I use braid on everything except for my crankbaits. Occasionally, I'll use mono for topwater, but even then usually braid.

Mainly personal preference, I like the way braid feels and I like the sensitivity. I like the Fireline braids, it's not as limp as most others which prevents it from wrapping in the eyelets etc.. But consistency across all rods/reels and applications helps. Not to mention the fact that I'm a little on the lazy side when it comes to preparing for a day of fishing. This fits into what 'I' do, because I don't have to respool but maybe 2 times a year, sometimes once.

Everyone has different preferences on line types and sizes, and this just fits what I like. It's not for everyone, but if it ends up working for you, it will save alot of time.

Good observation, yes the leader can be used as a visual depth indicator Good catch. Secondly though, it certainly doesn't hurt to use it. From my own personal expierience I just catch more fish with a leader as opposed to straight braid. That water is gonna have to be chocolate milk before I go straight braid.

I do go straight braid on occasion. Two that come to mind off the top of my head. Thick and/or matted hydrilla also alligator grasses (anything that matts and has stems) It allows me to horse the fish out and I don't have to worry about a 'weak' link. As much confidence as I have in leaders, there is no denying it's a weak link. Whenever you put two lines together one is stronger than the other. The other situation would be heavy cover with stained water where I know there are big fish. Falcon, there are lots of situations you better be using straight braid!

Overall, in those two situations the braid blends well with it's surroundings. It blends with the small limbs in the bushes and trees, and it blends with the hydrilla/alligator stalks in the grass. Plus the lower light conditions with the shadows help mask the line.

It makes a poor choice in open water because it's an opaque (solid) line.

Thanks

kick [censored] videos and great info Joey, nice cameo 007!!

Little dissapointed there were no rodents caught on film, but otherwise great stuff!

What an Awesome Post !!

Great job guys! I cant wait for "Round 2: In Depth Jig Fishing!"

Thanks Casey, Joey and Brandon!

JR

For those interested, here are the results of Jamie's round 2 with me on Lavon last night. We caught several up to 3 1/2 lbs on finesse jigs. He wanted to learn a little more about Football jigs. I told him, well I'll show you a little about it, but we might not catch any fish here it's more for demonstration. If we do catch one though it will probably be a good one. On my 5th or 6th cast, I got a bite and set the hook. Oooooh this is a good one Jamie!



We kept fishing that spot for a little longer while I explain some of the subtleties of the Football Jig.

I think Jamie is well on his way to figuring it out



We had alot of fun last night, I thought it would be a little tougher fishing than it was. There was no wind at all it was dead calm. As soon as the breeze picked up I headed for the windblown banks and they were feeding a bit. The football jig fish were caught off a ridge out in the mainlake.


P.S. Ranger boats, notice the hat......I also got a pic of the emblem on the boat........I want's my royalty monies.........

Thanks for the jig lesson Joey! A few fish like that gets you real excited about fishing a jig!

Thanks again,
Jamie

Football Jig bite is still on, I'd advise going out to Lavon soon if you've struggled in the past learning this technique. They are ON it. Find you some ridges, humps, points etc... with access to deep water. It doesn't have to be deep on Lavon, just have deep water nearby.

Here are the best 4 from Labor Day. The big one was 6-11 on handhelds.





I've experienced these good fish/big fish streaks on Lavon before, but never on Football jigs. So if it's something you've been meaning to practice/learn now is the time to get out on Lavon. Who knows how much longer it will last?

Joey, it was good meeting up with you guys on Lavon Monday morning. Agreed about the big or what one could call a big bite for Lavon. Thomas and I stuck some decent fish that day as well and with the big fish I caught at the first of the weekend, I would think that things are just going to get better over the next several weeks with the temps coming down. Should turn out to be an excellant fall bite.

Awesome fish gents!

Great fish Joey and Brandon. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys, I just want everyone to have confidence that the fish are there and catch able. I'm not doing anything special, I just have confidence it will work. Trust me, you will know when they hit the football jig right now. Over the next couple weeks it will only get better.

Keeb and Thomas it was good fishing with you guys out there

Joey,

PM sent about the Football Jig.

Hey, its always nice to get out on the lake with friends. Next time we wont be so easy on you guys.

Just ordered a dozen Jigs I figure ill give em a whirl