What's your favorite mono running line & why?
- Thread starter clarkman
- Start date
Lake flyer
Steelhead
I switched from Big Game to Prospec. Prospec stretches easier in cold weather which is a big plus for me because I use relatively small arbor reels Pflueger Medalist 1496 1/2 and 1498 most of the time. I use 30 and 40#. I do also like the Lazar line, which stretches easily and stays that way for me.
I ended up just ordering some 30lb. It specs out similar to the Stren I like.
You will like it. There are some coils if you haven’t used it for a while, but they disappear quickly. I never tried the Stren, but I like the ProSpec.
SSPey
loco alto!
The ProSpec is good. Thinner than Catfish, and a different plastic / feel. I recommend testing a few different knots. When I tested it, a perfection loop tested stronger than a surgeons loop. This is not the first copolymer line that’s exhibited this trait. Just make some loops in a short length of line and test them head to head to see which wins (I use a dowel to hold the line). I’m still using a stash of 40 lb Catfish stored in the freezer, but if I wasn’t, I’d be using ProSpec.
Lake flyer
Steelhead
That is good to know about the knots, because I would prefer tying the Perfection over the surgeons loop anyway.
Thanks for the info!
fatbillybob
Steelhead
I like perfection because it is so easy to tie and is a small knot. But lately I have been going after bigger salty fish and they have been breaking my perfection loops at the knot. So I have gone back to 3x surgeons. This is with 16 and 25lb. mono and fluro.
SSPey
loco alto!
Running lines tend to be heavier than tippet. The “best” loop knot for running lines balances strength and profile. For example, a 2-turn surgeon’s knot isn’t as strong as a 3-turn surgeon, but the 2-turn cinches down to a tighter package, especially with nylon monofilament. I’m ok with that tradeoff in a heavy running line. Notably, the 3 different co-polymer running lines I’ve tested do not seat and cinch down as tight as nylon mono (which stretches when it seats), so the 2-turn surgeon’s knot in copolymer ends up a little bulkier compared to nylon mono.
DerekWhipple
Steelhead
I use SA absolute flat mono. A 3 turn sugeons coated in a little knot sense is pretty small.
Thanks for all of the info folks! much appreciated. I ended up grabbing some ProSpec 30lb as it seems most similar to what I'm used to & was after. I'm still keeping my eye out for the 50lb P-line Hydrafloat because I'm very intrigued!
Re: knots, I've always gone with a 2 turn surgeons (easy to get that knot VERY small if done slowly & with gloves). In spite of the reduction in strength, it's still not going to be anywhere close to the terminal end where I'm typically using 15lb while swinging/stripping outside of a couple of rivers that run extremely clear where I'll occasionally drop down to 12lb. ymmv
Re: knots, I've always gone with a 2 turn surgeons (easy to get that knot VERY small if done slowly & with gloves). In spite of the reduction in strength, it's still not going to be anywhere close to the terminal end where I'm typically using 15lb while swinging/stripping outside of a couple of rivers that run extremely clear where I'll occasionally drop down to 12lb. ymmv
downriver79
Steelhead
I had my eye on this and was wondering if anyone else had used it. I'm wondering, if I were to use 50# braid as a running line, could I just forego the backing and use the 50# braid for the backing and the running line?
fatbillybob
Steelhead
No! A running line is a shooting line. It shoots through guides pulled by the head because of its characteristics to move through guides. Also, upon recast you loop the runner cast head shoot line. A braid as runner will tangle and not shoot right. Braid is thin and when knots it is difficult to unknown.
G_Smolt
Legend
Regular braid (uncoated spectra / dyneema) is a bit floppy for running line and has a tendency to find its way out of most non-full-frame reels when slack, but if you were referring to the hydrofloat 50, then yes. I have one reel set up with 150yds straight from the arbor to the back of whatever head I'm throwing. I just think its a better deal to get 5 reversible running lines out of the 150yds.
Lake flyer
Steelhead
With the Hydrofloat being a braided spectra line, is there a problem with abrasion or groove cutting on the rod guides?
downriver79
Steelhead
Thanks for the insight billybob. I hadn't considered the knots with braid but now that you mention it, that's my experience with baitcasters and braid. The backlashes with braid are a lot harder to get out than with mono.
G_Smolt, I like the feel of the Commando smooth running line but would like the ability to change heads. Is the Hydrofloat similar to that?
SSPey
loco alto!
I’d be interested to hear if you can get a surgeon’s knot to seat very small (smaller than one might expect) with 30 lb Prospec. It happens for me with various nylon monofilaments, where the knot seats and almost fuses itself into a tidy little package, but I’ve not had as good of luck with copolymers in 40-50 lb. It’ll get small, but not magically so.
I honestly don't know what magically small would be....lol. That said, I actually do prefer something that just ticks the tiptop just for my own tactile senses. Then again, this is with 30lb, so it'll be easier than 40 or 50. I have received the spool of it, just haven't lined it up yet.
G_Smolt
Legend
When you put a loop on the end, yes.
The most consistent loop knot I've found for HF is the single-strand bimini with 18-22 turns. It seats well, has zero slippage issues, and slides thru the guides like a greased pig.
