Fish Chris

Hamby, it's all good. Different strokes. Of course I find it a great challenge to make a fish bite in the first place, but I also find it a great challenge to land a big fish on rediculously light gear. Actually, I'd love to catch a monster Pike on a Crappie pole But then again, I'd be pretty stoked to catch a monster Pike on ANY gear ! Oh and BTW, with some of the species I fish for {such as Stripers and Sturgeon} the vast majority of the anglers in my area keep every single legal sized one they catch, and most of those people think I'm an absolute nut case to release them at all ! Some even get down right angry that I release them ! Or to put it another way, the big fish I catch on micro-light gear, have a far greater chance for survival, than the vast majority of the fish caught by others, on "any" gear, around these parts. But again, like I say, different strokes. Peace, Fish

Hamby, it's all good. Different strokes. Of course I find it a great challenge to make a fish bite in the first place, but I also find it a great challenge to land a big fish on rediculously light gear. Actually, I'd love to catch a monster Pike on a Crappie pole But then again, I'd be pretty stoked to catch a monster Pike on ANY gear ! Oh and BTW, with some of the species I fish for {such as Stripers and Sturgeon} the vast majority of the anglers in my area keep every single legal sized one they catch, and most of those people think I'm an absolute nut case to release them at all ! Some even get down right angry that I release them ! Or to put it another way, the big fish I catch on micro-light gear, have a far greater chance for survival, than the vast majority of the fish caught by others, on "any" gear, around these parts. But again, like I say, different strokes. Peace, Fish

Hamby, it's all good. Different strokes. Of course I find it a great challenge to make a fish bite in the first place, but I also find it a great challenge to land a big fish on rediculously light gear. Actually, I'd love to catch a monster Pike on a Crappie pole But then again, I'd be pretty stoked to catch a monster Pike on ANY gear ! Oh and BTW, with some of the species I fish for {such as Stripers and Sturgeon} the vast majority of the anglers in my area keep every single legal sized one they catch, and most of those people think I'm an absolute nut case to release them at all ! Some even get down right angry that I release them ! Or to put it another way, the big fish I catch on micro-light gear, have a far greater chance for survival, than the vast majority of the fish caught by others, on "any" gear, around these parts. But again, like I say, different strokes. Peace, Fish

Hamby, I hear that argument from time to time. Here's what I have to say about this: If your sole intent in fishing, is to do everything you possibly can, to prevent any possibly harm or injury to a fish, then I think you should stop fishing altogether. Fishing is a blood sport. Get over it. My primary goals when I go fishing are to 1) catch fish, and 2) have fun. Is it possible that a few fish that I release after a prolonged battle, will die, solely because of that prolonged battle ? Sure it is. But it's also a sure thing that any, and all of the fish I release, will have a 100% better chance for survival, than the same fish which is caught and kept, by another angler. Also, I believe their must be a few people out their, who would use this as an excuse for why they won't try to land a huge fish, on micro-light gear, but of whom, in reality, just don't have the confidence that they could do it themselves. Quite a challenge you know. Peace, Fish

Hamby, I hear that argument from time to time. Here's what I have to say about this: If your sole intent in fishing, is to do everything you possibly can, to prevent any possibly harm or injury to a fish, then I think you should stop fishing altogether. Fishing is a blood sport. Get over it. My primary goals when I go fishing are to 1) catch fish, and 2) have fun. Is it possible that a few fish that I release after a prolonged battle, will die, solely because of that prolonged battle ? Sure it is. But it's also a sure thing that any, and all of the fish I release, will have a 100% better chance for survival, than the same fish which is caught and kept, by another angler. Also, I believe their must be a few people out their, who would use this as an excuse for why they won't try to land a huge fish, on micro-light gear, but of whom, in reality, just don't have the confidence that they could do it themselves. Quite a challenge you know. Peace, Fish

Hamby, I hear that argument from time to time. Here's what I have to say about this: If your sole intent in fishing, is to do everything you possibly can, to prevent any possibly harm or injury to a fish, then I think you should stop fishing altogether. Fishing is a blood sport. Get over it. My primary goals when I go fishing are to 1) catch fish, and 2) have fun. Is it possible that a few fish that I release after a prolonged battle, will die, solely because of that prolonged battle ? Sure it is. But it's also a sure thing that any, and all of the fish I release, will have a 100% better chance for survival, than the same fish which is caught and kept, by another angler. Also, I believe their must be a few people out their, who would use this as an excuse for why they won't try to land a huge fish, on micro-light gear, but of whom, in reality, just don't have the confidence that they could do it themselves. Quite a challenge you know. Peace, Fish

To me, balanced means that I can hold the rod very loosely in my fingers, with zero grip pressure, and the tip will not try to fall down. Now, while a bait-caster can be balanced, as far as the tip weight, in relationship to the butt weight, that reel up on top of that rod still wants to hang below the rod. You just can't change gravity. So, consequently, you will always have to use some amount of grip pressure to hold a bait caster. Of course I say, YOU will always have to. I won't, because I don't hardly use those lame things ;D LOL Please don't mind me too much Peace, Fish

