Thread: JDM lines relating to panfish

Originally Posted by garroyo

Hey all, long time lurker here. I recently picked up a SUL Major Craft Finetail Glass and have been fishing 2lb trilene sensation on it (same dia as 2lb SOS). Anyhow I was wondering what line you would recommend to get the most out of this rod fishing for bluegill. I would prefer to run a straight line (no leader) but any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Also, once they get stocked, I will be fishing for trout and any line suggestions for that would be appreciated as well.

If you are looking for a line that requires no leader I would look at the Varivas Twitch Master in 3# test. Or, you could take a look at the Varivas Blue Moon FC line in 2.5# test. Also take a look at all of the Varivas Super Trout Advance line up. For bluegill I very much enjoy using Ester line...ES 2. But you need a leader with it and I'll be the first to say ester line is not for everyone.


Regards

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

If you are looking for a line that requires no leader I would look at the Varivas Twitch Master in 3# test. Or, you could take a look at the Varivas Blue Moon FC line in 2.5# test. Also take a look at all of the Varivas Super Trout Advance line up. For bluegill I very much enjoy using Ester line...ES 2. But you need a leader with it and I'll be the first to say ester line is not for everyone.


Regards

I primarily fish a quarry from shore but do have access to deep water (15-20 ft) within casting distance. My understanding is ester sinks nearly as fast as fluoro but is more sensitive making it better for deep water. What leader would you recommend for ES 2? I also noticed ES 2 in clear. Is it possible to fish that one straight?

Originally Posted by garroyo

I primarily fish a quarry from shore but do have access to deep water (15-20 ft) within casting distance. My understanding is ester sinks nearly as fast as fluoro but is more sensitive making it better for deep water. What leader would you recommend for ES 2? I also noticed ES 2 in clear. Is it possible to fish that one straight?

A few forgo a leader with ester lines...but for me I don't use it without one. Pretty soon I will start fishing for KY bass in 25 feet of water. Ester line is great at allowing me to get 1/32 jigs down and keep them down at that depth. Maybe you could get away without using a leader. Ester has no stretch and no forgiveness....that is the reason for a shock leader. But it helps me put fish in the boat.


Regards

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

A few forgo a leader with ester lines...but for me I don't use it without one. Pretty soon I will start fishing for KY bass in 25 feet of water. Ester line is great at allowing me to get 1/32 jigs down and keep them down at that depth. Maybe you could get away without using a leader. Ester has no stretch and no forgiveness....that is the reason for a shock leader. But it helps me put fish in the boat.


Regards

Any leader recommendations? I imagine an off the shelf USD fluoro wont cut it since it will likely have a higher "true" lb test than the ester

Originally Posted by garroyo

Any leader recommendations? I imagine an off the shelf USD fluoro wont cut it since it will likely have a higher "true" lb test than the ester

I use the Varivas FC Shock Leader.....in the 2.5 and 3# test......almost always use this one for trout fishing if the bite is tough. A cheap leader that is pretty good is the Trout Magnet Phantom 2# test FC leader.

Regards

I fish 3lb Varivas Twitch with a leader but I fish a lot of super clear water and my leader of choice is this in 3lb as well…

Thanks. I may go the JDM mono to leader route to avoid the ester learning curve. I found a good deal on Sunline Troutist Area Meister any experience with that line?

Originally Posted by garroyo

Thanks. I may go the JDM mono to leader route to avoid the ester learning curve. I found a good deal on Sunline Troutist Area Meister any experience with that line?

I think Chris at Finessefishing.com sells that nylon, he handles good equipment and I am sure would respond to an email or phone call question. He hops in here every now and then. The Varivas Twitch Master Nylon would be a great place to start I believe. If you look over on the main Panfish Forum check out the Bed Picking post from earlier in the week you will see some monster Gills that VA Crappie dude caught, whipped their tails on the Twitch Nylon he did. I was in the front of the boat watching the line perform flawless on Walleye, Drum, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass, netted all the big ones, and he had no break offs from 55 fish clicked that day. Seeing you are from Texas I bet you would not even need a leader in your local waters and the champagne colored nylon should not be easily detected if fish tend to be line shy. I use PE most of the time but if I do use Nylon it is the Twitch Master.