New rod / reel… Thinking of changing my line choices for this one. Sam Heaton SS 7’

[DrNip]

I love the spiderwire invisibraid but fray too easily. Sometimes my fingers would be rough from work and cause it to fray. I switch to K9 white 10lb and just as good and doesn’t fray. Why do you feel you need a leader?

[skeetbum]

I don’t own a Sam that short, mine is a ten foot dipping rod, so I’ll reserve comment on that. I’ve been using small reels for a long time and I’ll talk of those some. I was 4lb mono on everything in the beginning and Stren of different colors won my vote. The trilene had a different personality I didn’t care for. Then braid refined some and got lots better. In open water for long casts nothing is better and a leader does well. The smaller reels like the President 20 do well with braid, no memory to deal with. Larger reels work better on rods with larger guides and the bigger drag will work a little better IF you keep them maintained. Mono worked better on 1000 series and larger due to memory more than anything else. I have a Browning Airstream 6’6” ul with very big guides and all things relative, it will cast longer than any other UL I have, very nice rod but hard to find. Braid tends to behave better with smaller guides and I’d like to be the guy that solves the tip wrap issue so common with braid, just nature of the beast. What I use that has me impressed is the Japanese braid in the smaller sizes. The Varivas braid in 4 lb strength is deceivingly strong for its size but being small it is not abrasion resistant. Some are coated different and behave better but a leader is used and eliminates the majority of these issues. The drag on your reel being smooth and set light makes a big difference. The line isn’t in the same price range as domestic but soooo worth the try if you pitch little baits or just enjoy the challenge. Most of my small rods wear it in 4 or 5.2 strength and I don’t lose many fish. I’ll also add that I’m not shy about throwing my jig at the base of a cypress with trash all around and overhead. All of the domestic braids have more resistance due to their size and won’t allow the same cast with a light jig. Sufix Nanobraid in 2lb is as good an option as I’ve found but mine was in dark green and hard to see for me.

I know I ramble but I hope this helps when you’re putting together a rod that will stay in your hand most of any given day.

[Cajuntec]

I love the spiderwire invisibraid but fray too easily. Sometimes my fingers would be rough from work and cause it to fray. I switch to K9 white 10lb and just as good and doesn’t fray. Why do you feel you need a leader?

Because I’ve tried it with and without a fluorocarbon leader and the catch rate was much greater with the leader (same lure, same depth)

[justinp61]

In the lakes I fish I see no difference with a leader on my braid. Maybe if I was fishing clear, shallow water I would.

[hdhntr]

I love my Sam Heaton SS 7 FOOT ROD paired w Shimano 1000 medium priced reel. Just don't stress it to much when snagged or it will break. Bnm CS gal sent replacement part quickly so that was impressive. Use 6 or 4 lb hi vis mr crappie mono and can navigate around brush around brush. Side or dock shoots well.



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[Wayne p]

do you use a leader or straight braid to jig?

Sorry, been a little busy. I usually tie a mono or fluro leader on, although I run hi-viz line in both mono and braid and it doesn't seem to matter to the fish. I've had bass slam my Mr. Crappie sausage head and joker body with hi - viz.



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[Eagle 1]

4lb. Stren for casting . (crappie or red ear ) K-9 6lb-8lb. for jigging . (crappie ) braid , bass only .