I have a hard time fishing Squaw with anything less than 20 lb test. Fluoro or Mono. The only exception may be a deep crankbait.

Squaw fish are just plain mean...! The fish coming unbuttoned is most likely the amount of stretch in the line between you and the fish during the hook set. Personally, I would do a cpl things fishing w/mono that you prob wouldn't do normally.

1.You could always let the fish help take up the slack line before setting the hook
2. Limit the amount of slack you put between you and your target.
3. Move up in rod power to apply more pressure setting the hook
4. Move to a lighter wire hook using the setup your using now. Takes less pressure for the hook to penetrate
5. If you're using thinner wire hooks then back the drag off. Your most likely ripping the hook out.

If you decide to go with braid then drop down on rod power to make up for the loss of stretch.

I use 30 lb Suffix braid on top waters. I have retired 15 lb Invizx and live w/the break offs on 17 lb. I've tried 20 lb. Let's just say the amount of bites you get does diminish the heavier you go.

Hope this helps...

I might have to try braid on squaw. I fished a tournament this weekend, and broke off an 8+ pounder (we saw it). I was using 20 lb. fluorocarbon on a heavy rod. The problem is the line rubbing on the tree. I re-tie often and check my line. Does anyone else have problems with heavy fluorocarbon on Squaw? I see people like to use 20 lb. invisx; I have been using sunline sniper. I feel like even 30 lb. fluoro would have problems.

Good Read! 17-20 Fluro has been working for me so far.

To all the guys fishing the fish-n-chips this weekend, all you need is 8-12 lb mono!