Thread: 4lb or 6 lb

bmoffitt30
I didn't like the camo line, but have been very pleased with the hi-vis 4#.
I thought that the camo had more memory than the hi-viz line and I can see it better also.

I'm trying the Fireline right now. I've been pleased so far. It's real strong for it's size. I noticed that the color has lighten up somewhat since I first put it on the reel. It doesn't stay in the light when I not fishing, so I'm not sure why.

Gerald K4NHN

Has anybody else had problems with Fireline twisting while on the spool? How can I prevent this?

Originally Posted by bmoffitt30

I know that I am probably starting an on-going debate but I was curious what you all think about the difference in 4 and 6 lb test. Is there much change in the speed your jig drops when vertically jigging with 4lb compared to 6lb? I have always used 6 lb in the past (except when trout fishing and I have used 4lb). The main reason was because I was just "fishing" for anything and everything and if I caught a walleye, whitebass, or largemouth, I had enough size in line to bring in the fish. I am now out to catch the crappie so I am wondering if I should change my crappie rods to 4lb test? Any thoughts?

I don't know much about starting any "debate" ... but, you certainly have a good "discussion" going on :D
When "vertical jigging" ... line size should not change the drop rate of the jig, much, since the line will be vertical in the water. The biggest change in drop rate should come with horizontal presentations (casting/trolling) ... but, line size differences between 4 & 6 pound test should be almost imperceptible. At 0.008 for 4lb & 0.01 for 6lb ... the average mono diameter is so small, the drop rate difference would be hard to detect. Take into account, also, that a 1/16oz jighead isn't always 1/16 of an ounce ... and add to that, the differences in weight/size/shape of any plastic body or "dressing" added to the jighead -- and you can see that line size, by itself, isn't the only factor in the equation.
I've used 4lb test mono lines, of various brands, to catch Crappie over most of the last 10yrs or more ... also catching and landing other fish, up to and over that pound test limit. That's the job of the rod's flex, and the reel's drag system -- to keep the "pull" of the fish, under the breaking limits of the line. Even so, I've switched some of my outfits to 6lb mono, 8lb mono, and even 10lb braid. Not so much for "drop rate" concerns, but for various applications and methods that I use. Where I'm fishing, how I'm fishing, and the potential size of the fish I may catch - also factors into what line size I use.
Learn to "play" a fish ... learn to "back wind" a spinning reel (if that's what you use) ... use quality line, and change it periodically ... always have a landing net handy ... perform regular cleaning & maintenance on your equipment ... remove sections of damaged line & retie your baits (when damage is noticed) ... have confidence, and have fun ......luck2ya ...cp

Well said Crappiepappy. Thanks for the info. I am new to the board and I am just trying to learn as much as possible as I transition from just someone who likes to fish to someone who catches crappie.

Originally Posted by bmoffitt30

Has anybody used the Mr. Crappie camo line?

-------------------------------- I use it in 4lb test. It works well. I just can't see it to tie it.

I prefer 4 lb test. The main problem I have with 4 lb. is setting the drag on the long rods. The less exspensive reels don't do a good job of holding the drag setting. If you set the drag properly and it sticks you have a broken line and a lost fish. If you set it loose and the drag slips too much, you put a loop in your line and sooner rather than later a mess. I long line with Mitchell 308X's and still have this problem. I tight line with casting reels and do not have the line twist problem, I still use 4 lb leader, with 10 lb. test main line. Even with the necessity of the looser drag setting on 4lb test, I think I have less line problems and catch more fish on the 4lb.

For casting and swimming 1/32 jig or less 4lb test. 6 lb test for any heavier jig for panfish.
for dock shooting 4 lb test
for vertical jigging in heavy cover 10 lb test

Well let me get my 2¢ in here. I tried all the new stuff when it started coming out and settled on Power Pro. I found that if I periodically sprayed the line on the spool with silicon, it behaved a whole lot better and I really liked it. But when I get out fishing my memory goes whacko and I forget some things. Especially the part where you don't grab the line with your hand to pull it out of a snag. Someone mentioned using a mono line callled Sufix. So I decided to give it a try. I found that the 6lb line on the red spools seemed to be stronger than the blue spools. I have no idea what the difference is. Anyway, that is what I am using now and it is really some great line. You can cast it a mile and has very low memory. I guess one could say its all part of the never ending search for the perfect line for the way you fish.

Originally Posted by IBNFSHN

Well let me get my 2¢ in here. I tried all the new stuff when it started coming out and settled on Power Pro. I found that if I periodically sprayed the line on the spool with silicon, it behaved a whole lot better and I really liked it. But when I get out fishing my memory goes whacko and I forget some things. Especially the part where you don't grab the line with your hand to pull it out of a snag. Someone mentioned using a mono line callled Sufix. So I decided to give it a try. I found that the 6lb line on the red spools seemed to be stronger than the blue spools. I have no idea what the difference is. Anyway, that is what I am using now and it is really some great line. You can cast it a mile and has very low memory. I guess one could say its all part of the never ending search for the perfect line for the way you fish.

----------------------------------------------------- Dave told me about the Sufix but I can't find it locally. Blue box is Seige ( XV2 Technology offers better strength to diameter capacity with smooth handling to rocket your lure further and with greater accuracy. Also features 15 times more abrasion resistance and near zero line memory.) red box is Elite ( Engineered for precision fishing. Sufix advanced G2 Precision Winding virtually eliminates line memory for uncompromising knot strength and control without sacrificing tensile strength in the clutch.) Bass Pro has it in 330 d spools but no 4 lb test. I emailed the Sufix rep but received no response as to whether 4lb. bulk spool was available. The Sufix website says Seige is(Available in Clear, Silver, Smoke Green and Neon Tangerine - from 4 lb. to 50 lb. Test.) and that Elite is available from 4 lb to 100 lb test.) Their site also wants me to install Chinese to view it properly. Incidently Cabelas does carry 4lb test in the 330 yd spools.
You said you thought red was stronger. Which had the least line memory?