Questions on braid for sea fishing

[mithrandir]

I have just acquired some cheap braid, bright yellow and 60lb breaking strain. I am planning on using this for some beach casting and boat rods.

For the boat rod I am happy to use it, but the questions I am not too sure about are for beach casting.

1, I presume that as the breaking strain is similar to what I use for shockleader normally is it safe not to have a shockleader as I will be casting upto 5 oz leads?

2, I will still have a monofilament trace, might drop down to 50lb for that, and 20 lb snoods, should I use a rotten bottom type link if the weight attachment incase of snags or will the knot in the trace mono go first?

Thanks

Mike

[Lazarus]

Hi Mike,

I use 20lb braid as the reel line on my 6500 Abu Mag with the usual shock leader rig set up. I tried it on a big fixed spool but it came off in coils and tangled on the first rod eye causing crack offs.

[upnorth1]

you will still need a leader mate - believe me it will break!

If you're using braid on a multiplier for beach work - forget it...on a fixed spool it will be fine, but the problem with braid on a beach multiplier is the spool just can not take the strain. Braid will bed in on itself and begin to cut into the spool, and casting will be a nightmare - i've tried it - it's no good.

Put braid on a fixed spool with a rod rung for fixed spool, low rider rings are much better for braid - they stop it flying all over the place thus stopping 'air' knots...air knots are created when braid comes off the reel at pace, but then catches up with itself during the flight, and knots, if you've ever tried undoing knots from braid then you'll appreciate what a mare it is!

With low rider rings, the braid is kept constant and straight.

Stick to a good mono - your fishing will be hassle free!