Stripers and Power Pro

[zar2754]

I have been converted from mono to power pro from some friends and i will never go back as far as bottom fishing and cast fishing is concerned, however i have some concerns as i may respool my striper set-up with 30lb PP, some have told me that the stretch in mono limits the amount of breakoffs. as for braid has no stretch , you must compensate by setting the drag to around 7lbs or so...is that the correct drag conversion?also the risk of being sliced into by braid is much higher while striper fishing (i.e. excessive runoffs).... is the braid worth using? i know it has proven it self to me on multiple occasions...or should i just stick the mono for the fall run????

[hyperstriper]

i use powerpro on all of my striper outfits. I have an avet MX spooled w/ 50 lb power pro that i use for livelining bunker, eels, chunking etc and haven't had any problems.

[BaitLobber]

Use braid for everything except drifting in a boat.....your not going to break free from a snag! Set your drag so that you don't break the pole, not the line;) . Also, I'm having very good results with Berkley FireLine (30lb) while tossing 1 1/2 to 3 ounce spoons / plugs. It is a bit stiffer than PP at first, but it breaks in after a trip or two and I no longer get the annoying wind knots. To each, their own, don't be afraid to experiment.

[zar2754]

does setting the drag to around 7lbs for 30lb test on a 6'6 med-heavy action rod sound about right?

[mini ike]

i am interested in braid too but dont really have alot experience with palomar knots and dont really trust them so what knot to use?

[MyMistress]

I started using power pro this spring when fishing for Stripers. Only issue I have with it over mono, is that when you do get a knot or tangle in it, it is very difficult to work out. Usually end up cutting it out. But I had no issues with breakoffs or lost fish, and I work my drag the same as if I had mono. Tested this spring by two 30+ pound stripers while at anchored in LE Inlets current.

[capt. ed]

Fireline and Palomar knot. Only way to go.

[sirfixalot]

palomar knots are fine...almost 100% as far as breaking strength, and rediculously quick and easy to tie....ill never switch back from powerpro.....i can feel my baits getting nervious before the bass even strikes!

[fisher224]

The only thing I like braid for is fishing streight down in deep water. I do not like braid for most forms of fishing due to its lack of stretch. Stretch is your friend!!!!! You will loose less fish with mono.

[BaitLobber]

I started using power pro this spring when fishing for Stripers. Only issue I have with it over mono, is that when you do get a knot or tangle in it, it is very difficult to work out. Usually end up cutting it out. But I had no issues with breakoffs or lost fish, and I work my drag the same as if I had mono. Tested this spring by two 30+ pound stripers while at anchored in LE Inlets current.Give the Fireline a try, the knots don't get as tight unless you pull them really hard. You can typically work the loops back through the knots much easier that PP.

[Bill Couch]

Don't use the stuff for my style of fishing in the back. Have had three different people with me using it and broke fish off. I buy the spools of big game that hold 600yrds plus depending on lb test, you can put new line on once a month all summer for under 10 bucks.

[CapeMayRay]

I'm with you Bill. For throwing small jig heads. light poppers and swimmers that other stuff seems to peel off your reel. I have charters that bring it and it seem like they all spend a lot of time getting tangles out or re spooling. Miss too much fishing time for me. For bottom fishing and heavier lures I would guess it is great.

With charters the mono is much more forgiving with those who don't fish much and they don't seem to miss many fish with the stretch.

[Scanda2]

Bottom line, lot's of people using PP these days. Last fall used the 30 with drag set at 7 pounds. First rips fish of season was a 32 incher that pulled very hard and peeled drag three times. While 7 pounds sounds light, I have to tell you that I still had this fish at the boat and in the net in 5 minutes. Use a good reel and keep the drag functioning well.

Can't wait to get another invite to fish on Sea Biscuit!

