USING POWER PRO ON A SPINNING REEL

[Dying to Fish]

HI EVERYONE Going down to the Tampa Bay area in mid June. Lost a couple of BIG SNOOK last year on pilings going to try some POWER PRO this year 15lb. or 20lb. Wondering how to put it on a spinning reel. Should I put mono backing or use straight POWER PRO. :rolleyes:

[Gilly21]

Definately want some backing. 12 or 15 lb should do.

[FISHCOUNSELOR]

I use both,, 15# is 4# diameter,, 20# is 6# diameter,, Gilly21 is right you must use mono
backing to prevent slippage

[bassvamp]

DONT DO IT! if Power Pro gets ONE broken fiber in it like from rubbing against an oyster bar or barnacles it will snap like 2# test! stick with mono and use a heavy flouro leader, tie direct-no swivels or snaps. Only advantages of PP is that you get a thinner diameter and no line stretch. This is better for casting distance, and hooksets/sensitivity. If you over load your rod and reel with say 20# PP on a reel that is rated for 12# test on a medium rod rated t6he same you are begging to snap a rod and strip the reel unless you set the drag at about 8#.
If you want to use PP and hammer down the drag so the snook never get to the pilings in the first you better have a reel and rod that can handle the heavier drag setting- Say like a 6500!

[bassvamp]

DONT DO IT! if Power Pro gets ONE broken fiber in it like from rubbing against an oyster bar or barnacles it will snap like 2# test! stick with mono and use a heavy flouro leader, tie direct-no swivels or snaps. Only advantages of PP is that you get a thinner diameter and no line stretch. This is better for casting distance, and hooksets/sensitivity. If you over load your rod and reel with say 20# PP on a reel that is rated for 12# test on a medium rod rated t6he same you are begging to snap a rod and strip the reel unless you set the drag at about 8#.
If you want to use PP and hammer down the drag so the snook never get to the pilings in the first you better have a reel and rod that can handle the heavier drag setting- Say like a 6500!

[fishwrangler]

ahhh the debate begins. to use or not to use!! I have used it for snook down in FLA and love it. I use it up here as well and love it. I use backing on my reels. However, I have seen people use doublesided tape on the spool and then fill it with PP and it wont slip.

[Brian E. Mullaney]

I side with bassvamp on this one - Power Pro is at it's best when you need extra distance on casts.

16lb trilene XT would be my choice with a 20lb fluro leader.

But go with whatever you feel more condfident with. Good luck on them snookies!

[channel runner]

Dying to fish, I just spooled up my 4500 with 50lb spiderwire which is just like the powerpro.50lb is=to 8lb diameter. I kept about a quarter of a spool of 20lb mono for backing and put the whole 150yd spool on mine and it fit perfect.I love the stuff.I had a bass on a dropoff that I know would have snapped the mono but the spider hung tough.I don't know if you will be using live bait to snook fish but I would definitly use a barrell swivel to prevent twists if you are using mono.With the spiderwire and power pro there is no memory at all which is the main reason I bought it. I was using mono on my line and drifting herring without a swivel and I had line twist so bad I ended up with a rats nest.I recomend the polamar knot with powerpro and spider wire. that knot seems to work for me but it can be a little hard to cinch up because of the teflon coating.Even when you wet it it tends to cinch up wright away. What I did was pull on the end insted of both and it cinched tight. I still use a heavy floracarbon leader and a swivel.You have nothing to loose but more fish if you don't try it.So give it a try and then you can form your own opinion. Good luck in Florida

[Dying to Fish]

Thanks for all the info on POWER PRO. Going to give it a shot down in FLORIDA. Going to use 20lb. test and back it up with 20lb. mono. Thanks again guys. Dying to Fish. :D

[geekedup]

I just used 20 lb power pro in Biscayne Bay on friday with a shimano stradic 4000 and a 7 ft med rod, set to 5 lb's of drag and landed a 20 lb jack crevalle which is far stronger than a snook. If you get wrapped around a piling, it's not going to matter much what your using.

[Bob ECT]

Power Pro offers very little abrasion resistance.

By far the best line I've found for abrasion resistance is fireline.

[HEY JUDE]

channel runner - I think 50lb. PowerPro is equivalent to 12lb. mono in diameter and I have had far fewer problems with Fireline than I do with PowerPro. I use 50lb. of both.

[channel runner]

HEY JUDE, I havent tried the power pro but I haven't heard one good thing mentioned about it.I allmost bought it but it only came in 150yd spools and 20lb max were I was shopping.(wallmart)
I wanted a bigger diameter so I didnt need as much backing and 50lb spider wire was a bigger diameter.The diameter for the 20lb powerpro was 8lb diameter and I would have needed alot of backing to fill the reel. Do you think the fireline is good? Maybe I will spool up my other rod with that.

