Disadvantage to using heavy line?

[FishHunter007]

What are the disadvantages to using say a 50# line when fishing off a boat? I understand that its does not cast very well with that heavy of a line, but it is also a matter of the fish seeing the line? I like to use a heavy line, because even with a properly set drag, I have lost a couple fish using a 6# line. Thanks

 

[rolmops]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

What are the disadvantages to using say a 50# line when fishing off a boat? I understand that its does not cast very well with that heavy of a line, but it is also a matter of the fish seeing the line? I like to use a heavy line, because even with a properly set drag, I have lost a couple fish using a 6# line. Thanks

Using a heavy line is good if you fish for very big fish.50 pound tuna is caught with 50 pound line.
Whether you use light or heavy line,you will loose fish.the lighter the line, the more your fishing skills are called upon.If you really want to be a sports fisherman,you should even cut the barbs of your hooks.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

The new superlines are small and strong. 20 lb line is about 6 lb diameter and probably more flexible than 6 lb monofilament. You can cut your losses without cutting the bite.

I've had real good results fishing 20 lb firewire for bass. I can fish a swimbait or wacky worm that normally wouldn't work well on heavier than 8 lb mono.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

Go to a braid. #30 braid will cast as well as your #6 monofilament. If your worried about the fish seeing it use a flourocarbon leader.

The downside, braid is much more sensative, you'll catch more fish.

 

[JB]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

Using 50# line to catch 2# fish just isn't sporting. . . sort of like using a .50BMG on rabbits.

I agree thoroughly with the guys that recommend going to super braid. I use Power Pro 8# and 10# for panfish and 50# for musky.

Giving a fish a chance with light line and angling skill is a much more satisfying experience than winching them in with no finesse.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

Although I agree with the advise here about braid, I am wondering why you would *want* to use 50# line. If mono, it looks like string trimmer line! I have 80# for use as planer board tether.

Unless you are talking offshore fishing or maybe the Great Lakes. Then my opinion probably isn't relevant...I don't saltwater fish.

Anyway, I catch a lot more fish on lighter line than I did when I was afraid of losing lures and used way too heavy line. It IS a matter of the fish seeing the line, but it also has to do with how deep lures will run (thinner line trolls deeper) as well as lure action. Although some pro fishermen espouse tieing braid directly to jigs and spoons and say that it doesn't effect their catch rate, 6# monofilament line trolling for walleyes more than doubled my catch rate over the 15# I previously used. So I would conclude that smaller diameter is more important than opacity of the line.

 

[Socal Pat]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

Using 50# line to catch 2# fish just isn't sporting. . . sort of like using a .50BMG on rabbits.

I agree thoroughly with the guys that recommend going to super braid. I use Power Pro 8# and 10# for panfish and 50# for musky.

Giving a fish a chance with light line and angling skill is a much more satisfying experience than winching them in with no finesse.

So we spend thousands on a boat to get to them, hundreds on electronics to find them, hundreds more on tackle and highly engineered baits, and now we are concerned with sporting? Try a stick with a fork tied to the end if you want sport.

I do agree that 50# is overkill, but only because it's hard to use and might scare the fish.

 

[JB]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

We clearly have different ideas about what is sporting.

 

[nimmor]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

An advatage to heavier line over lighter line is lure depth. A heavy line will fish a higher column of the water thana lighter line. Keep that in mind when the fish are suspended at a certain depth. I use 50lb braid in the really narely stuff like thick weeds and mats where a lighter line won't work. But for the most part I stick to 10lb test Fluorocarbon.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

So I would conclude that smaller diameter is more important than opacity of the line.

And this is the best argument for braid. Locally, we have proven to ourselves without a doubt that #12 braid out fishes #12 mono solely on diameter and bite detection.

 

[tpcowfish]

Re: Disadvantage to using heavy line?

Every fishing situation may call for a different line, There is over kill, and under rated line choices, You can read about line choices from pro's, and fine tune to your own desires. Too heavy of mono will coil, not cast well, backlash in some cases. Water clarity, slower sinking, less depth on heavier ect. Braids have there place, they usually sink slower, which can be used to your advantage,or disadvantage. I use 8-12 on bass, walleye, ect. 17 - 25 striper ect.. Flourocarbon in clear water, Fireline in dirtier lake for perch, more sensitive, quicker hookset at depth. Its all in a package, rod size, tip speed , lines, sweep set , or quick yank, And im still learning everyday, goodluck, and tite lines, Tim