Super-fine super-lines

So what’s this braided line, Dyneema and Spectra? you think they are good check out Gosen braid made from Izanus fibre. They are different names for knitted polyetheleyne filaments – spiderweb-thin filaments. A small thing, but it’s been instrumental in changing the way a lot of people fish

The filaments are fused or “knitted” into multi-strand braid with X3, X4,X8 and X12 ply ratings. There are many variables, but generally, you are paying for knitting time. Less knitting time,  means looser weave and flatter braid. More knitting time results in rounder line, which casts better and is more durable. Same material, it’s what they do with it.

With the development of these super-fine super-lines, you can now fish deeper and for bigger fish, with what used to be considered tiny trout fishing or sprat-catching, sized rod and reel.

A major advantage of braid is that you can present a tiny 15g lure or jig to fish on the sea floor without the parachute-like drag effect of traditional monofilament. Also, small, snack sized lures are generally more attractive to the larger fish. Yay!

Braid is tougher than steel. It has virtually no stretch, so you feel the bite and it’s thinner than momofilament (of a similar breaking strain) so you can cast further. Braid also outlasts monofilament, and is substantially less affected by currents.

The size/PE rating system is mad. For example PE:1 can be 12lb in one brand and in another 25lb. Some 10lb rating breaks at 25lb; others at 15lb or 10lb. Confusing? Yes. Talk to a well informed tackle supplier.

When should you use braid? As general guide, use braid for lure fishing. A good rule is if you use braid for fishing with bait, put a heavy weight on the end.

So. What’s the best braid to use? Not the cheapest. Stick to your knitting, as they say. An well knitted X8 ply braid costs 20-30% more when you buy it, but it’s ultimately better value.

Braid size guide:

Softbaiting, 10-12lb; inchiku/slow jig,10-15lb; deep water snapper, 20-30lb; stick bait/popper, 55-80lb; heavy jigging/puka 80-100lb.