quality and still get the job done.   

I never managed to develop an appreciation for PowerPro.  Tried it, didn't like it, and switched to FireLine.  Maxima Camouflage leaders for the most part, but I definitely liked Seaguar STS when I used fluorocarbon and line less than 12#.

Then I converted to fly fishing and all my trial-and-error was for naught...

Don't those of you who use PowerPro find that its cross-section lets it float in the wind?  I wade the rivers quite often and maybe that's more noticeable with longer casts.

 

Don't those of you who use PowerPro find that its cross-section lets it float in the wind?  I wade the rivers quite often and maybe that's more noticeable with longer casts.

I don't do a lot of casting with lighter stuff.  When casting swimbait in the salt, the relatively heavier stuff doesn't allow floating.   

But now that you mention it.  I actually have been rethinking PowerPro on my river float rod.  It does float in the wind!  That and I've been having issues with wind knots.  I'm looking for something a little stiffer, and one of those coated braids might do the trick.  Any suggestions?

-Allen

I like FireLine but it's getting difficult to find in 300-yard spools.

Daiwa Samurai is my next favorite behind FireLine, but it's not available in less than 20# and costs like precious metal.

I've tried Sufix 832 Advanced and thought it was a bit slippery with knots and seems to fray easily.

Fins XS is good, also quite round, but it broke right above a knot once, when casting, and I'm not sure if I did something wrong so I was cautious with it.

I have 10# Seaguar Smackdown on one reel and liked it for casting - it's very round - and for tying knots, but didn't use it very long before fly-fishing destroyed my brain.

But my favorite is still FireLine in smoke color.

I've been a big fan of Power Pro Super Slick, it gives me the benefit of braid while still having some of the slick feel that I like in Mono. I do believe it's a bit thicker than the standard Power Pro though.   

My current favorites Berkley Fireline and Nanofil, mono Yo-Zuri hybrid, leaders Maxima or any flouro Seaguar, Sufix, Yo-Zuri, etc. Before had PowerPro, Slick Super 8, Sufix 832.