Your Opinion

[Mobasser]

In a recent post, Glen made the statement that he thought line stretch was over rated, and it's one of those things that bass anglers worry about, but don't need to.                                                       After all my years fishing, I agree with this. I fish with mono and co-poly lines. I can't say that line stretch has ever been a factor. And, I'm not sure that I've ever actually felt the line stretch on a hook set.                    Do you feel that line stretch is over rated?

[Siebert Outdoors]

Mobasser,  I have to agree with you.  In all my years, I've never noticed any line stretch.  Maybe it is the lines I use or the stretch is so insignificant it's a theoretical issue some marketing department started.   I cant honestly say I've ever said "I missed that fish because my line stretched to much."  Now I can honestly say "I missed that fish because I was sleeping on the job.":)

 

[Catt]

In every "study" done showing how much each line stretches. One end of the line is attached to an immovable object while the other end is attached to a mechanical device that applies more pressure than my rod-n-reel ever will.

 

To this dumb Coonass its just interesting information. 

[bp_fowler]

Yes. I’ve fished with monofilament my entire life until the last few years when I started experimenting with Fluorocarbon, copolymer, braid, and braid to leader.  I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Apparently neither did the fish I caught.  
 

Now I do think that every type of line has its pros and cons.  I also think it’s up to the individual angler to decide what works best for them in their own particular situation.

[Mobasser]

5 minutes ago, Catt said:

In every "study" done showing how much each line stretches. One end of the line is attached to an immovable object while the other end is attached to a mechanical device that applies more pressure than my rod-n-reel ever will.

 

To this dumb Coonass its just interesting information. 

Catt I agree. I don't know if there's a true way to test line stretch in actual fishing conditions. You feel a strike. You set the hook. Your rod is moving, and the fish is moving. How do you measure line stretch in this scenario? I don't think you can.

[gimruis]

The line stretch using mono on a spinning reel is very noticeable to me.  When I go to set the hook, its like pulling on a rubber band.  This is where braided main line makes an enormous difference.

 

On a baitcaster, the difference may not be as noticeable.

[Tennessee Boy]

I’ve done a few stretch test on different lines out of curiosity and found that they stretch about 6% under a load that is 25% of the line test.   That’s usually where I set my drag so any stretch beyond that doesn’t matter to me.  I found no measurable difference between mono and fluoro within the margin of error in my test.   There are a lot of variables.  What one company calls 10# test can be very different from another companies 10#.  6% stretch is  nothing to worry about.  At some point in the recent history of fishing the notion that line stretch is bad became a thing.   I think it’s more of a positive than a negative but 6% doesn’t make much difference either way.   If you’re noticing a lot of stretch in your line you are probably pushing the limits of the line which is a bigger concern in my very humble opinion. 🙂

[garroyo130]

I don't believe that it's stretch as much as the belly of the line. Braid is extra thin so there is very little resistance when moving the belly of the line, fluoro sinks so there is less belly in the line, mono is thicker in diameter than braid and has more belly than fluoro. This was definitely noticeable for me when attempting to fish deeper water with mono/copoly vs braid. 

[A-Jay]

I'd say that each type of line has it's own characteristics. 

Like so much in bass fishing, each basshead might prefer

the way a certain type line performs in a given situation.

When it comes to line stretch in my own fishing, there are some deals that demand a type of performance where one line might out shine another.

One example is when I'm throwing soft plastics for plus size bass with single hook baits.

Could be brown or green bass, just Big.

Baits include but might not be limited to Big Swimbaits for LMB, and just about anything plastic for SMB.  Out on the end of a long cast (or deep) when the bass can completely engulf the bait and get it far enough back into it's crushers, it can be a futile tug of war trying to get that bait to move in it's mouth enough to get a good hookset.  So in this deal, I often feel like FC & Mono do 'stretch' at least a little.  Still never makes me switch to braid (hate braid on a casting reel anyway) but I also dislike having my bait thrown back in my face. Happens though. 

My solution has been LONG LASTING SWEEPING HOOKSETS where I keep max pressure on the fish for as long as I can.

The theory (insert hope) is that the bass eventually releases the bait just enough for that hook to find a good home. 

Finally, those of us who used mono on glass rods for a couple of decades in advance of the invent of braid and graphite - might feel differently than a newer bass angler who has only fished braid on graphite sticks and then switches to mono or FC. 

Different world. 

