For the last five or six years the amount of line options available to the bass angler has nearly quadrupled, offering claims of unmatched stretch reduction to complete and total indestructibility. As we speak, line manufactures are pouring millions upon millions of dollars into research, in a frantic attempt to create and market the next great “super-line”. With that said, it undoubtedly bears the question, “Which line is right for me?”
We’ll start with diameter. For the masses, packaging that advertises “super thin” will render an instant sale. Are “thin” lines really thinner? On nearly every package of line, there is, right next to the pound test number, a small decimal number. That number denotes in millimeters, actually tenths or hundredths of a millimeter, the average thickness of that pound test line. With that said, if thin is truly what you want, then select a pound test that suits you, then set out comparing the millimeter numbers to find the truly thinnest line. Next comes the issue of stretch. As of late, line stretch has been banished from nearly every brand of line, replaced by the words “ultra-low-stretch” or “no-stretch”. From the sales returns it is obvious that anglers can’t get enough of these types of lines. The wave of low stretch monos has only taken to the shelves of tackle shops in the past three or four years. They openly boast more firm, stronger hook-sets and fewer lost fish. Most of all they provide greater overall sensitivity. While all of this is very true, the question is whether or not some stretch is better than no stretch at all. My personal opinion revolves around some important issues. Number one is that some stretch provides for shock absorption, which can be an anglers best friend if the circumstances provide.
Example: Fish making last minute runs at the boat where only a very short length of line is out. That line stretch will buy you those precious extra few seconds to get to the bail or the spool release to get some more line out, thus avoiding the one that got away story entirely. My second observation is that stretch, in my opinion, gives certain lures, more specifically crankbaits, an action enhancement. Example: A wide wobbling, diving crankbait fished on stretchless piano wire type line will noticeably loose some of its “bass appeal”. Rather than lightly guided, it will look like its being dragged through the water. Finally, the shape of the line will play more a part in its casting and handling, rather than its action in the water. For the most part even today, monofilament line is when viewed head on, a perfect circle. However, there are several line companies experimenting with flattened, fly-line type line shapes, which when viewed head on will look like a wide, tapering oval. I have used one of these lines on a trial basis, and I will say this: It does not cast farther, nor is it more accurate. However, it lays much nicer on a spool and provides baitcast reel using anglers with a nearly backlash free day. It will lay higher out of the water, just like its fly line companion, and will drastically take depth off of any sub surface rig known to man.
One practical application: Topwater lures and this type of line, are very good bedfellows! From the way it lays on the water, to the way it stays out of the hooks of the topwater plug, in many cases I would take it over conventional spherical monofilaments. As for handling, that’s a personal choice that can only be made by trial and error. Its all about your preference, whether or not the line “feels right” to you. I will say this, in very few instances with monos, is there a right and wrong brand? I will however strongly urge you to stay away from the bottom shelf, bargain brands that offer five thousand yards for six bucks. The problem with these lines is usually inconsistent diameters and handling, as well as many nicks and abrasions that break down the strength of the line from right out of the package. I have personally settled upon two brands that include Gamakatsu’s new G-Power line, and Excalibur Silver Thread. This because they combine all the elements mentioned above in what I perceive as a “happy medium”.
On the other end of the line spectrum falls the braided “mega-lines” that for the most part, have been hyped more than a Don King fight in Las Vegas. They, upon their arrival, have boasted everything from “absolute zero stretch” to complete invulnerability to anything the fish and elements could throw at it, short of a global apocalypse. Granted, they do offer something awesome in the form of sheer strength and toughness, but they are not something brand new. Fly fisherman have been using braided type lines as backing on their reels for several years now. It’s only after a scientist at JWA, the makers of the popular Spiderwire, saw its potential as full-fledged fishing line did it began to attract attention. It’s no secret why it’s so tough though. It’s because all the materials in it are made by DuPont and were originally designed as the stitching and reinforcement on bulletproof vests. An interesting point of fact is that the actual name of the original braid, Spiderwire, is derived from the way that it is produced. Much like a spider spins a web, it is woven using a series of spinnerets. They tightly braid each strand of its components together to form a very compact single-strand, which is what anglers receive on the spool. This also explains its uncommonly high shelf price. It so happens that not only is the material used very expensive, but the process takes several hours just to produce one 150yd spool. Spectra, Specta2000, and Dacron are just a few of the new synthetic materials being used in the new line’s construction. Unlike monofilaments, these lines have a personality all their own when they hit the water. First off, they float! This will take some getting used to, and in some cases, rigs need to be adjusted to accommodate it.
I would also not recommend this line for a top-water application. It has a nasty habit of floating back around the lure when not being twitched and tangling itself in the hooks. Second, one has to have a keen eye to see when these lines do begin to deteriorate. They do not show the “pockmarks” or light colored slices that monofilament does. It merely begins to fray and unravel, thus significantly decreasing the line’s overall strength. Likewise, the line should be given a quick visual once over while reeling it in, and a thorough looking at near the last five or six feet. Also, a quick look at the knot wouldn’t hurt either. Keep in mind that because of the way they are produced it has all the qualities of a hacksaw when it comes in contact with rod and reel components, as well as body parts. Unless your rod has titanium or another similar material lining its guides, I would not recommend you use it without changing the guides or putting inserts in each guide. This is because in more than one instance, I have had it and have seen it make serious indentations and abrasions in rod guides. This also applies to line rollers on spinning and levelwinds on baitcast reels. Now, in fear of sounding like a salesman for JWA, I do prefer to use the reels that are advertised as for use with this type of line. Rods can vary as long as they have sufficient guides to resist abrasion. However, I don’t believe there are any reels besides those that are produced by JWA that can properly lay the line on the spool. The “cross-web” line wrap feature makes spools and levelwinds travel extra fast. Be sure not to allow the line to bury under itself causing fouling and backlashes. Unfortunately, there really is no way around this one. It’s patented, and they set the prices! A final tip on ways we can prepare our equipment for this type of line is to take a cotton swab, and place a coating of Turtle Wax on all the rod guides. One might ask why? Like boats, and surfboards wax protects the surface, and reduces the friction of line on metal. As far as this line being practical, I will say that it does have its applications. I cite flipping and pitching as one of them. You will be grateful for its pure strength when it comes time to start horsing hawgs out of some truly nasty cover. One can rest assure that the chances of this line being abraded from structure contact, provided you are not fishing razor blade plants, is absolutely minimal. Aside from that aspect, where ultra heavy cover comes into play, chances are the new advanced monos can take care of business. As far as the selection, due to a massive advertising campaign, ones braided line choices are very limited to say the least. As from what I have seen, we have been reduced to the JWA spider wire, and I believe Bass Pro Shops produce a “generic” braid sold in its catalogs.
With that said, I suggest taking your time with line selection, giving each a fair chance, and using what you’re comfortable with. Because only then will you be performing to your very best. And remember, “The line is the only link between you and the fish!”
See ya’ on the water…
