I am trying Berkley Big Game line for the first time this year and seem to have an issue that I'd like some advice on.

 

I bought two bulks spools of Big Game in 8lbs clear (purchased locally) and the other is 10lbs green (purchased from basspro online). I have the clear spooled on a Symetre 2500 and a Diawa Goldcast spincast reel. The green on a Symetre 3000. The problem is that the line is developing these "bumpy" and "rippled" areas in about 2 foot sections . The first is about 8 feet from the end and then the next is 20 feet from there. I have to keep cutting back as I don't know if this is compromising the line strength and I would hate to lose a fish and lure as a result. I tried to take a pic but not sure it is clear.

 

I have a couple other reels spooled with 8 and 10 Stren and I don't have this issue with Stren.

 

 

Any thoughts?

 

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q203/Aek29/BigGame.jpg

I love Big Game for leader, most times I run 1.5' to 12', what I like is it is very abrasion resistant, great knot strength. I would never use it for filling a reel, especially on a spinning reel, way to much memory, and to stiff for my likes. As far as strength,,,I doubt you have to worry about that. Trilene XL is much better as a main line, and there are much better options, but,,,,,unfortunately they seem to come with a saying,,,,,you get what you pay for, if you want a mono line that does everything well, it cost more money, like I say for leaders,,,,,it can't be beat in my opinion.  

Big Game is decent mono and it's sold at bargain prices.  But it does not have the most consistent diameter.  I'd check the filler spool and see if the rest of the line has the same inconsistency.  If it does, it's player's choice whether you think this is a show stopper.

Big Game good on a baitcast reel - for spinning try Sufix first or Stren if you need a less expensive mono offering .

Thanks guys. I will switch it out and use it for leaders in future.

I agree with Capt Bob, I had 25# Big Game on an Avet mxj conventional reel and didn't care for it all.  I've used several other brands that have worked much better, at present I'm using Stren High Impact.  I do use Big Game for leaders (cut from 1/4# spool) for some inshore fishing, works fine for that.  Offshore I use only leader material, I don't cut from mainline spools.

Big Game is great line on a baitcaster, terrible on a spinning reel.

It's just about the worst line for spinning... Ok for baitcaster

I use Big Game on almost all of my baitcasters and on none of my spinning reels. As others have said, there are much better options for spinning reels. I like Yo-Zuri Hybrid the best.

 

Tom

Just like everyone else said, great for casting reels and not so much spinning. Try Silver Thread AN40, it is very supply with very little line memory and superior abrasion resistance.

How is it good for BC but not for spinning? Just curious

Typically 2ft of line is from your tip to lure when casting, Id say check your tip guide.Run a q tip through it to check for some sort of groove or nick. Ive been using 15# big game on a 6000 size spinning reel for years for bluefish(salt) without a issue.

How is it good for BC but not for spinning? Just curious

It has too much memory for spinning reels, tends to jump off the spool.

I am not a fan of big game line.  Several years ago, I was using it quite a bit, then had some funky line issues.  Rather than try to figure it out, the easiest answer was to upgrade my line choice.

 

I think good uses for big game are making mobiles and hanging pictures.

I need help. I am usually a "keep it simple stupid" type of person but this line business has me really over analyzing things when it comes to line on a spinning reel. I am going nuts here. I appreciate the comments on the Big Game. I guess I should have asked but I didn't think of spinning vs. casting.

 

The question now is.....what to use on a spinning rig for mostly topwater smallmouth. there a lot of chain pickeral in the area as well so that needs to be a consideration. My first reaction was to go with a braid as it floats, making it ok for topwater but I now have read many articles where folks are saying it isn't that great as it is too responsive with it's lack of stretch, which makes you pull the lure away from fish. They advocate using mono as the stretch helps delay with hook sets. I have had great success using Stren mono in the past but the chain pickeral have me a bit concerned as I'd hate to break off losing a sammy, gunfish or spook.

 

I have read a lot on using braid as it floats....well....then I come to find out that Sufix 832 doesn't float, which stinks as I have a few spools of both 20 and 30. Do I just stick with a good mono like Stren or as Capt.Bob suggested Trilene XL (although I am a bit concerned about it's abrasion resistance) but bump up a bit in pound test?

 

Rig will be a Symetre 2500 on a 6'6" or 7' Medium/Moderate-fast rod. Also ...would I be able to use this rig for frogging chain pickeral or should it be heavier?

 

Some suggestions would be fantastic.

I use braid nearly 100% of the time and for me it's all spinning.  The times I use mono are when I'm using lures that create excessive line twist, like a drone spoon, probably something that a freshwater fisherman may never use.  In those cases I can troll out my line twist, very hard to do with braid.

 

One of the first lessons I got as young kid from my dad was to always let the fish take the bait before setting the hook.  Back in those days it was mono, but using braid today I don't do anything different except to adjust my hook setting timing.  Catt has said on here, I fully agree, wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the rod then set the hook.  Braid or mono the difference is just the timing, not the technique.  Keeping it simple works for me, doesn't make any difference on line brand mono or braid, rod power or action.......... feel the fish, set the hook, and land that puppy, no more to it than that.