[zar2754]

Can't wait to get another invite to fish on Sea Biscuit!


anytime , we'll actually put u on the meat this time! we found a nice little hot spot

[junkmansj]

Mono has 17% Stretch, if your bait is 100 FT away you need to pull 17FEET to come up tight. Power pro is about 3% .Once you get used to it you will have no problems. Throwing plugs with PP, all you have to do is remove slack on spool by gently pulling on the line before you reel.

I have been using PowerPro for 4-5 years and have only had Minor Probs. It will wear from rubbing on shells, structure Etc, but so will mono. I use the Improved clinch knot for braid and Mono I take TWO turns around the twisted part instead of one

[wahoo26]

Fireline and Palomar knot. Only way to go.
i second that

[capt. ed]

anyone espousing mono over braid for light tackle casting has obviously not tried the braid. I've met no one, and I mean no one...who doesn't prefer braid over mono for casting lures. feel free to prove me wrong, I'm sure some guys just won't switch, but there is NO REASON not to use braid for light tackle stuff. I use 10 lb Fireline on the Susky Flats in April and regularly land 30+ lb stripers. I've caught many of Tiderunners on the same, and we all know where the name "Weakfish" comes from. Set your drag, be aware of what you're doing with your hookset, and braid is always superior to mono. Only thing I use mono for is trolling big heavy stuff where a sudden slam from a whopper will break you off or tax your tackle.

Yes I said TEN POUND Fireline. Why do you all feel the need for 30 lb Power Pro? You catching 50 pound flounder in the Delaware Bay?!

[DEEP POCKETS]

anyone espousing mono over braid for light tackle casting has obviously not tried the braid. I've met no one, and I mean no one...who doesn't prefer braid over mono for casting lures. feel free to prove me wrong, I'm sure some guys just won't switch, but there is NO REASON not to use braid for light tackle stuff. I use 10 lb Fireline on the Susky Flats in April and regularly land 30+ lb stripers. I've caught many of Tiderunners on the same, and we all know where the name "Weakfish" comes from. Set your drag, be aware of what you're doing with your hookset, and braid is always superior to mono. Only thing I use mono for is trolling big heavy stuff where a sudden slam from a whopper will break you off or tax your tackle.

Yes I said TEN POUND Fireline. Why do you all feel the need for 30 lb Power Pro? You catching 50 pound flounder in the Delaware Bay?!

I agree with you Capt Ed, my brother caught an 8 lb flattie at the Og's on 15 lb Fireline this past weekend and I've landed some nice fish down the flats on 15 lb power pro, just have to have your drag set right.

[Bill Couch]

Capt. Ed not everyone is fishing in the exact same circumstances. I have used braid when fishing with others who have it on their rods, yes it is more sensative than mono. And yes you can cast a mile if you like. But I am not trying to throw baits to the horizon, I am making short casts to specific targets and using my free hand to slow down the lure like you would thumb a casting reel. The braid is not finger freindly when it comes to this. Also I fish at night, if you have fished at night you know how crazy bass get when you hit them with the headlight and trying to grab the line or leader is asking for trouble with braid. Most people like braid because it increases the feel they get but many are using slower action rods. I have no complaints with detecting bites when using my Loomis rods. If I were fishing jettys or barnacle covered structure maybe I would be breaking off more fish, I don't, the only thing that happens in my case is breaking off the hooks from the original manufacturer if I forget to upgrade.
I put my experience up on this because too many people hear that braid is the answer to all their problems when in reality we all have different situations. Besides 30 bucks for line? Thats a brand new throwaway spinning reel:D .

[capt. ed]

Agreed Bill.I find myself reminding folks all the time about keeping their fingers out of the braid. Good point. The finger cutting quality of braid is one drawback, as it trying to untangle a good birds nest. These are heavily outweighed by the sensitivity and ease of handling when casting lures for my type of fishing. If was was running a headboat and carrying novice anglers everyday, I'd be using mono - for sure.

[chunkmaster john]

Hi captain ED, Iagree with you noyour thoughts,we use pp on all our outfits never had any problems. Can,t wait till fall to get back for those cows.Hope your having a good summer,john later!!!:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Scanda2]

I concur with previous post - have never had knot failure with PP using the improved clinch knot - do not rely on standard clinch knot especially if using 20 Lb line.