Finally , and this is something not talked about much, but I believe in some scenarios when fishing mono/fc, it's possible to out cast my hook setting abilities.

So I'm at least aware of the possibility of some line stretch.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

YMMV

A-Jay

 

 

[KP Duty]

Line stretch is noticeable to me and the reason I choose Pline CXX.  You just have to deal with line stiffness/memory if you want a lower stretch mono/copoly.  

[FrnkNsteen]

I personally don't think line stretch is normally a big issue, but I DO believe it has an impact and needs to be considered. A certain amount of stretch CAN be a good thing, like with treble hooked baits as a bit of a shock absorber.

 

The only time I ever really found it to be a concern is on LONG casts with 10lb or lighter line on something like a top water popper or inline spinner. You can cast those things a mile on a spinning setup. I've had instances of smallie fishing and getting a bite out at the end of a cast. You set the hook and you can feel the stretch like a rubber band.

 

It bothered me enough that I started playing with braid and fire line for better hooksets, but then you have to worry about line fouling in the hooks.

 

I use Fire line on the inline spinners now because it holds up pretty good against the northerns and gives nice hooksets. On poppers I bumped up in line size and went to a little stiffer line like Suffix Tritanium.

 

[Pat Brown]

For most things I like my line to stretch.  Better than my line snapping!

[casts_by_fly]

I’ve had an instance or two where stretch lost a fish. And an instance or two where no stretch hurt me in another way. 
 

fishing a plopper 90 with my dad two summers ago I made a long cast into the very back of a boat stall. A solid 40-42 yard cast. I clicked the reel over and took in enough line for it to plop twice when the fish hit.  I definitely had outcast my rod and line’s capabilities. As soon as the fish turned toward me the lure spit out. There was too much stretch in the line and not enough power in the rod to overcome it.

 

Opposite end of the spectrum, I was throwing a wake crank earlier this year on a heftier rod and braid.  A fish hit it but missed. The fully loaded up rod on a hard pull and no forgiveness or stretch in the line made it rocket back at me at Mach five and bury two of the three points into my leg of the front treble. 

[Columbia Craw]

With the current hooks and rod actions, stretch is a non issue.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I don't mind some stretch.  In fact statistically, I have a noticably better landing rate with mono vs other lines when it comes to moving baits.  Having said that I really dislike mono for certain baits because of the stretch. I use a lot of M power casting rods with slower reels.  Any bait where I have to punch through plastic or reel up slack, like a senko, I strongly dislike mono for, especially with a M F or MH MF.  

Mono and FC both stretch, but they have a different way of doing it.  Mono seems more elastic and will readily stretch under moderate load, where FC needs more pressure relative to its lb test to really stretch.  The problem with FC, at least the FC I use, stretching seems like it can really weaken it, where it doesn't seem to affect mono.

 

 

[MassYak85]

Ad far as mono vs copoly vs fluoro, yea I think the whole debate is a bit silly. As far as braid vs those lines I think each had there place and there is an obvious difference. 

[cadman]

I use mono and co-poly and I really don't sweat over the details. Been catching a lot of fish with mono and now with co-poly. Use what you feel works for you.

[Fishing_Rod]

Greetings All,

The fall fishing fun complements this topic rather well. I hope all of you are able to get out and enjoy.

 

I mainly use mono for all my angling adventures. It does have a number of virtues I appreciate. That being said I did have a flirtation period where I investigated braid as it was new and different. So through that time I did learn a good deal about it and formulated my opinions of it.

 

Yes, the stretch characteristics are different between the two. Understanding that aspect is helpful to get the most advantage when using either line types. A big deal? It depends, as your own experience with it is based on a number of factors and it is "your" opinion on the matter. @A-Jay makes a good recommendation for the sweeping hookset with sufficient duration holding that elevated tension for more successful results. This is helpful with any type of line, it also leverages the most from your setup (line, rod, and you). 

 

There are contributing factors involved so it is difficult to isolate line stretch to a single important factor.

 

How are you holding the rod (angles), how much line is involved in the process, type of rod used will affect the amount of tension possible and necessary. The line stretch is only a contributing aspect to the overall outcome. Hopefully this helps to frame the understanding that there is a lot going on.

 

Keep in mind the overall goal of keeping adequate (a helpful amount) tension for the full duration of the retrieve till you have the fish in hand. Line stretch is only a factor in it all.