I am not a fan of big game line. Several years ago, I was using it quite a bit, then had some funky line issues. Rather than try to figure it out, the easiest answer was to upgrade my line choice.

I think good uses for big game are making mobiles and hanging pictures.

That last line is classic! I do use big game but I'm just trying to save money. But that is a good one.

To the pickerel problem, talk about having your cake and eating it too. Thats a tough one but I would try short leader or the do make wire like leader line you can tie. I have forgotten what is was called but we used it for musky fishing and it wad a limp wire you could put a loop not in.

GFor those that turned away from big game, what cheap bulk spool lines did you turn to?

I am turning away from big game as well after experiencing the same odd line issues. I only have issues in 10 and 12 lb test though...

I need help. I am usually a "keep it simple stupid" type of person but this line business has me really over analyzing things when it comes to line on a spinning reel. I am going nuts here. I appreciate the comments on the Big Game. I guess I should have asked but I didn't think of spinning vs. casting.

 

The question now is.....what to use on a spinning rig for mostly topwater smallmouth. there a lot of chain pickeral in the area as well so that needs to be a consideration. My first reaction was to go with a braid as it floats, making it ok for topwater but I now have read many articles where folks are saying it isn't that great as it is too responsive with it's lack of stretch, which makes you pull the lure away from fish. They advocate using mono as the stretch helps delay with hook sets. I have had great success using Stren mono in the past but the chain pickeral have me a bit concerned as I'd hate to break off losing a sammy, gunfish or spook.

 

I have read a lot on using braid as it floats....well....then I come to find out that Sufix 832 doesn't float, which stinks as I have a few spools of both 20 and 30. Do I just stick with a good mono like Stren or as Capt.Bob suggested Trilene XL (although I am a bit concerned about it's abrasion resistance) but bump up a bit in pound test?

 

Rig will be a Symetre 2500 on a 6'6" or 7' Medium/Moderate-fast rod. Also ...would I be able to use this rig for frogging chain pickeral or should it be heavier?

 

Some suggestions would be fantastic.

When did sufix 832 not float? I've got it on several of my reels and the only time it sinks is when there is weight on the end of the line. As far as hook sets, just don't do Ish Monroe hooksets and you should be in good shape. It's as sensitive as a line as I've ever used, so you USUALLY have a good idea on what's on the business end of the hook. Sweeping sets, lifting firmly, but not full throttle is almost always enough. Most of the places we fish nealry require braid. 30 lb on most, and 50 on my frogger. I've got 50 on my cheap baitcaster, but it is there because I am (poorly) learning to skip with one. Backlashes come undone surprisingly well with braid.

When did sufix 832 not float? I've got it on several of my reels and the only time it sinks is when there is weight on the end of the line. As far as hook sets, just don't do Ish Monroe hooksets and you should be in good shape. It's as sensitive as a line as I've ever used, so you USUALLY have a good idea on what's on the business end of the hook. Sweeping sets, lifting firmly, but not full throttle is almost always enough. Most of the places we fish nealry require braid. 30 lb on most, and 50 on my frogger. I've got 50 on my cheap baitcaster, but it is there because I am (poorly) learning to skip with one. Backlashes come undone surprisingly well with braid.

 

I read quite a few articles and posts on other sites as well as this one that state Sufix 832 sinks due to the strand of gore fiber, albeit slower than fluoro. I have yet to use it so I was trying to see if folks might know if it is still usable for topwater "walking" baits.

I've never noticed it going under, certainly not when I am tossing a spook or a frog. I suppose even if it did, there are other options. Power pro is an economical experiment to try out.

GFor those that turned away from big game, what cheap bulk spool lines did you turn to?

I am turning away from big game as well after experiencing the same odd line issues. I only have issues in 10 and 12 lb test though...

I've been partial to higher end mono/copoly, but I've bought a couple spools of Hi-Seas Black Widow and like it a lot. It's relatively cheap on amazon. There's a review on TT as well.

I have a spinner or 2 with braid but it'll never be my first choice.  I hate braid, always will.  I us Big Game 8# and 10# on 3000 size spinners without issue, always have and from bulk spools like the O.P..    To the O.P. ignore shimano's suggestion on how to load it on there reels, it doesnt work.  Stick to the old way with the spool flat down.   Other than once finding a couple flat spots in the line as I spooled a reel, I never had any problem with it.  Being in bulk and cheap I dont hold it to perfect standards like I would Seaguar or a JDM line.  Frankly Big Game is the only thing I buy from Pure Fishing anymore.

Good mono lines Ive used on Spinning reels and for top water baits, that may suite your needs, Sufix Elite, Spider Wire Ultimate Mono, Seaguar Senshi. All under $10 for a spool to try out.