braid for mackeral

[cobiaman]

hey guys, i just bought a new reel to go spinning for macks and tuna and was thinking about spooling up with braid. I just wanted to know from someone that uses braid do you use a mono leader, what strength and how long?

[davo189]

I always use a mono leader. Generally I use 30lb Bionic with about 3 - 4 metres of 10 or 15Kg mono leader (usually Platypus Pink.) Uni knot works fine with the join.

Works well for me - fresh Mackeral for dinner last night and again tonight...Mmmmm!!! And a few feeds in the freezer for later. ;)

Good luck with it.

Davo.

[cobiaman]

what do you think is better, the braid or mono?

[DazSamFishing]

Hey mate,

I use various strength braided lines... 12lb, 15lb and 20lb...

I always use at least a 20lb flouro carbon leader... and will bump it up to 30lb on the 20lb outfit.

I only use about half a meter of leader... I use a double in the braid (bimini twist) and then use an improved albright to join... The reason why I only use a short length of leader is because I never want have a knot running through the guides when using metal slugs... And it donesn't affect my fishing at all because you need to be winding flat out to get a hit!

Daz

[Tony_N]

Suggest you use a leader that is at least as long as the mackerel you are chasing. When they are swimming away from you their flukes can make very short work of braid. I'm always thinking Spanish and I've caught them to over 1.5 metres so my leader is usually about 2 metres. If you are just fishing for spots/ schoolies and high speed spinning, a shorter leader is fine because the fish wont get a chance to turn on you.

I actually prefer mono for big pelagics - especially with bait and trolling lures - seems to float better and has some stretch which gives you a shock absorber - a lot more forgiving than braid. But for the extra casting distance Lb for Lb I use 20lb braid to throw slugs with.

Tony