 

I pay more attention to the aspects because I use ultra light gear, 4 pound mono with almost all my angling. The thresholds are tighter for successful angling as you have to maximize your advantages to be successful. My intention is no to advocate this style of angling. I'm just pointing out you have to have everything working well for you when catching fish near or above the line tension rating. The hook, line, knot, rod, reel, and your technique all make a difference in your success.

 

When using heavier gear there are more allowances in the whole system that add to the overall tolerance before things let go.

 

Line stretch is just one of those things I work with and keep in mind. I deal with it. It is not a big deal. I hope the $0.02 helps in some way. Be well and Cheers!

[new2BC4bass]

I agree with Glenn.  For those that feel mono, co-polymer, etc. stretch like a rubber band when setting the hook, I'd say it's a case of reaching the point where it is more or less a straight line from rod tip to lure.  Especially on a long cast where it can take more than a rod sweep to reach this point.  I learned at 6 years of age to reel up line first.  (We fished live bait...usually nightwalkers...off the bottom.)

 

I've used the rod to pull a canoe over to a snag and never noticed line stretch.  There may have been some, but I couldn't notice it.  I have never used a rod to break the line.  There is plenty of stretch when using a steady pull to break the line.  It takes a lot to break 12# line.  I'd hate to try breaking 20# with my bare hand.

 

I personally feel if you can feel line stretch on a hookset, then you are using a cue stick instead of a fishing rod. 

 

[WRB]

As an aerospace engineer I started in testing a wide variety of materials in the 60’s to the mid 2000’s mostly metals followed by engineering thermoplastics now called composites. 
Being a fisherman tested lines in my spare time. I say this to quality my knowledge is extensive regarding materials.

Monofilament line doesn’t stretch under 30% of its strength. That equates to 1/3 of the advertised line strength. That value is higher then most rods using mono line can  withstand before bending to it’s load strength.

Now after 20 years trying to explain mono doesn’t stretch what you feel as stretching is over coming the line bow created by coefficient if drag going through water feels like stretch then in your mind it is stretch. So be it mono feels like it stretching then it is stretching.

Tom

 

[Columbia Craw]

I’d like to add another observation to my previous comment.  When fishing moving bait, ie, spinnerbaits, buzz baits,  vibrating jigs, swim baits and other similar baits, the fish in essence sets the hook itself by the manner the fish strikes the bait. As an angler, I’m relegated to keep a taught line through the use of my rod and reeling.  Fish strike and turn away in the strike process and that for ce of movement is ample force the obtain hook penetration. 

[MickD]

Depends a lot on the pound test.  You won't notice much line stretch on 20 pound mono when you have your drag set at 8.  I used to use a co-poly on BC , 12 pound test, and it seemed like I was pulling on a rubber band.  I don't know that it hurt anything, but I didn't like the feel. 

 

To me it's easy to feel the "forgiveness" of a 7 foot 15 pound test mono or FC leader on a braid setup.  And that to me is an advantage.  

[flatcreek]

I miss fish because I’m off balance or out of position, not because of any line stretch.Once the bait hits the water it’s like the referee has placed the ball and the clock has started.We have to be ready and stay focus or the bass will make us all look like rookies.

[TOXIC]

I’ve fished straight mono for so long, I just factor line stretch into my gear setup and fishing style. I know better than to throw a 5” weightless Senko as far as I can with 6lb mono because I know getting a good hookset is going to be near impossible.  I had an elite series angler I worked with at a show hand me the end of 12lb mono and walk a good cast out from him.  He had it rigged on a 7ft, medium action rod.  He told me to hold the line between my thumb and index finger.  He swung like he was setting the the hook and he couldn’t pull the line from my fingers.  Taught me a lesson. 😉

[new2BC4bass]

13 hours ago, WRB said:

As an aerospace engineer I started in testing a wide variety of materials in the 60’s to the mid 2000’s mostly metals followed by engineering thermoplastics now called composites. 
Being a fisherman tested lines in my spare time. I say this to quality my knowledge is extensive regarding materials.

Monofilament line doesn’t stretch under 30% of its strength. That equates to 1/3 of the advertised line strength. That value is higher then most rods using mono line can  withstand before bending to it’s load strength.

Now after 20 years trying to explain mono doesn’t stretch what you feel as stretching is over coming the line bow created by coefficient if drag going through water feels like stretch then in your mind it is stretch. So be it mono feels like it stretching then it is stretching.

Tom

 

You said it better than I could.