Braid for surf...

[PNG1M]

Just wondering is anyone has tried either of the following two braid types in the surf:

1) Daiwa 'Samurai' braid

2) Daiwa Saltiga 'Surf' braided line

If the choice was purely colour based I'd opt for the more natural looking 'green' colour of the samurai as hi-vis options just don't do it for me.

The saltiga surf braid only comes in hi-vis yellow but if the quality & performance is there I'd consider giving it a go.

Out of the two, the Samurai seems most expensive but does a higher price always translate into better quality?

I heard recently that Sufix Performance braid is 'supposed' to be good in the surf even though the person who told me never actually tried it themselves.

And, can anyone recommend a 'tried & proven' consistent performer for multi-purpose surf fishing - lure tossing & bait - with spinning reels (eg Spinfisher/Slammer)?

[DazSamFishing]

I've used Sufix Performance... good value for money braid.
I don't believe a higher price should be associated with a better quality product. Daiwa braids are simply dearer in my opinion. But don't discount the saying: 'You get what you pay for'.
I always fish with FINS... whether that be 4lb for light lures/placcies & bait... to 80lb for jigging & monster popper throwing.

Daz

[DazSamFishing]

Oh, & what characteristics are you looking for in a line used for surf fishing?

[PNG1M]

Characteristics?? Hmm, that can be a tricky one... Often it's not until you try something that's crappy until you can identify the characteristics you'd like improved.

Then when you use something really good you might not realise the strengths until you try something crappy, then you understand better what the good characteristics were/are.

Most of the braid usage I've had has been with baitcasting, using 40-50lb test in PNG creeks & wetlands etc. Now I'm lookin to use braid for general surf fishing, but not after monsters.

Essentially I'd be lookin at 20lb or 30lb braid with small diameter; smooth (not ropey) texture with a more tubular, rounded shape - as opposed to flat. I'd prefer 8 strand braid to 4 strand as it's more refined. Also things like castability; knot tying strength; ability to avoid wind knots; durable & reliable; easy to work with etc - all round 'good' in other words.

[DazSamFishing]

I agree mate. I've used plenty of crapola braids.
But only choose FINS braid.
Good diameter:strength ratio, it's not fused. Offers superb knot strength... & I tie some serious bobbin knots for jigging... & it isn't overly expensive.
daz.

[Joe-90]

I've been using the Saltiga Surf in 20lb for about 4-5 months now and I haven't had a problem with it at all. Really thin diameter so you can pack heaps on to a reel, and casts a mile.

[PNG1M]

After all that I decided to sod the cost and go the green Daiwa Samurai.

Ordered it today (from a US suppier) - cost AU$80 which includes delivery for a 300m spool of 30lb.

Opted for 30lb instead of 20lb as the line diameter of the 30 is still quite thin at 6lb mono equivalent.

I thought the 20lb (4lb mono equiv) seemed a tad thin - psychologically flimsy - so thought I'd give my main line a bit more beef by going the 30lb.

Then just for sake of giving it a burl I bought some 16lb Daiwa Steez Fluorocarbon - also green - (it apparently has mono characterisics) for use as the leader.

The plan'd be to use a 4-5 metre or so leader (on a 10ft rod) so it wraps around the reel a few times to make casting more easy on the finger tips.

My 40cm trace on the business end will prob'ly be either 30-40lb mono or if I'm lazy a plastic coated wire trace...too ezy!

I'll most likely use a 20wrap albright to join braid to leader unless I decide to lash out & test the slim beauty.

If the steez fluoro leader doesn't shape up for whatever reason, I'll swap it for 15lb or 20lb mono.

I already have some Cortland Endurance 'super premium' Mono (15lb & 20lb spools). It looks & feels like very good quality mono line. Transparent in appearance.

I was actually g'na use the Cortland mono on my wife's Spinfisher 6500.

That way if she's catching more fish than me, we can swap rods..!?

Anyway, its all good...