Braid or Mono

[anthonyk]

I am going to use a fixed spool for the first time, do I go for braid or mono? If I use braid will it wear the rod rings? Any thoughts would be gratefully received

[maghouse]

For first time - I would go for mono - much more forgiving ...

I use braid on one of my FS reels and had a few problems to start with as it is not very forgiving !

Your casting needs to be very smooth as braid does fly off the spool and tangles easily if you have a 'jerky action ...

You need to use backing line to enable the braid to fill up the spool to about 2mm below the lip.

Depending on the strength of the braid you will need a shockleader - 35lb braid (what I use) will need a shock or you could use 60lb braid and 'get away without a leader and fish straight through .... however, the shock gives you a tough line to run on the seabed, rocks, abrasion etc. and a little bit of give plus a place to break off if you get snagged (normally goes at the leader knot) otherwise the braid could snap anywhere and loose up to 100yds of it !!!!

The leader also gives you something positive to grip when casting and can cast without finger protection but straight braid could slice through your finger if you dont wear a finger stall or something ...

The leader knot is fiddly and needs to be done correctly due to the thickness of the braid against the shock but persevere and it will work - try the allbright knot ..

Should not wear the rings out .....

Advantages :

Great bite detection - even on small fish
The thin line cuts through weed & the tide flow very well
... and naturally very strong for the thickness against mono

Sorry to waffle on - learnt all this over months of trying !

Hope it helps !

[anthonyk]

Thanks for your input Maghouse