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Buyer's Guide
Article 3

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Super Line Buyer's Guide - Page 3

Super Lines: Is It For Me? (continued) - By Pescador

So now let's go over the pro's and con's of using a super line:

PRO

• Small diameter. You get more line capacity for strong hard running fish. The diameter of the line on the spool stays larger with more line out, maintaining a faster retrieve and minimizing drag compensation as the diameter of the line on the spool gets smaller. You get just as much line capacity on a smaller reel, which is generally easier to cast. And has less drag while underwater, allowing you to get a crank bait deeper, and giving you more control over a fish sweeping through the water. The small diameter also allows for farther casts. There is less wind resistance, and on casting reels the spool rotates at a more constant speed due to the diameter of the line on the spool not changing as fast as thick mono can do.

• Lasts much longer than monofilament. The cost is twice as much as premium monofilament line, yet lasts up to ten times longer. Economical when using a monofilament top shot, requiring only a fraction of line used for periodic changes.

• Durable and abrasion resistant. Easily slices through kelp. And will not fray as quickly as monofilament in rocky fishing areas. And when you get a backlash, if you are able to get it out, there are no kinks in the line that turn out to be weak spots in the line, prone to breakage.

• No stretch. This translates into greater sensitivity. Also alleviates the problem of reel damage due to monofilament line being spooled too tightly or when fighting a strong fish.

CON

• Expensive. Costs twice as much a premium line. Can be a costly mistake if it’s not the right thing for your type of fishing.

• Requires certain knots. Because of how slick Spectra fibers are, only certain knots will hold correctly.

• Too durable. A sharp pair of scissors is often required for a clean cut. Even a sharp knife can have some difficulty trying to cut Spectra line. And don’t even think about nail clippers or biting with your teeth. They won’t work.

• Can cut other peoples’ lines while fishing for big game fish like tuna. Lines will cross, and once your fish brings your line across another angler’s fish while they are also hooked up, tell them to say goodbye to their catch. Spectra line will slice monofilament line like butter. Scott Throop of American Rod Company has even witnessed it cutting a 2” thick anchor rope, loosing 100ft of stainless chain and an anchor, all worth about $3000. And be careful, it can cut YOU just as easily.

• Can be difficult to untangle. A backlash with super line can be a mess. You can’t just cut off a bunch of it like you can with monofilament to get the tangles out.

Continued on page 4 »

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