[Dr. Bass]

I use PP. No backing at all. Just spin a touch less. It's more expensive but the best way to go. I never trust the backing to braid knot. Lost a few biggies on the surf that way. I have had two break offs with PP in two years. One large bass at the barrel swivel(my fault) and one I have no idea what happened(that could have been from abrasion). I do use the 50 almost all the time, that could be the reason for me not seeing the abrasion stuff. If I plan on throwing a 1/4 or 3/16 I will pick up my 30 pound set-up. Good luck

[Chtrugs]

Yea..PP is awesome for casting distance..have used it quite a few times in SIC..when theres alot of wind and grass..ya know ..I`m gonna try that double sided tape thing that sounds cool..Thanks fellas and good luck this year..haven`t been out there yet but am definetly getting to the beeches soon

[del-bay mudder]

PP is not the answer for distance,12-17 mono with 50lb. shocker will out throw pp anywhere. PP also will give alot more brake offs when you really jump on it for distance casting , where a mono shock will last all day. do you think the 700-800 ft cast are set with pp ? NOT!! just my 2 cents. But i have never been out thrown by someone with PP!

[e/j]

I use power pro on both spinning & conventional no problems.
I don't know what you talking about when you mention slippage.Is the drag going out? Is the line going out but not the drag?
I also understand they use tape between the backing and the power pro to prevent the small diameter of the p/p from cuting down into the backing during a backlash but why would it have to be double sticky.
Thanks and have a great day.

[ 05-19-2004, 09:06 PM: Message edited by: e/j ]

[HEY JUDE]

The slippage is the line going out and the spool not turning. The whole mass of line turns or slips on the spool.

[junkmansj]

Been using PowerPro for years now have had very few breakoffs that would not have happened to mono also
have caught stripers to 35# and a 60# drumfish in the surf on P-P. Casting distance is great!

the reason they use mono and not PowerPro for distance is thats the rules, its not allowed!

[ 05-20-2004, 05:47 AM: Message edited by: junkmansj ]

[e/j]

Originally posted by HEY JUDE:
The slippage is the line going out and the spool not turning. The whole mass of line turns or slips on the spool. Thanks for the reply. I have never notice it before,I'll have to pay more attention.

[del-bay mudder]

what do you call great for distance? my backyard/field is marked off in feet, i can throw the mono better than braids.

[bassvamp]

Originally posted by del-bay mudder:
what do you call great for distance? my backyard/field is marked off in feet, i can throw the mono better than braids. If that is true then I would bvet you are using a different rod and reel. I just can't believe that identical rods and reels laying side by side with the same tension on the spool and the same weight you can throw the mono further.
Braid is thinner-cuts the wind better, has no memory -so there's no mono coils that you are slapping against the guides, its slicker-less friction than mono, and has no stretch-now you are really loading the rod and NOT the mono!
I'm no competetive caster or even close but I do know I can cast at least 50 % further just swapping spools on my spinners from mono tto braid.
LOOK OUT RICKY YOU GOT COMPETITION! :rolleyes:

[Dr. Bass]

I agree with Vamp here. Braid just casts farther, common knowledge. You must have some unusual variable going on. But either way, hey man you should go mono then. What kind of fish to you catch in your backyard :D ??

[Ledge Fever]

I was a braid doubter until trying power pro last spring. Its low to no memory and thin diameter make for great casting. As for abrasion resistance I fish a lot of dock lights at night for bass and weaks and have yet to be busted off on a piling, as a matter of fact I have difficulty just cutting the 20lb with a knife. I would have to disagree with the abrasion resistance theory as related to diameter. The reason most use braid is for more strength with less diameter=less air resistance, water resistance and visibility etc. Go get some 8lb mono and test it against PP 8lb diameter and there is no comparison. It also excells at bottom fishing with thin diameter=light weights= more feel. I always back it with mono or double sided tape and have recently located 300 yard spools at the new cabela's in Pennsyl. The price was about 1/3 less than would be expected. When jigging or plugging I still tie a fluoro leader directly to the PP. This is not a plug for power pro but for braid in general. Im sure they all perform well but PP just happens to be the braid I chose to try out. Good luck in Florida!