Great reply Rolo ! I couldn't agree more. Yet many of my fishing friends and acquaintances, most especially, the ones who use stretchy arse mono, act like any line slip at all is a bad thing. A lot of these guys will be like, "Drag ? What's that" ? But you see, for myself, here's the thing; WAAAAY back in the day, even many years before I ever used braid, I used to use 4 lb test mono, for Stripers, and even a few Sturgeon. So I've known for a long, long time, how important a drag setting is, in all types of fishing, with all types of gear. Even with mono, a proper drag setting is important. With braid, it's way more important yet. Peace, Fish

Great reply Rolo ! I couldn't agree more. Yet many of my fishing friends and acquaintances, most especially, the ones who use stretchy arse mono, act like any line slip at all is a bad thing. A lot of these guys will be like, "Drag ? What's that" ? But you see, for myself, here's the thing; WAAAAY back in the day, even many years before I ever used braid, I used to use 4 lb test mono, for Stripers, and even a few Sturgeon. So I've known for a long, long time, how important a drag setting is, in all types of fishing, with all types of gear. Even with mono, a proper drag setting is important. With braid, it's way more important yet. Peace, Fish

Great reply Rolo ! I couldn't agree more. Yet many of my fishing friends and acquaintances, most especially, the ones who use stretchy arse mono, act like any line slip at all is a bad thing. A lot of these guys will be like, "Drag ? What's that" ? But you see, for myself, here's the thing; WAAAAY back in the day, even many years before I ever used braid, I used to use 4 lb test mono, for Stripers, and even a few Sturgeon. So I've known for a long, long time, how important a drag setting is, in all types of fishing, with all types of gear. Even with mono, a proper drag setting is important. With braid, it's way more important yet. Peace, Fish

But David, you left out the most important part.... Do you fish braid (fishing line) or mono-filament (rubber-band) ? Fish

But David, you left out the most important part.... Do you fish braid (fishing line) or mono-filament (rubber-band) ? Fish

But David, you left out the most important part.... Do you fish braid (fishing line) or mono-filament (rubber-band) ? Fish

I think I'd be "skipping the bait-casting rod" Goofy, unbalanced darn things anyway. Real fishermen use spinning rods LOL Peace, Fish

Ahhh !!!! I'm so glad you asked ALL of my rods are balanced. It's quite easy / cheap to do. Simply go to your local hardware store and buy some black rubber table leg caps. Usually they are like 4 for $2. Most rods use the 1" dia. size. Hold your pole in your normal grip position. The weight should be centered just in front of the reel seat. Or, in other words, while the reel foot goes between your ring and middle fingers, the weight should be centered about 2 in front of that, or, in the center of your forefinger. Now, place an empty cap, over the but of your rod, and check the balance. If the cap itself is not enough (which it is usually not, except maybe on micro-light rods) then start adding quarters inside of the but cap. They fit perfectly in 1" caps . It usually takes 2 to 4 quarters for my rods. Once you get it just right, simply squirt a blob of silicone sealant in the cap, on top of the quarters. Shove on, then prop the rod up perfectly vertical, until it dries. Make sure its straight, as once it's dry, it can't be changed... without ripping it back off. Bam ! Done ! Good for the life of that rod Oh, of course this all pertains to spinning rods. Their will NEVER be anything balanced about a bait-caster anyway. As the weight of the reel sits on top of the rod :-X Goofy. I hate bait casters. Peace, Fish

Well hey Raul, that's why it's not good to stereotype. I'm sure their are smaller, skinnier guys who "are not" so twitchy, snappy. And their might be a big guy somewhere who is twitchy, snappy {although that would be kind of tough.... just a physics thing... it's much harder to get a heavier mass, moving quickly, than it is to get a lighter mass moving quickly} Anyway, it just so happens, that both of the guys I mentioned with the break off problem, are about as twitchy, snappy as they come. Although it should be mentioned, that other acquaintance of mine that had all the problems with braid, went straight back to mono and never had a problem with break offs since. (of course for myself, fishing with mono would be a BIG problem in itself LOL)

Well hey Raul, that's why it's not good to stereotype. I'm sure their are smaller, skinnier guys who "are not" so twitchy, snappy. And their might be a big guy somewhere who is twitchy, snappy {although that would be kind of tough.... just a physics thing... it's much harder to get a heavier mass, moving quickly, than it is to get a lighter mass moving quickly} Anyway, it just so happens, that both of the guys I mentioned with the break off problem, are about as twitchy, snappy as they come. Although it should be mentioned, that other acquaintance of mine that had all the problems with braid, went straight back to mono and never had a problem with break offs since. (of course for myself, fishing with mono would be a BIG problem in itself LOL)

