Last week I found myself in a discussion about braided line and it reminded me of how relevant this topic still is. Much of the nation still has not latched on to braid as a full-time solution to many of their fishing problems. I'm a huge believer in braid, using it on literally every rod I own, but that wasn't always the case. I used to use it on just my frog rod, then my flipping rod, and slowly but surely my jigs, swimbaits, dropshot, crankbaits, etc... all followed suit.
Understanding how to adapt to using braid will save you headaches and $$$ during the transition. Take a few minutes to watch this video and it will help smooth out your transition.
This is part 1 of at least 2. In a couple weeks I'll put up a 2nd video showing the knots, how to select the right leaders, as well as hooks that will help make the transition seamless.



Are you a braid user yet? If so, what techniques are you using it for and which ones are you still holding out? I'd love to discuss braid for a variety of applications.

Awesome job Matt. keep up the good work.

Thanks for the video. I have a question. Do you have problems with the braid digging into itself on the spool?

Is there a leader knot small enough to use with micro guides?

Enjoy your videos. You hear of some pros believing that braid has a negative impact relative to fluoro/copoly/mono on some swimbaits (particularly jointed swim baits). What's been your experience?

Ill stick with mono for most of my fishing.

Knot sure about that but I think the Alberto knot is the smallest one for joining braid to non-braid.

Thanks for all the great feedback guys!

Covecrawler, braid will occasionally dig in but the problem is minimal if the line is spooled tightly on the reel. The only real time it will bite is if I've set the hook hard on a fish. Knowing that, I'm just mindful to pull that section out on the next cast.

Kdietz, True Micro guides are, well, micro. Its next to impossible to pass a connection knot through them. There is a method known as "top shotting" where you connect the lines without a knot. This is the perfect scenario with micro guides but its more of a financial/time commitment than traditional braided line.

Collincountytx, I've heard people say a lot of things but this is one that I completely disagree with. I fish swimbaits nearly every day and the responsiveness of my baits is so much better on braid. Now keep in mind, I do fish with a leader. I don't recommend fishing a swimbait on straight braid as line visibility and lack of stretch will both become issues. I credit hundreds of catches on swimbaits to braided line. The increased sensitivity and responsiveness allowed me to hook fish I never would have caught any other way.

I won't debate the idea of using braid for everything, but its not my ideal setup. For instance, i dont like using braid around heavily wooded structure. Braid likes ti dig in to wood where using a heavier test say 25# Fluorocarbon works better for me. Also, the is the common mistake many people make using braid by not back filling the spool with Mono. This helps prevent the braid from slipping and digging into itself when you get o fish on of as you get hung up.

Braid doesn't have memory, so it works well for open reel spinning reels, but it does twist like any line leading to a bird nest mess if you don't take care of the line twist every so often. Braid works well for those new to bait casting reels. Gives you experience on how to free a backlash without replacing your line when it( fluoro or mono) gets kinks and knot abrasion due to loops in the line on the spool.

Braid also floats, so it can be used for topwater plugs as well, but I think you get better action with mono. Heres the thing about using braid for everything. Its like looking to buy one rod that works well for every application...it doesn't exist! So, even though you may use a leader for your braid, which by all means it a good thing, but again, people make common mistake like reacting too quickly on a top water strike.

ALL type lines have their purpose where they are better suited over another. Braid has its spotlight as an abrasion resilient line where working matted grass, rough structure and heavy cover such as reeds it really come into its own. As for using a braid for a Crankbait, i cant see it. I want my crank bait to cover water far and deep. Braid just has too much drag and resistance to expect the longest cast and water cutting for depth and seamless retrieve.

Knots are another area of caution. Don't use a Palomar and not expect it to slip. If you use a palomar, tie a granny on top of it. I like using the Improved Albright for connecting my leaders. Its a nice clean, simple and strong knot to use. Braid has no stretch and telegraphs subtle bites well which makes it great for deep water applications. It also saws through grass and weeds well, just dont expect it to do everything better than other lines.

I agree to disagree with the comments made in the video. Everyone has an opinion and i respect that by trying my best to validate the reasons that form mine.

I agree with everything Matt has said, almost all of my rigs have braid spooled on them, there are some nuances with braid but I think it is worth it.

I have two major complaints with braid:

1) The lighter lines are so limp, it's difficult to tie knots - especially when joining a leader to it. This is compounded by old eyes and ten thumbs.

2) When I do get a backlash, it seems like it is harder to pick out with braid, even though it results in less line kinks when it is laid back on.

75% BRAID 25% Flouro... took a while to get my system right but I like where its at. Have a very good friend who runs all braid, and one that runs none.

Matt,

Great video, very informative. Thanks for sharing.

What brand of braid do you recommend. Do you use Fluorocarbon leaders in any applications?

I have fished with Matt and the guy does not just pull stuff out of his butt! He has tested and tested everything he talks about! Does not mean everyone is going to agree but he has the results to back up his talking points! The other point is he has adjusted his equipment to handle braid with all applications! Braid for all applications may not work for you if you do not adjust for it!! I suggest giving Matt's tips a try and see if they help you if they do not no biggie. You should have absolutely no fear of a palomar Knot slipping with braid if you tie it properly! There are several videos that show two ways of tying a double palomar! Matt used to have video of how he does it! I do it slightly different! I have never had the knot on braid slip!

I've never had a properly tied Palomar slip noticeably on any type of line.