[Brian E. Mullaney]

Power Pro doesnt work - it breaks due to line failure never angler error :D ;)

[Partnership]

For chunking I use two rods- 1 is spooled with 50 PP and one with 30 Big Game. Truthfully- I feel that I can control the fish much better with the PP. It's definitely a different feel- to be sure. I say give it a try.

[phish4fun]

Spring Of 05 Was My First For Stripers. I Caught A Few With The Junk I Had. In The Fall I Moved To The Penn 320 And 330 Gtis With Mono. I Lost More Than I Caught. This Spring I Went To 50pp On The 330gti And 30pp On The 320. Much Better Sucsess. I Just Bought A Lever Drag 330gti To Replace The Old One I Lost.flounder Fishing With These - No. Stripers And Drum Only.
I Have Not Reached The 40lb Club Yet But Hopefully Soon.

[RuddeDogg]

I still use mone on my striper and drum set ups. Plugs, poppers, and metal I use braid. I used to use Power Pro which is great. But then the new Suffix barid came out and I tried that. ALL I use now is the Suffix. For me it beats Power Pro hands down. Easy to tie, no wind knots just great to use.

[capt. ed]

I recently spooled one set-up with Suffix. Jury is still out for me. So far I like it's abrasion resistance (I like fishing rockpiles and such) knot tying/holding seems fine as does it's overall handling. One thing bothering me is it makes noise coming through the guides during retrieve. It's very strong while still being limber, which is a great combination. As of know I still prefer Fireline though.
Hey John tell Harry and the gang I said hey. Summer's been great till right now. Too daggone HOT.

[2dogs]

I've been using Power Pro for about 8 years or so. I do set my drags a little lighter than with mono. PP will bury itself if it is not compacted on the spool tightly. That is my main reson for backing off. When I started with PP I also started with circle hooks. I believe that is a winning combination. As stated above, when you snag you're stuck. A few wraps around the pliers and you're free. I had a few breakoffs last season. I believe because I changed to a polomar knot with a metal slider rig. I went back to my old knot with a bead and the problem went away. I even use PP for tuna chunking.

[Keyman]

Earlier this passed striper season I posted a thread about PP break offs. Since then I respooled one rod with Siffix braid and still have two other rods with 30 & 50lb PP. Suffix has worked out OK. Knot tieing terminal tackle is very important. I switched to ceramic fish finder rather than cheaper plastic ones. One common issue with all braids is trying to untangling snags especially at night. I end up just cutting off the tangle and retying. Have not had any break offs to date with either set ups lately. Never crab the line if you snag up just use lighter leader and hope it breaks off before you lose too much line. Use some backing but if you spool from bulk fill the reel to capacity. Line is probably the least expensive item in hardware to consider so go for it.

[mjbites]

I use pp with a flouro leader for just about everything.Its so sensitive you can feel everything.7lbs sounds good to compensate for lack of stretch.A good reel,good drag, and pp,will cast further and you can feel the fish looking at youre bait.

[cisco651]

I personally like Super Braid. I've used it now for 3 seasons and found it to be better "fit" for my useage. I used fireline first and it was ok. Fireline is flat and cut through my guides so I switched to Super Braid, which it round. I also needed to upgrade my rod too.

I believe you have to get used to a braided line. It handles much differently than mono. I believe it's a "touch" thing that each angler needs to adjust to.

Yes I had my problems with braided line in the beginning, but now I wouldn't use anything else. I use 14# super braid with a 30# mono leader. My wife has put a 43# in the boat and just this year I put a 53" striper in the boat on the Susky Flats. Remember, I am used to this line and know just how far I can push it. I feel I have matched my rod with the reel and the line just as others have suggested. It works for me because I have learned to trust my outfit.

Now if I was in a group of boats where I couldn't let the fish run a little, I may want to horse up my line size a little, but still use a mono leader. Gill plates will cut through braided line...

