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Test of line for trolling rig? #480208 10/21/03 03:18 PM
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Clifford Taft Offline OP
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I would have asked this on the Rod and Reel portion but it didn't look like it was getting much traffic so I will try here. I have been trolling the Hell/Pet rig for about 7 years now and have still to settle on the best line and test for both the main reel and the leader to the spoon. Tried 20lb. Big Game but didn't seem to catch as many fish. Might just have been an accident but it happened on 2 seperate trips. I have lost a few rigs lately to snags but the Hellbender has no hooks on it so it must be the spoon. I know the leader should have the lesser strength line but was just looking for suggestions from those that feel they have found the best combination. It's bad enough to lose the $2.49 spoon but when you lose it and the Hellbender it gets expensive. Thanks for your help.
Cliff Taft

Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480209 10/21/03 03:36 PM
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Hurricane Offline
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Most of the time I use 17# Trilene XL. If I switch it is 14#. Works well for me.

Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480210 10/21/03 04:02 PM
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DannyB Offline
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I really didn't think size of the tow line mattered much as long as it was strong. Since I stumbled into one of those Wally World half of half and even cheaper sales last spring I have some spools of Stren I gave about 75 cents for that is 20 lb. test. On my leader I think I am using some 12 or 14.

We have caught a good many fish and lost a few spoons.

DannyB

Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480211 10/21/03 04:21 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
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ERNEST PATY Offline
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I HAVE BEEN USING CHEAP 25# LINE FROM WALMART. I THINK IT IS SHAKESPEARE. FOR THE LEADER I USE 14# STREN OR TRILENE. I HAVE NEVER LOST A HELLBENDER WITH THIS RIG AND THE FISH DON'T CARE.

------------------
GOOD FISHING.


ERNEST
972-245-9311

"I LIVE FOR THE THUMP"


Ernest Paty 214-202-7866
catchcrappie@aol.com

Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480212 10/21/03 04:21 PM
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Axman9 Offline
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12 or 14 # here

------------------
Ax Man Mac


Romans 10:15 - How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News!!!
www.reaxtionlures.com
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Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480213 10/21/03 04:34 PM
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Plugger Offline
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17-lb. test Ande or Silver Thread for both main and drop lines. No lost rigs to snags or fish. Generally, when you get hung-up, back up/turn around and go past and get behind where's it's hung-up, pull on it and it will generally come free of the snag.

That's worked for us always so far.

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Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480214 10/21/03 04:53 PM
Joined: May 2003
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Z71 Offline
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I was breaking lines and losing baits until I changed my knot tying.

I now use a Palomar knot and I'm having better luck.

Maybe try a new knot...worked for me.
http://www.fishingcairns.com.au/page6-1.html


John Z71

[Linked Image]
Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480215 10/21/03 05:06 PM
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Fuzzy Offline
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14# for Striper
8# for White Bass

It gets real interesting when you are fishing for white bass and pick up some Hybrids. I use the Polamer knot also.

I hung a 2-3 foot trailer and lost a few Spoons until I went with a 4-5 foot trailer over the same area and have not had any problems.

Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480216 10/21/03 05:51 PM
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Greekangler Offline
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I use 14lb-20lb on rod, normally 12lb leader.....have lost a few hellbenders, though....Ernest's post makes sense....



Cedar Creek Hybrid
30"x22"
April 2004
Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480217 10/21/03 06:18 PM
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Axman9 Offline
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Palomar knot is OK, but if you use the Trilene knot, it'll retain 95 to 95% of the line strength.

And yes, 90% of the time when you get hung, just let the drag take the line out, do a U-turn and troll right back past the hang up and it'll come loose.

Same with rattle traps when trolling those for stripers.


Romans 10:15 - How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News!!!
www.reaxtionlures.com
www.texomaslabs.com
Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480218 10/21/03 06:38 PM
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Z71 Offline
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Trilene looks good to me.
http://www.fish4fun.com/TrileneKnot.htm


John Z71

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Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480219 10/22/03 03:13 AM
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Clifford Taft Offline OP
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Thanks for the info. I use the Palomar but will try the Trilene knot. I always turn around and go back by the snagged lure and most of the time it floats right off so I am guessing it's the Hellbender that's hung. Ocacsionaly though it's the Pet and it won't free up.
Again thanks for the help,
CT

Re: Test of line for trolling rig? #480220 10/22/03 05:31 AM
Joined: Mar 2003
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scruboak Offline
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I use 14 # invisiline on both had great success buddy uses 17# and I out fish him everytime out.I do use my drag to the fullest.Id rather catch more and and fight a lil longer.hook spits cant be helped on any pound test.good luck with what ever your choice is.fishing line equates to the same deal as what kinda truck you drive what works for me you may hate.

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