I throw big hard bodied swimbaits like the Chad Shad and Bull Shad on a 7’6” Heavy (1-4 oz) casting rod w a Daiwa Tatula 300 spooled with 20 lb Big Game.

 

For the most part I find this works pretty well, casts well enough and minimal-no backlash. It seems many prefer fluoro on these setups, any particular reason why?

If Big Game were to cost more than Fluoro than many more would prefer Big Game and have many reasons why.  Fluoro has three big advantages. Invisibility less perceived stretch and improved slack line sensitivity. None of which are remotely a factor when fishing a large glide bait If Big Game works for you already, switching to Fluoro will not help.

13 minutes ago, king fisher said:

If Big Game cost more than Fluoro than many more would prefer Big Game and have many reasons why.  Fluoro has three big advantages. Invisibility less perceived stretch and improved slack line sensitivity. None of which are remotely a factor when fishing a large glide bait If Big Game works for you already, switching to Fluoro will not help.

Well that’s the thing is I don’t know that I wouldn’t get more bites with invisibility?

13 minutes ago, king fisher said:

If Big Game cost more than Fluoro than many more would prefer Big Game and have many reasons why.  Fluoro has three big advantages. Invisibility less perceived stretch and improved slack line sensitivity. None of which are remotely a factor when fishing a large glide bait If Big Game works for you already, switching to Fluoro will not help.

The only other advantage I would list for fluorocarbon is sink rate. Over a long cast/retrieve it will allow the lure to stay down in the water column slightly over mono or braid. Could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on what depth your target is. 

18 minutes ago, ohioguy25 said:

Well that’s the thing is I don’t know that I wouldn’t get more bites with invisibility?

 

I highly doubt it.

 

You don't mention the action of your rod, that would be important to know.

 

BTW, there are plenty of guys that fish swimbaits a ton and use mono.

 

I currently use fluoro and have thought about switching to mono. I probably won't as I don't need the stretch but there are some advantages to mono.

I don't fish swimbaits that large.  All I know is they are expensive.  A little kink in fluorocarbon and you can kiss that lure goodbye.

26 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I don't fish swimbaits that large.  All I know is they are expensive.  A little kink in fluorocarbon and you can kiss that lure goodbye.

 

This is why I've thought about changing.

 

I've got some now that are $150 and more and it's very hard to trust fluoro sometimes.

 

I just had a backlash the other evening, not even sure how it happened. I still have to fix it, but not sure how much I can trust the line after it. I might have to put new line on. Tatsu ain't cheap.

 

I feel like I'm pretty good with my knot tying ability, but that's another thing you need to pay extra attention to with fluoro.

 

 

Butch Brown uses 20 lb (.016d) Seaguar InvisX buys in the 3,000 yard spool.

His reason is the line sinks about the same rate as the lures he uses eliminating bow in the line. The down side to FC line is it can break if any damage occurs to the line. 3,000 yards spool Butch changes his FC line often.

I used Sunline Defier Armilo 25 lb (.016d) Nylon line for about 5 years without loosing any swim baits. Big Game 20 lb is .018 dia, good line but Armilo* performed better.

* no longer available🤬

Tom

 

Hello Ohio guy,

     It's hard to believe that a Bass would hit a umbrella rig and be line shy.  I am on the fence about invisibility and fluorocarbon lines. Been on it a long time...  I fish a lot of fluorocarbon and am very familiar with it quirks. Hates to be kinked or stretched badly.  I found that out after picking out a (many) few bird nests.

    I like Fluorocarbon for it's sinking ability and the sensitivity.  How much those apply to throwing big  (several oz) swim baits.  Probably not much.  

     Monofiliment is much more forgiving all around and if it were me, I'd maybe do some experimenting with Fluorocarbon.  I would not use a cheaper off brand if I am planning on throwing 40-100$ baits. Invisx, Tatsu, Diawa Samurai.  Talk to them on swim bait nation.

    Gut instinct for me - Stay with the Big Game, Maybe try Sunline Natural in that 20-25# class.

Tight lines and Slaunch Donkey pictures to ya,

FM 

16 hours ago, WRB-2.0 said:

Butch Brown uses 20 lb (.016d) Seaguar InvisX buys in the 3,000 yard spool.

His reason is the line sinks about the same rate as the lures he uses eliminating bow in the line. The down side to FC line is it can break if any damage occurs to the line. 3,000 yards spool Butch changes his FC line often.

I used Sunline Defier Armilo 25 lb (.016d) Nylon line for about 5 years without loosing any swim baits. Big Game 20 lb is .018 dia, good line but Armilo* performed better.

* no longer available🤬

Tom

 

 

This is where I settled my swimbait lines. I use 20lb Invizx for baits between 1oz and 2oz.  For 2oz+ baits and up to (around) 4oz, I use 25lb Sunline Armilo. I too am ticked they discontinued Armilo. I don't get it. They had a good thing going with this line. I have yet to find its equal. 

I used Big Game for years and finally gave up on it. It would wear out quick and it only took a few lost baits to convince me it wasn't worth it.  

 

As far as FC goes, I have no issues with Invizx or even Tatsu in 20lb. I have not lost a single bait on them. I have mixed feelings on the invisibility factors of FC. I am more worried about getting a fish to commit to the bait. If line has anything to do with a fish not striking, the extra cost of FC is nothing compared to the cost of the baits I am using. 

 

With Armilo being discontinued, I did see that Sunline came out with Big Bait Fluorocarbon. It's supposed to be specifically made for big swimbaits. I don't need it just yet but I will be trying it in the future. 

I've seen zero difference in my catch rates while fishing big swimbaits using Big Game, CXX and Daiwa Hidden FC. That's in water clarity from 1' - 10', using 20 - 30lb test.