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| Hi Guys
Greetings from the UK.
Can anyone tell me why you need(?) 50-100lbs b/s line when fishing for muskies?
I posted similar topics on a UK board but never got a good answer so I thought you guys might like to run with this a bit, afterall you have been doing it a bit longer than us Brits.
For the record have not caught a muskie (yet), in fact never fished them yet either but do catch a few sizeable northerns. 35 years plus an angler and have never yet seen the need for that sort of line strength even when jerkbait fishing. Am I stupid or just lucky?
Discussion / education please anyone?[:halo:]
regards
Jeremy Airey
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| I think most in the muskie world would agree that the use of line from 50 to 100lbs in test, not because of the need for the strength to combat fish from 50 to 100lbs, but more so because the diameter of SUPER Lines (which I would wager most of the people who are using line of that poundage are using) is much thinner for the super lines, versus conventional mono or dacron, etc. Under 50lbs most of the lines are very difficult to cast effectively, ie. to cast without backlashing, and the backlashes with that small a line diameter are a b**** to get out.
Slamr | |
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| I totally agree with Slamr (is this a first?). I think most of the heavy lines are due to the small diameter of superlines, whichever you use. Personally I have used 30 lbs superlines for pike on my last two trips and have not had problems with it....a couple of nasty backlashes in a week. But I chucked some pretty heavy lumber with that too. Normally I use 16 lbs Ande Tournament line when fishing northerns...I have caught several over 40 inches with only 1 breakoff i can recall in the line. Musky, like most pike, are great strikers but the fights are not terrific. Not like salmon or large trout. The thrill is in the stalk.
Good Pikin,
BrianW | |
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| I think also part of heavy equipment is MOST of the fish are CPR`er so this cuts way down on fish control time!Better on large fish! Jeff | |
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| The best reels are supposed to be able to retrieve 2-3# of resistance so you don't need the strength for retrieving the fishes weight. The heavy line test is to protect against potential abrasion. If you have 60# test and the fish drags the line against stumps, rocks, or an old fish crib for example, and you lose some of the line diameter, you still have say 30# of capasity available to fight the fish.
I caught my first legal on 6# mono, but if the line would have been compromised, that fish probably would not have been caught by me that day. | |
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| My personal reason for using 80-100# line is to minimize the length of time in bringing the fish to the net and thus reducing the stress on the fish. 30 years ago, when most fish were kept, I felt quite comfortable using 20-30# line. The need is for the fish, not because of the fish. | |
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| All of the same reasons listed above, plus:
Throwing really large heavy lures - +4 oz requires some very tough line. Even w- 65lb if you get a backlash they can go zinging away.
Hook set's - Muskies & big Pike really have large teeth that can penetrate the lure- you need a very agressive hookset. Many Muskie fisherman actually break their +$200 Muskie rods on hookset's in cold weather. -> Maybe a drawback to heavy superlines. But most will sacrafice the rod first.
Strikes can be bone jarring, i.e., sometimes you feel them all the way to your shoulders.
I've always used 17 lb mono (Berkley XLT)up until last year- switched to Power-Pro 65 (same line diameter) . Biggest benefit to me is, I have more confidence in my line now. I know when the big fish hit's, my equipment is as ready as possible. The rest should be up to me and how well I fight the fish. I still set my drag as if I've got 17lb. But I know I can crank it down when I want during the fight.
Tip- Because of the slippery nature of superline's, I alway's superglue my knots.
Plus you still need to check for abrasion & re-tie often.
Al Warner
www.seespongebobphotocontestonMF.com[:bigsmile:] | |
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| People
Thanks to all for your input, your definately a lively bunch.
Your posts have made me realise that I have become to hung up on line breaking tests rather than there diameters which are much more relevant, I shall have a few rethinks here. A case of my lagging behind the available tech. advances here I think.
And special thanks to Mr.Ghoti "The need is for the fish, not because of the fish.", very nicely put mate and something we all should adhere too before we consider our "druthers".
regards to all
Jeremy Airey
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Heavy Tackle