Well hey Raul, that's why it's not good to stereotype. I'm sure their are smaller, skinnier guys who "are not" so twitchy, snappy. And their might be a big guy somewhere who is twitchy, snappy {although that would be kind of tough.... just a physics thing... it's much harder to get a heavier mass, moving quickly, than it is to get a lighter mass moving quickly} Anyway, it just so happens, that both of the guys I mentioned with the break off problem, are about as twitchy, snappy as they come. Although it should be mentioned, that other acquaintance of mine that had all the problems with braid, went straight back to mono and never had a problem with break offs since. (of course for myself, fishing with mono would be a BIG problem in itself LOL)

....... ......buy a scale and a ruler... and don't forget to bring it Peace, Fish PS, Don't mind me

Thanks again guys. FL_f, I'm almost sure my Friend is using the same knots I do... an improved clinch, and / or a palomar, and my knots NEVER slip. David P, Actually, being that your from Nor Cal, I'd almost be surprised if you didn't know that other "hard swinging, break off on the set, with braided line" guy, that I mentioned earlier in this thread. But I'm not going to mention any names, as I didn't start this thread to make anyone look bad. And BTW, we keep saying 'HARD' hook sets..... when in reality, the problem would probably be better described as 'FAST' hook sets..... which might help to explain why it's usually not big, buffed, line back looking dudes who have the problem.... but rather, skinnier, twitchier guys who swing faster than lightening ! On a slower, harder pull, braid is ridiculously strong ! It's the sudden spikes in pressure that non-stretch braid often just can't handle. Hmmmmm, Fish

Thanks again guys. FL_f, I'm almost sure my Friend is using the same knots I do... an improved clinch, and / or a palomar, and my knots NEVER slip. David P, Actually, being that your from Nor Cal, I'd almost be surprised if you didn't know that other "hard swinging, break off on the set, with braided line" guy, that I mentioned earlier in this thread. But I'm not going to mention any names, as I didn't start this thread to make anyone look bad. And BTW, we keep saying 'HARD' hook sets..... when in reality, the problem would probably be better described as 'FAST' hook sets..... which might help to explain why it's usually not big, buffed, line back looking dudes who have the problem.... but rather, skinnier, twitchier guys who swing faster than lightening ! On a slower, harder pull, braid is ridiculously strong ! It's the sudden spikes in pressure that non-stretch braid often just can't handle. Hmmmmm, Fish

Thanks again guys. FL_f, I'm almost sure my Friend is using the same knots I do... an improved clinch, and / or a palomar, and my knots NEVER slip. David P, Actually, being that your from Nor Cal, I'd almost be surprised if you didn't know that other "hard swinging, break off on the set, with braided line" guy, that I mentioned earlier in this thread. But I'm not going to mention any names, as I didn't start this thread to make anyone look bad. And BTW, we keep saying 'HARD' hook sets..... when in reality, the problem would probably be better described as 'FAST' hook sets..... which might help to explain why it's usually not big, buffed, line back looking dudes who have the problem.... but rather, skinnier, twitchier guys who swing faster than lightening ! On a slower, harder pull, braid is ridiculously strong ! It's the sudden spikes in pressure that non-stretch braid often just can't handle. Hmmmmm, Fish

Sorry Rolo, I missed where you said that. Anyway, I guess great fishing minds think alike LOL Fish

The Poll title is just so cut and dry :-? I'm one of those guys that's always saying how little of a difference line visibility usually makes.... Yet I had to vote "yes" because I would not go quite so far as to say, it makes "NO difference" :-X Sure, I think it can make a small difference. But most of the time, that difference is probably about .2% Peace, Fish

Necessary is a very broad term. Can you catch fish on braid without using a leader ? Well sure. I used to. But I switched to using a mono or fluoro leader about 10 years ago, and will never go back to not using one. I read this whole thread, and their is one important thing about using mono / fluoro leaders in conjunction with braid, which has not been mentioned. While mono and (impo) fluorocarbon as well, have a ridiculous amount of stretch (like a big freaking rubber-band) braid has virtually zero stretch ! It's almost too good. Using a 3 or 4ft mono or fluoro leader will give you just a tiny bit of a shock absorber, which could make the difference of snapping off a fish, or not, during a spike in tension on the line. Of course, like most have said, a good, tough mono, or fluorocarbon leader is also more abrasion resistant around rocks..... and also the teeth, of a big bass. As for visibility ? Ehhhh.... not usually very important. I used to use straight braid, then went to mono leaders, for pretty much all of my different types of fishing, fresh and salt. Didn't notice a difference in my number of bites, but maybe went from 2 break-offs a year, to none. Oh, and about the "extra" potentially weak link, with the connection of my leader, to my braided main line.... Well, in theory, sure, less connections, the better. But in reality, I get all of the benefits mentioned above, and I just flat out never break off fish (as I knock on my wood PC desk ) Peace, Fish PS, Oh, and one more thing which I don't believe has been mentioned.... Braided line tends to get tangled / twisted around lures, and live baits, much easier than mono or fluoro. So that's another good reason to use a leader.