Braid or Mono for Swimbaits? Does it matter

[SPAZ]

I was wondering what the preference is for using swimbaits? I would prefer the use of braid so I can fit in more line to my reels but I will go this route only if it is recommended or a wash compared with mono. Thoughts?

[SwimbaitJoe]

the simple answer, is it does matter. Due to backlashes braid is best used as for wakebaits and floating swimbaits. when you backlash with mono there is enough stretch in the line to compensate for the stress of a ssuddenstop, but with braid, there is zero stretch and the line snaps. I lost two mattlures babybass and a missionfish on 65 lb powerpro before I figured that out

[fishin'vince]

i used braid almost exclusively this past spring with my swimbaits. it allowed for higher line capacity on a smaller, more comfortable reel and it longer casts. i used 6 feet of fluorocarbon to minimize line visibilty and to absorb the shock of hardcore swimbait fishing. i like the set up a lot. it worked great. on the rare backlash, however; you could feel the very strong jerk of the swimbait being suddenly stopped. on one occassion, my rod and reel flew out of my grip. my hands were wet and i had just applied scent to my swimbait. this made for a very slippery situation. i was lucky enough to snatch my rod and reel before it sank too deep. if you want to use braid, i say do it. it works great especially with a long shock leader. just watch the backlashes and keep your hands dry!

[Schuler]

Use braid, but not powerpro. I use 80 lb braid exclusively for muskie fishing. I had powerpro snap. Tuff-line XP will not. I've been using lures up to 14 oz for years and never had a breakoff with 80 lb tuff xp. Powerpro, stealth, and tuffline plus are a different story.

[Lightninrod]

I use 25# test Maxima for the heavier swimbaits and 20# test Seaguar CP fluro for the less heavy(under 3 ounces) swimbaits.


Dan

[oregonbassman]

I use 25# test Maxima for the heavier swimbaits and 20# test Seaguar CP fluro for the less heavy(under 3 ounces) swimbaits.


Dan

I agree on the above. I use Maxima 25# exclusively. It's never let me down.

Brian

[Lubina]

I use braid a lot but I don't like it for swimbaits, I go with P-Line Evolution 20-25 lbs.

[Texas_bullet]

I recently read a good book on swimbaits. They recommend that you do not tie the line directly, but rather use a good snap to connect to the SB. I launched a relatively light (Grande Bass Mutant creaturebait) into the next area code when the 30 lb braid broke at the tie upon a backlash (really, the line just dug into itself). Glad it wasn't one of my more pricey lures!

[oregonbassman]

I recently read a good book on swimbaits. They recommend that you do not tie the line directly, but rather use a good snap to connect to the SB. I launched a relatively light (Grande Bass Mutant creaturebait) into the next area code when the 30 lb braid broke at the tie upon a backlash (really, the line just dug into itself). Glad it wasn't one of my more pricey lures!

I've heard about problems with braid digging into itself. I usually tie directly to soft baits and use snaps to heavier wood baits. Maybe Matt can voice in on this?

Brian

[T Mike]

I like braid but not for swimbaits. I use 20lb Triple Fish X rated for small swimbaits and 25lb for the bigger stuff.

Mike

[davej]

I agree with mike... I have been using the Gama 15lb test on the 6" triple trout (1.5oz) type baits as I feel its just at the cusp before it effects the action and 20lb Gamma on the Wake Bait jr (3.1) oz size baits and 25lb test on the Huddleston and 1-Up 5.0oz + types baits

(disclaimer) I'm fishing clear lakes in NJ where my PB is 7lbs.. Cali, FL, TX etc very well might be a totally different story

[Mattlures]

Its all personal preference. I personaly HATE braid and I will only use a clip on a hardbait. I want as few negative cues as I can. Those big old smart fish can see that clip and they can definaty see braid.

[bassmaster_flex]

Two days ago, I saw my Mattlures baby bass fly farther than its ever gone. too bad it wasnt attached to my line. 50lb Power Pro.

Im switching back to mono or FC or my swimbaits.

[davej]

Two days ago, I saw my Mattlures baby bass fly farther than its ever gone. too bad it wasnt attached to my line. 50lb Power Pro.

Im switching back to mono or FC or my swimbaits.

Was it a knot slip?

[bassmaster_flex]

Two days ago, I saw my Mattlures baby bass fly farther than its ever gone. too bad it wasnt attached to my line. 50lb Power Pro.

Im switching back to mono or FC or my swimbaits.

Was it a knot slip?

Nope. CLean break of the line. Ill still use PP for frogs and slop fishing, but never with my Mattlures again. my brother in law was laughing at me.


Bass-turd.