Im currently running 50lb braid from reaction tackle and havent had any issues with it when using it on my frog rod. Im looking for something that will also work well with 1/2 -1 oz jigs in mated brush/slop. Ive got a bunch or Suffix 832 that I use on other rods (10-30lb) but was looking to try something new since i need to re-spool my frog reel pretty soon. I was casting into the wind (20mph) and got the mother of all birdnests :) ended up having to cut half the reel off.

I have a spool of BPS XPS that was given to me last year but ive heard bad things about it digging into the spool too easily....

TIA

I’ve never heard that certain brands of braid are more prone to digging in than any other.

Lower test strength which are inherently thinner yes, but not specific brands.

If you want to try something else I use Seaguar’s 50# Smackdown and have never had a problem or complaint.

It also is a 8 carrier but for long, over the shoulder bomb casts to get to the back end of a pad field or for a longer than normal pitch, that stuff comes off and flys better than most.

Mike

2 minutes ago, Mike L said:

I’ve never heard that certain brands of braid are more prone to digging in than any other.

Lower test strength which are inherently thinner yes, but not specific brands.

If you want to try something else I use 50# Smackdown and have never had a problem

Mike

I do think it can be true. Roundness is part of the premium with high quality braid.

scott

@softwateronly

Scott

I see your point, makes sense

Just never seen or heard that before comparing one manufacturer to another with basically the same diameter

Mike

19 minutes ago, Mike L said:

@softwateronly

Scott

I see your point, makes sense

Just never seen or heard that before comparing one manufacturer to another with basically the same diameter

Mike

I had some bad experiences with spiderwire 20-ish years ago and at least in my head I attribute that to it's relative flatness compared to 19.5-ish years ago power pro. I switched to jdm pe (for other reasons) and have zero dig in compared to the very infrequent pp v2. I think its related.

scott

1 hour ago, LGDFW said:

Im currently running 50lb braid from reaction tackle and havent had any issues with it when using it on my frog rod. Im looking for something that will also work well with 1/2 -1 oz jigs in mated brush/slop. Ive got a bunch or Suffix 832 that I use on other rods (10-30lb) but was looking to try something new since i need to re-spool my frog reel pretty soon. I was casting into the wind (20mph) and got the mother of all birdnests :) ended up having to cut half the reel off.

I have a spool of BPS XPS that was given to me last year but ive heard bad things about it digging into the spool too easily....

TIA

If you specifically want something to cut through veggies there are options of 4 strand braid that will act as a saw. Sunline makes one, and others I’m sure. If you need smooth 8 strand for day to day use most main brands are surprisingly similar. In my years of trying different brands, braid never felt all that different. With flouro manufacturers matter more.

I have 50lb pp maxcuatro on my frog reel now. It's noisy but slices thru the slop. It might cost a bit more, but this is the beginning of my 4th season with the spool and it seems just fine.

scott

Rope

Suffix 832 has never failed me. Neither has good old 4 strand powerpro. I’ve used both for years and years. No need to over think it

I really like Sunline FX2 for my frog fishing and flipping/pitching jigs

I was using 40 lb PowerPro but cut back to 30 lb. since I don't do much punching. The only thing I've noticed different is that I get more casting distance. JMHO

I’d stick to 4 carrier braid in the 30-65 lb test range depending on rods and hooks and cover you’ll be fishing. If you’re mostly fishing overhanging trees and laydowns and lily pads - might even bump up to 80 lb. For purely open water with no cover - 30 lb is more than adequate for most people.

I typically use 50-65 lb because I fish a lot of open water with some submerged hydrilla and emergent spatterdock but I also find myself skipping my frog under shade lines and casting it back over submerged wood enough to err on the side of caution.

I agree with most people - don’t overthink it - most brands are fine - just stick to 4 carrier for frogs and flipping - 8 carrier is more for spinning rod - line to leader type setup.

Been using 4 strand PowerPro since it's introduction and it's performed well.

If I were to switch to an 8 strand for spinning it would be Seaguar Smackdown.

Buddy of mine swears by it.

Thanks for the replies guys... Like I said, i've been using the reaction Tackle braid with no issues, but i like to try to new things every once in a while. I'll Probably just stay with what ive got unless i see a good sale somewhere.

Not saying it's better, but I tried Fins (40G and Original PRT) based on WRB's suggestion and like the ones I've used. Recently ordered some Berkley X9 as I read that it gets pretty good casting distance due to its smoothness since I'm strictly a shore fisherman and in many cases I like getting as much distance as I can.

If you don't want to repeat using 832 (which is my second choice for braid), then Seaguar Smackdown would be my pick.

I am using 65# Hammerbraid by Kastking. Haven't had any issues with it.

I still like OG power pro for thick stuff. I want an abrasive braid to saw through the veggies.

OG PP and 832 are good choices. Max Cuatro is nice, but the thin dia can dig a little more than other PEs.

Never had it in anything over #15, but X5 would work well. It knots well, doesnt soak up water like 832. X5 has texture to it, but it feels smoother than OG PP and 832, yet it cuts through grass and algae very well. IMO it casts better than PP or 832.

Vicious is a good one too. Its got a good amount of texture, but the weaves are tight. Theres no coating or extended break in period. The textured exterior coupled with its thin dia allows you cut through just about anything...within reason that is.

Fins 40G is the best I’ve used, but again it’s where you’re comfortable price point-wise.

18 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

If you don't want to repeat using 832 (which is my second choice for braid), then Seaguar Smackdown would be my pick.

I’m with this guy.

1A: Smackdown

1B: 832

When fishing, I really don’t have a preference between them. Both great at their job.

The coating on Smackdown gives it a rigidity that I like when handling/tying. Splitting hairs at that point, which is why I usually buy whatever is on a good sale when I come across it.

I’ve you’re a bulk spool guy, the largest spool of Smackdown you can buy is 300yd. 832 you can get up to 3500yd spools.

I’m 1000% sure there are other braids available that just as good as Smackdown/832. But these 2 stand out amongst the ones I’ve tried.

I'm dying to know: has anyone ever had braided line break? (any size).

Not talking about knot failure or hooks bending or scraping it over a Ka-Bar but actually breaking.

Not me.

Someday I'd like to hook 2 trucks together with braid just to see if it would break.

Anybody?

Yes! Just last week I took a friend out fishing and he broke 3 times during the cast (T-Rig). He kept checking his line, guides, reel, etc. I was ribbing him it was user error. Turned out his drag was too tight and he was trying to muscle the cast (casting too hard), which snapped his 15lb Power Pro.

I personally like 50 pound 4 strand J braid. The 8 strand has been good for bfs in the 15 lb test too. I believe it was a smaller diameter compared to other more affordable U.S. braided line.