Thread: I have Trolling with braided line question

I have braid on several of my long rods that I use to Push jigs/cranks with (30lb test braid / 10lb mono diameter). These rods have line counter reels and the friend I bought them from had put this size braid on them for calibration purposes. I have a couple of long rods that have line counter reels that I bought new & they have 20lb test mono on them. And to answer your question .... yes, I do use mono leaders on all of them (6lb test). I use 20# test duo lock clips to hold the trolling weights onto the main lines and on the other end of the trolling weights to hold the leader's loop knot. I keep a selection of pre-made leaders with jigheads wrapped around a section of Pool Noodle so I can quickly change out whenever I happen to snag up and lose a bait.

If you intend to use 10lb braid tied directly to your baits, then I'd suggest getting the rod pointed back towards the snag as quick as possible so as not to stress your rod (or break it). I'd also suggest setting the drag on your reels a little looser than you might normally have them, just in case you get snagged while your attention is not on your rods (esp. if you're longline trolling) Otherwise ... I suggest using a 2-3ft leader in 6lb test clear mono.

My question to you is why? Why would you use braid? Nothing is gained really. Do three pound Crappie break my 6lb. Mono.....no. Does having 6lb. Mono lines break when I run over a brush pile save my much much more expensive rods... yes. Braid.....a more expensive costlier option in my humble opinion.

Visual of line main reason . I have different colors on different rods. I got this braid off amazon cheaper than Mr. Crappie mono. I may end up getting what I paid for. Time will tell. I am trying different stuff because when I long line I have trouble seeing the lines. Even the high vis mono lines a lot of time. The line breaking is why I was asking about a leader. I was thinking about using 4# or 6# test mono. So it would break off if I got snagged


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

this is what I got


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

I used braided line at first but switch back to mono. Be careful which braid you use because some braid float better when using jigs. I think the braid with slick coating have floating attributes which means jigs will ride higher than other. Always text to see when jigs riding bottom.

I am just trying something and see if it’s easier to see.


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com

I am with ink on this one.... Why? If you are like me you will encounter a lot of brush (most times i aim for them) so all that rigging with leaders and what not takes to much valuable time to get back in the water. The more time your jig is out the water the less time it is where it needs to be

also with that braid you best hope you don't get into a mess of stripers they will wagon train you for sure and make one heck of a mess out of your setup !!!! if you are having problems with seeing you line with hi-vis give this a try ; you only have to do one rod to see if it works for you !!! paint the tip of your rod from the tip down about 12 to 15 inches flat white then using hi-vis line , see if that don't help you with seeing the line !!!! every new rod I buy I paint the tips flat white and I only use vicious hi-vis 6lb test line !!!! also if you night fish them white tips will stick out sore thumb !!!!