4lb mono

[BobC]

Gamma line is very nice, but that said it is very tough to beat Varvias.
Bob

[Slab Apprentice]

Stren for the win


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[Tom 513]

I tried several mono lines years ago and settled on Vicious 6lb Hi Vis, it has treated me better then most. When I spool a reel, I put a bolt through the spool and tighten it in my vise, making sure the line will come off counter clockwise, then I pinch the line with my thumb and fore finger and fill the reel. Another thing that works when your on the water, is to take your jig off (bare line) and while the boat is moving slowly let 50 yards or so out, cruse around and the water pressure will take the twist out.

[BobC]

Yep, those are tried and true.
Bob

[happycaster58]

I usually soak my spool in hot water (160 degrees) for about 10 minutes before I wind it on the reel. Seems to make it as limp as a noodle and no coils afterwards. Haven't had any issues with breakage either. WMMV.

[Kevin22]

I usually soak my spool in hot water (160 degrees) for about 10 minutes before I wind it on the reel. Seems to make it as limp as a noodle and no coils afterwards. Haven't had any issues with breakage either. WMMV.

I do the opposite. I spool like normal then take the spool off, remove the drag washers, and soak the whole spool in warm water. The line will form the memory of the spool you just put it on. On reels with expensive line i do this before a trip with all of them at once, on my cheapos (crappie maxx line) i just replace the line every few trips.

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[Smoltz]

I have to ask, you are spooling it on counter clockwise correct? spooling flat on floor line coming off spool counter clockwise going onto your spinning reel under tension between your finger tips.
Stren gold is about as soft as they come.. I have come to like vicious #4 as its thinner than most lines in the same breaking strength.


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[CrappiePappy]

I have to ask, you are spooling it on counter clockwise correct? spooling flat on floor line coming off spool counter clockwise going onto your spinning reel under tension between your finger tips.
Stren gold is about as soft as they come.. I have come to like vicious #4 as its thinner than most lines in the same breaking strength.


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I found Stren Gold to be stiffer than other 4# mono brands I've used. I used Stren Gold 4# for years before finding out about the "stretching" technique I use. Went to Vicious 6# hi-viz shortly afterwards & haven't looked back.

[skeetbum]

I have made the switch to 4# NANO line. It's kinda pricey but I like the zero stretch. Also crappie hook themselves while I am slow retrieving my lure.

I’m not sure which nano you’re using, I’ve used two. Nanofil and Sufix nanobraid. After being completely sold on Nanofil for a couple of years and just got tired of its inconsistent nature. Breaks in the middle of the line for no apparent reason was the worst one. It cast better than any other line I’ve ever used but it failed me too many times. Now the Sufix Nanobraid is a much better line but I only ever found it in a darker color and I had a hard time seeing it. Castability was good as was strength, both these that I used were mostly two pound but I did use it in heavier weights. I rate the nanobraid as the best domestic braid I’ve used in two pound strength.

For two pound mono, Stren Crappie was very good to me. Can’t find it anymore but it was good while it lasted. I’ve used, BPS store brand labeled offshore angler in four pound hi vis yellow for fifteen years and still have a spool in the shop. Overall it’s been the best and I’ve tried most every other mentioned so far. I break off sometimes and when the spool gets low I peel it off and start over.

Most all of my ultralight rods now wear a Varivas braid and a couple have the twitchmaster spoken of earlier. There’s no going back for me, and I find the price to be a wash. It lasts a long time and then I turn it around and start again. Casting is very good. My only issue with any small braid is abrasion resistance, and they all have very little. I solve this by using a two to six foot leader of four pound mono and never have any problems. The Varivas leader materiel in mono or flouro also both work well.