Good luck to all..
Just one man's thoughts

Bruce

[LOST A ROD]

I'VE USED POWER PRO AND SWITCH TO SPIDER WIRE STEALTH IN HI-VIS YELLOW. I LIKE THE YELLOW ITS EASIER TO SEE AND SOME DUM NUT WON'T CAST OVER MY LINE . STICKLY USE 50 TO 65 LB TEST FOR MOST OF MY FISHING FOR STRIPERS.80 LB SHOCKER FROM THREE TO FIVE FT HELPS.TSUNAMI CRANE SWIVELS. 4.00 BUCKS A PACK. THEY ARE GOOOOOD!!!!CAN MOST OF YOU SEE YOUR LINE AT FIRST LIGHT. OR IN LOW LIGHT OR HOW ABOUT IN SUN LIGHT LOOKING INTO THE SUN REFLECTING OFF THE WATER. HI-VIS LINE HELPS YOU TOO SEE THE LINE AND KNOW WHAT DIRECTIONS THE FISH ARE HEADING...........:rolleyes:

[zar2754]

STICKLY USE 50 TO 65 LB TEST FOR MOST OF MY FISHING FOR STRIPERS.


dont you think that 50-65lb test is a little excessive for striped bass?... 30lb should be more than enough...

[Bmjudo]

i maintain two outfits of each, for all my striper actionits about personal preferance in differant situations

[BarryTheBassESPN]

Spider wire "Ultra cast" No Memory and will not cut your rod guides!
Other super braids will deffinatly cut your guide's...and anything else that get's in the way..."Finger Magee">>says!:D
:cool: Tight Lines!
BarryTheBassESPN><}}}}*>

[Ardmore Bill]

Zar - I think 7lbs on the drag is a bit high on such a light stick. Realistically. a few pounds of drag is all that your set-up is capable of without something breaking (line@knot, swivel, snap, bent hooks) and it won't result in excessives runs. That is, unless your hooking into some very large fish - they will overwhelm your gear anyway.

[Partnership]

dont you think that 50-65lb test is a little excessive for striped bass?... 30lb should be more than enough...

Should be enough? Sure- it should be enough. But when you are fishing for the large- and a lifetime fish- you SHOULD be ready.

30 should do it- 50-65 will DEFINITELY do it!

I'm sticking with 50.

[zar2754]

Should be enough? Sure- it should be enough. But when you are fishing for the large- and a lifetime fish- you SHOULD be ready.

30 should do it- 50-65 will DEFINITELY do it!

I'm sticking with 50.


you can catch a 150lb striper with 50lb power pro... i hope you encounter that fish one day, but i severely doubt it.

im sticking with 30.

[BUCKTAIL WILLIE]

I switched to 100% braid and love it. I only use ANDE braid and find it to have much fewer wind knots and tangles.I have use them all before settling in on Ande with exception of the Corkland Braid .
Knots ,I have no poblem with,I primarily use the trilenne knot but add 3 twist to it,never lost a fish due to a knot. sometimes will go to a uni-knot but here again I add a couple of twist
When using a popper,one thing I found with braid ove mono is most of the fish are hooked in the jaw and not down in their mouth making for easy tag and release

[B4LORAN]

dont you think that 50-65lb test is a little excessive for striped bass?... 30lb should be more than enough...

If you go with the heavier line you can get the fish in faster (most of the time) and release a much healthier fish.IMHO.When you get into a bunch of 40# plus fish it does not seem that excessive.Big fish,ancored boat,and ripping current,you want to get them to the boat fast for a good release.

