PatinParkton : Fishing Forum Posts

Since Pete introduced me to frog fishing the Upper Bay I have been experimenting with line color. I too have wondered about the white background a fish must see looking up at a surface presentation.
This year I am using three identical frog outfits, each with a different line color: Spiderwire Ultracast Camo (brown-black-green); Spiderwire Ultracast Invisiline; PowerPro Green. Should be an interesting experiment!

I also can't live with the high cost and incredibly short spool life of 100% fluoro. I use 30# (or higher) Spiderwire fluorobraid for jigs; it's a sinking braid , small diameter (equal to 10# mono) for low visibility and long casts. I usually use a fluoro leader as well for an abrasion assist. Braid is very cost effective. Can fish the braid multiple seasons, then just reverse it on the spool for added life. Regarding the slackline bite issue, that's why they say 'tightlines'. If you want to stay with fluoro try the decent performer, lower cost Yozuri fluoro.

I am right handed and want my strongest arm on the rod. That's my right. Also don't want to switch casting arms on routine casts. All my reels (baitcasters and spinners) are left handed. Most reel manufacturers provide a decent selection of gear ratios in left handed reels, so that is no longer an issue.

I am going back to mono/copoly more and more. 30 years ago I used Stren Magnathin, Excalibur Silver Thread, Maxima,...... and loved em. Recently I have tried Sunline Mono and Izorline. Love them too. Caught plenty of fish on these lines. I have never been able to say that about any fluoro. So, going back to my old school roots and not looking back.

I used the Norman snaps the last few years, only minor issue was getting them on and off. Using Tactical Angler snaps this year. I also remove the o-ring when using a snap. Sometimes I will tie a loop knot instead of using a snap if I want a more finesse approach.

Hi Pete! Do you remember the 10 lb class Spring fish you caught on a wacky senko off Stump Pt? I was with you that day a few years back. You caught it on "old 6 lb test line (fluoro?) on a broken spinning reel". Fluoro certainly worked for you that day! But I won't use it as a main line. To me it's akin to using a strand of fiberglass for fishing line. I use braid/fluoro on most of my outfits and sprinkle in some copoly from Maxima, Sunline, or Gamma where braid/fluoro does not work. If I need a sinking line I use TUF, 832, or Fluorobraid with a fluoro leader. After 10+ years I gave up trying to make fluorocarbon work as a main line. Initially braid does cost the same as fluoro, but it lasts all season, then I reverse it for a second season, so it is much more cost effective. Yes, I am signed up as a Rapala VIP. Prices, however, appear higher than TackleWarehouse's. Thanks for your message!
Pat

Pete,
What is the access code for the Rapala VIP registration?
Thanks

Hi Pete,

Wow, big difference using that access code to get VIP status.! Prices are way below anywhere else. Thanks, I will make good use of it. Hey, want to do some froggin with you this summer.

Pat

I don't like the handling, breakage vulnerability, and high cost of fluorocarbon. Pros recommend respooling for each trip. Here's my quick cost workup to do such:

15 outfits for moving baits; 50 yds per outfit; 3 trips per week; 40 weeks per year = 90,000 yards needed

Sunline FC Sniper 15 lb price for 1000yd spool is $149 at TW; 90,000 yards costs $13,410 per year
Seagur InvisX 14 lb price for 1200 yd spool is $122 at TW; 90,000 yards costs $9,150 per year
Sufix Adv 14 lb VIP price for 1200 yd spool is $70; 90,000 yards costs $5,250 per year

I am retired, can't deduct this cost as a business expense, and am not sponsored by a line company. Also consider the environmental impact of disposing of 90,000 yards of line. Given the extremely high cost, time spent changing line, and the huge negative environmental impact of line disposal, (not to mention the hassle of using the stuff), why would any amateur fisherman want to use fluorocarbon?

Sure, Pete. I don't guide or fish tournaments any more, but I do fish 100 days or more a year from my BassCat . I use braid/fluoro for most of my outfits, casting and spinning. But there are many "Pro" statements recommending changing out main line fluoro everyday, or even after a few hours use (Aaron Martens). (see current Bass Times for other examples). I can see 20 lb fluoro being more forgiving, but the slightest nick in 10 lb or lighter and you are in for a big disappointment when you least need it. I'm glad you mentioned fluoro's sinking characteristics as the attraction. I get that. But most people laud the low visibility as a primary reason for using it. Consider this: a fish detects an object through sight and through their lateral line. Fluoro may be less visible (debatable in sunny conditions due to the documented fiber optic flashing down the line), but it is certainly more detectable by the fish's lateral line given the much larger diameter/water displacement compared to braid. So I think fluoro's "invisibility" is a bit over promoted. Does it offer some advantages, absolutely, but it is sustainable in lighter lb tests without frequent changing, I don't think so. Braids offer less stretch and better tight line sensitivity than fluorocarbon. I use sinking braids with fluoro leader, and various copolymer lines (Maxima, Silver Thread, Magnathin....I am over 70 and old school!) instead of fluorocarbon main line. I do confess, however, to using 20-25 lb fluoro for flipping for its abrasion resistance and less snags around wood, but that is my only main line fluoro application. Bottom line, beware of the hype and use what works for you!

Good to hear your comments, Pete. I did not know of Aaron's health issues and wish him a speedy recovery. He is a tackle extremist, and a highly successful one. Picks things apart to the nth degree. I tend to follow his thinking but don't like to and wish I didn't have to! Would love to just throw some goat rope, but the gin clear MD reservoirs are so pressured. I also fish the tidal flats and love just throwing the heavy stuff, line and tackle there. Curiously, recently (before they shut us down) I was throwing 17 lb fluorescent (my eyes are bad!) Gamma on the reservoirs and getting the same number of bites as on 6 lb test. I don't know what to think! It's what makes this sport so interesting. I think, when things resume, that I'll be throwing a lot more 17 lb and less 6. In the meantime I am overhauling the boat trailer for my electric waters only boat. Found 3 electric lakes open in PA and not many people on them . Hope I can trailer to them without getting turned around! Best Wishes.

Please send it to me! Thanks

With all the holiday sales of 30 to 40% off name brand fluorocarbon lines, I am tempted to really stock up. But I am concerned the line will be stale in 3 to 6 months. What is the shelf life of fluorocarbon line (assuming properly stored)?

A year has past since my last rant against fluorocarbon line. I must say I have changed my tune a bit! Pete alerted me to the 40% discount off Sufix lines and I bought 300 yd spools of every pound test from 6 to 25. I adopted Pete's advice on changing line less frequently, but only after using the Sufix Advanced Fluorocarbon for a few weeks and seeing little wear. I can honestly say it's the best non-braid line I have ever used and have about six outfits spooled up with it. Very little memory, long casts, etc to go along with the established benefits touted for the stuff. I'm especially fond of 12 and 14 lb tests. Now, I have not retried any of the big name brands I previously fished, and I would probably have the same negative opinion if I did. But that Sufix Advanced is the real deal and has changed my outlook.

Loved the characterization of Fluoro as "Satan's Butt Hair". Can't stop laughing about that one. I shared that opinion for many years. It is overhyped and expensive, (and many who hype it are so sponsored.) Last year I tried Sufix Advanced Fluorocarbon. Pete Gluszek reminded me of our 40% BASSU member discount at Rapala, so the expense argument is gone. But the really good news is that this line is great. I used every lb test from 6 to 20, fell in love with 12 lb test , and highly recommend it. Remember, I have been a staunch fluoro critic, but really like this brand. Check it out!