[Ledge Fever]

[ 05-22-2004, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: Ledge Fever ]

[FISHCOUNSELOR]

Not only does PP ,, (braid ) cast further,, the ability to feel anything touch your line is incredible,, it is so sensitive its amazing,, CHANNEL RUNNER-- i haven't heard anything bad about PP,, i switched 5 years ago ,, never go back ,, uh oh -- never say never,, also i used spider wire and hated it ,, constantly digging into spool ,, maybe it has been inproved-- don't know ,, didn't care for fireline either,, i use 30#, 20# and 15 #,, my buddy swears by the lightest ,, i think its 10#,, i always use a flourocarbon leader,, no snaps ,, small barrel swivel connects PP to leader,, i use spro

[Chtrugs]

When ya talk about memory..in the line...whats that?..I think I have an idea..but set me straight guys! Thanks

[fishwrangler]

Originally posted by geekedup:
I just used 20 lb power pro in Biscayne Bay on friday with a shimano stradic 4000 and a 7 ft med rod, set to 5 lb's of drag and landed a 20 lb jack crevalle which is far stronger than a snook. If you get wrapped around a piling, it's not going to matter much what your using. AHHH you got a nice bone crusher there. How long did it take to land that baby? I was catching 5-10 lbers and had a ball with them. I saw 2 fish in the 15-20 lb class surfing the breakers. I was actually worried to catch one of those babies, they have been known to blow up rods and reels.

Nice report!!

[eelball]

Chtrugs,
Did you ever notice when mono comes off the spool that it still has the spool shape? that be memory. You won't see that with braids. I've been using the new Stren braid and have had far less wind knots with it.

[Dr. Bass]

Eeball

Good to know, might have to try it. Can you cast an 1/8 ounce into the wind with a 20-30 pound test??

[Sergeant Slough]

Originally posted by del-bay mudder:
PP is not the answer for distance,12-17 mono with 50lb. shocker will out throw pp anywhere. PP also will give alot more brake offs when you really jump on it for distance casting , where a mono shock will last all day. do you think the 700-800 ft cast are set with pp ? NOT!! just my 2 cents. But i have never been out thrown by someone with PP! An argument could be made that there is not a great difference on a conventional (even that would be a shaky position) but on a spinner, the difference between mono and braid is substantial and undeniable.

My 13 year old son cast at the Sportcast Regionals in April. He was throwing a Ben Doerr St. Croix with a Daiwa Tournament S6000T (spinner) loaded with 8lb mono (.28mm diameter) throwing 125 grams (4.1 oz). He was disappointed with his distance. (353 ft) He was throwing 35 to 40 feet shorter with the mono than he does with braid.

For me the difference is twice that.

I use a 20lb PP running line and a 50lb PP shock leader. I would estimate I get over 150 casts out of a leader before I feel a suspicion I should re-tie. I've broke more rods with a PP shocker than the shockers themselves. If anything it places more stress on your equipment. I've bent my share of Emblem main shafts too from not returning the spool to the bottom of its cycle before casting.

I'll go head to head with ya . . . smile.gif

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Surf-N-Land Surf Fishing Club 15th Annual Tournament - June 5th at Brigantine
Info on the BassBarn's "Tournaments (http://www.thebassbarn.com/tournaments.htm)" page

[Sergeant Slough]

double post

[ 05-27-2004, 09:03 PM: Message edited by: Sergeant Slough ]

[Dr. Bass]

Eeball

Good to know, might have to try it. Can you cast an 1/8 ounce into the wind with a 20-30 pound test??

[rustyhook]

Hey Slough, can I play to?

[Sergeant Slough]

Originally posted by rustyhook:
Hey Slough, can I play to? NO! you stay away . . . I can't beat you.

And keep that grandson away too, he'll outfish us all again!

------------------

Surf-N-Land Surf Fishing Club 15th Annual Tournament - June 5th at Brigantine
Info on the BassBarn's "Tournaments (http://www.thebassbarn.com/tournaments.htm)" page

[njfisher]

Rustyhook,

Can I watch you play?

[SURF GHOST]

Originally posted by njfisher:
Rustyhook,

Can I watch you play? Don't forget the Umbrella !!!!--- :D -- SG

[zombie woof]

Sergeant Slough mentions using 20# pp running line with a 50# shocker..... I've been using pp for 5 years and love the stuff. Most issues of the lines behavior I have overcome by stepping up to the next pound test, use 30# instead of 20# it's still very thin. I use electrical tape, not double sided? then fill completly with pp. It lasts for years by adding a sufficient amount of backing when needed. Line put on one rod 5 years ago is still being used on another rod reversed with some backing. The initial 300 yds. purchased then would have been replaced at least 10 times in those 5 years. Expensive up front but economical long term.
---------my original reason of response here is the 50# pp shocker. For example , for me 50#-65# pp with 60# mono shocker works well on the beach. The 60# mono withstands the energy and force of the cast and I can grab the leader with bare hands to drag a fish up without harm. Now if pp has no stretch ( or shock strength) why would use it as a shocker? Not to mention grabing the leader.

[Sergeant Slough]

Originally posted by njfisher:
Rustyhook,

Can I watch you play? You watch him and ya just shake your head . . . He makes it look too easy.

It's not just the application of power; it's knowing when to hit it!