[BarryTheBassESPN]

:cool: Mr.Couch has had some of the best info on this site.He Knows the ins and outs about angling and I Highly recommend reading his postings.He is an asset to the Barn and he is a wealth of real fishing knowledge!:D
He discusses in one posting about( the complexities when using braid),and he "Hit's It!" He replys to viewers that different poles,rod makers,tapers,types of water,and many other variables which take place when choosing Braid.;)
He is no "Novice",and realizes the many intricatecies and combinations are involved in all aspects of the sport.I have enjoyed his advice and I as a "Week end Warrior",I am very happy to have his advice on hand here at the Barn.Fishing and Boating are complex sciences and capt.Bill Couch has his finger on the pulse with all the right advice!Thank You Capt. Bill!
BarryTheBassESPN><}}}}}}*>
Tight Lines! :cool:

[zar2754]

yeah thats all great there barry the bass, but what does it have to do with stripers or powerpro. lets stick to the topic

[Bob ECT]

dont you think that 50-65lb test is a little excessive for striped bass?... 30lb should be more than enough...

I use 50 alot or 30lb fireline.

Don't need it for the strength but for more thickness and abrasion resistence.

The area I fish alot you'll lose 10 plugs a night fishing with 30lb PP. 5 plugs a night with 50lb PP. None with Fireline.

[Capt. Lou]

A couple of notes on the use of braid. Always pack on reel tight! Power Pro has a finer diameter than most but remains oval for solid packing on your reel. This prevents any burying that might occur with softer versions.
Power pro as with other braids does abrate in rocky settings. You cannot expect a thread like diameter to hold up to rocks etc like a mono that's four times as thick. remedy use a mono leader. I always splice in a mono leader,it will offer you a little more stretch factor when catching the big guys or if you should snag bottom.
I used the pro for catching trout to tuna and rarely lost a fish due to line or knot failure!
Proper knots braid to swivels palomar, braid to mono reverse albright,minimun 10 turns, braid to top shot,use PP hollow core splice mono into braid for top shots. Solid braid use reverse albright minimum 15 turns to attach heavy mono to heavier braids. Always slicken with knot sense or similar liquid to slide into place with less effort. You then can use a product such as knot sense or similar pliable glue to protect against any slippage and will form a soft pliable bond around knot to let it slip thru guides smoothly.
The braid does not bother guides,I've used it for over ten years and "never" saw any decent guide groove from braid use.
Rods for braid use should exibit softer tips , lighten up on the reel drag 5 % and always back your reels with either dacron or mono to prevent any slippage from the braid.
On spinning reels do not fill spool to top,leave more room and your wind knot problem will be less of a factor. By leaving the spool like this will not cost much distance on the cast and less problems until you get used to how to handle braid.
All this is a learning curve for a new product. The product is good and in many instances will outfish mono by a large margin. It's not a panacea for all angling situations, it will allow you to downsize big game tackle ,pack more line on smaller reels,use lighter rods and a host of other angling plusses. Learn its proper use ,and it will make you a better angler. :cool:

[BarryTheBassESPN]

Keeping spools stored in a dry,cool enviorment ,as well as applying reel magic or tangle free while in storage keeps lines factory fresh!Mono is my favorite,as well as I never neglect to maintain line on a daily basis!
Barry

[BarryTheBassESPN]

Line burying occurs mostly when the reels line guide is on the right side of the reel,and the line is being pulled from the left side of the spool.After several cast a criss cross burying effect occurs.Too prevent this from happening ...at the end of each cast, line the reels line guide up directly from behind where the line is being pulled from on the spool.Most pro bass fishermen will quickly strip for a second or two,in order to even the spool to the guide...I line it up at the end of my cast follow thru!
Capt.Lou Sounds to be "Very Informative!"
BarryTheBassESPN><}}}}}*>

[catch22]

Line burying occurs mostly when the reels line guide is on the right side of the reel,and the line is being pulled from the left side of the spool.After several cast a criss cross burying effect occurs.Too prevent this from happening ...at the end of each cast, line the reels line guide up directly from behind where the line is being pulled from on the spool.Most pro bass fishermen will quickly strip for a second or two,in order to even the spool to the guide...I line it up at the end of my cast follow thru!
Capt.Lou Sounds to be "Very Informative!"
BarryTheBassESPN><}}}}}*>

But, what if your facing north, with a west wind and a full moon, then what do you do? Not to mention, what if your left handed, and your b@lls itch!