The New and Amazing

The New and Amazing
Braided Lines
By George Van Zant

The new braided fishing lines are truly modern miracles. "SpiderWire", "FireLine", "Magibraid Spectra" to name some have diameters so small that their line testing 20 LB breaking strength has the diameter of regular 6 LB test monofilament.

To most anglers the search for small fishing line is a prime objective. Small diameter lines allow their live bait to swim around more naturally and be less visible to their targets, yet afford the strength to pull them out of the structure.

But these lines have some drawbacks that anglers have to consider.

1. The line is so hard and sharp you must wear protective covering on your fingers to avoid line cuts. They cut without pain, until later when you discover them.
2. This line is capable of grooving the hardest of any rod guides. In fact most bill fishermen use only roller guides with the new line.
3. The line has been known to cut through anchor rope while attached to a swift running long range tuna.
4. Kinking is another problem. It's difficult to cast the line, and if you do, you cannot backlash. Any backlash will cause a kink that will severely weaken the line. Most anglers do not cast the line (in the ocean) unless they are very good.
5. Correct knot tying is important. In fact it's critical that only certain knots are used. Most fishermen add monofilament leaders to the new line and do so with an "Albright Knot". Even with an "Albright ", you must wind one inch of wrap back to the loop before pulling it tight. Normally, with mono you tie only 4-6 wraps before you snug it down.
6. Some anglers tie hooks directly to the new line. In this case most anglers use a "Palomar Knot" taking great care not to twist the knot during the wrap.

Even the expense of the line does not distract from its' usefulness. It is amazing in that it doesn't stretch, its' thin diameter cuts water drag and it is very durable.