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Surf-N-Land Surf Fishing Club's 15th Annual Tournament - June 5th at Brigantine
Info on the BassBarn's "Tournaments (http://www.thebassbarn.com/tournaments.htm)" page

[Sergeant Slough]

Originally posted by zombie woof:
Sergeant Slough mentions using 20# pp running line with a 50# shocker..... I've been using pp for 5 years and love the stuff. Most issues of the lines behavior I have overcome by stepping up to the next pound test, use 30# instead of 20# it's still very thin.And that's fine for the majority of situations. The configuration I was talking about has as its main purpose, maximizing distance. On a spinner, the primary distance robbing effect is friction on the lip of the spool. With PowerPro, especially at 6lb diameter, you are effectively getting the first 50 + yards free; there is no appreciable decrease in line level for at least the first 50 yards (depending on spool size and shape).

IN MY OPINION this effect is true only if you use a breaking strength of PowerPro about equal to the mono the set up is rated for; exchanging 17lb mono with 50lb PP is not reaping the distance qualities of the line.
There are so many other qualities to PowerPro that in many applications such a trade off is acceptable. It is always a compromise; what are you willing to give up to get what you want?


Originally posted by zombie woof:
---------my original reason of response here is the 50# pp shocker. For example , for me 50#-65# pp with 60# mono shocker works well on the beach. The 60# mono withstands the energy and force of the cast and I can grab the leader with bare hands to drag a fish up without harm. Now if pp has no stretch ( or shock strength) why would use it as a shocker? Not to mention grabing the leader. I have used the Powerpro / PowerPro setup for years; it reduces significantly the size of the knot and I transfer more energy to the rod during load-up.

I think that the term "shock leader" is a misnomer. When a cast (especially with a surf rod) is properly executed, the build-up of power (the loading of the rod) should be a gradual undertaking. With what I term a "high energy cast" there is no sudden "shock" per se; the drop, the distance from the tip of the rod to the weight, is long (which slows the casting motion down). Generally the drop is at least half the length of the rod. With that long of a lever, the progression of power is gradual and can be constantly increased to release.

The heavier lb test "shock leader" is needed just to withstand the the centrifugal force upon the sinker during the cast. A 5 ounce weight swinging 200+ mph on a radius of 15+ feet "weighs" on the order of 40+ lbs.

As for leadering, I use an old sharker's trick; an oversized swivel at the top of the rig gives me the handhold I need.

---------------------

Surf-N-Land Surf Fishing Club 15th Annual Tournament - June 5th at Brigantine
Info on the BassBarn's "Tournaments (http://www.thebassbarn.com/tournaments.htm)" page

[zombie woof]

Thanks for the response. You begin to realize there are so many ways to get the desired result. Ken

[Cardshop]

I fish with 50# power pro and it is great, but there are some bad points to consider too:

Blue fish can easily see the power pro. Many times they will bit right thru the line when they are schooled up.

Wind knots are a problem.

Exploded one rod while fishing for Drum.

Need to change the leader frequently if you are like me. I like to secure the hook to an eyelet when transporting the rod. The line will weaken at the rod tip where it bends.

Power Pro is not 100% uniform when coming right out of the box. You have to watch for spots in the line that were't coated properly or are just weaker areas.

Wind knots are a problem, especially with new line.

You can't bite power pro. Nail clippers don't usually work. Need a good knife.

PRICY. Costs more that a gallon of gas(At least for now).

Casts too far as the stripers are mainly in close.

Did I mention wind knots, especially with spinning reals.

[med]

I have been fishing power-pro for 3 yrs...I think the extra "feel" is worth the increase in price....there are a few adjustments that you have to make when fishing any braid...first you have to be more conscious of your line and how it winds on the reel...make sure it lays properly and there are no loops before you cast...usually a pull before the cast will straighten it out...that should keep the wind knots to a minimum...when it comes to cutting braid, I use a pair of small scissors made for kids by fiskars..they cost about $3.00 and work great...spray with a little WD40 once and a while..im on my third season with the same pair....broken rods are the result of not understanding that you no longer have a shock absorber in the mono line...if you set the hook or tighten down the drag and the fish runs...the line doesnt "give" at all, placing all the stress on your rod and "BANG"....loosen up on the drag a bit...let the fish run...and dont try to grab the line while a fish is on...it cuts like a razor...Ive got the scars to prove it...LOL...

[fmTuna]

I use PP on just about every reel I own and really prefer it over mono for all inshore applications.... offshore, I use a couple hundred yards of it for backing with 150-250 yds of mono topshot depending on the reel.

Funkyest thing that ever happened to me with it was last year in Rhode Island throwing metal off the rocks. I must have gotten a little wind knot about 75 yards into the spool and not noticed, reeling the rest of the line over it. On the next cast, the friction of the PP peeling off the reel was so intense against the loop that it literally melted the loop, fusing some to the rest of the line on the spool and separating the line (by by Hopkins)... little black ball of melted PP on the stub end of the line that smelled like burning hair....