I use braid all the time--mostly PowerPro 30---but I read a lot of comments that 65# braid is best for Falcon--won't 30# work??sure a lot less diameter

I used 55lb and never had an issue but honestly we used 20lb Seaguar Red Label mostly and never had a break off even while flipping trees and getting wrapped up by 6-9lb fish.

30 will be fine

anything less than 65 lb you really have to keep a close I eye on the abrasion and re-tie often. 55 lb is the absolute minimum in my opinion and I wouldnt use that unless you plan to re-tie a lot. It just takes having one elite level fish on in the Jungle and have her break ya to understand why. I have 30 and 40 lb braid on spin cast reels for folks that can't use baitcasters, but then again I have to be creative with locations when we use those as well.

I also use braid as a main line for a c-rig. Rocks do serious damage to braid and I re-tie 65 lb often.

Good luck out there....I know of people who have hunted for elk and moose with a 22-250 and succeeded, but going into big game territory under powered isn't my thing.

Jay is 100% right.

30lb Braid WILL cause you to lose big fish at falcon.
Especially when the water comes back up.

Anyone that recomends less than 50lb on braid has not fished falcon much.
I use 25lb LFT Flouro or 65lb braid Minimum for flipping and JIgs. 15-17lb LFT Flouro for Cranks.

55-65 tight weave braid minimum is best! 30 lb - Been there and done that! Not a happy thought!!! AND, I would recommend Power Pro Braid. It has a tight weave and won't unravel like the Spiderwire Stealth. Once spring time arrives you might have to consider 20lb Fluoro carbon if you have to go shallower.
Since it is a "special trip" don't try and cut corners with insufficient tackle. Just buy your tackle at home.

thanks-that is what I wanted to know. I have already tried the flourocarbon leader 20 # with braid BUT can't trust the knots. Broke off several at jig with palomar knot---have since gone to san diego knot but haven't had any trouble.
Speaking about knots--seems to me if any part of knot is not accross itself or not done perfectly--the pressure will break at knot especially with braid. Thats why I use straight braid.

+1 on the above. I used 30lb and had several breakoffs. I went to 50 and 65 with a 20lb flouro leader and was much better off.

30 lb would be ok if you arent in the sticks or rocks but it's Falcon, there are sticks everywhere and rocks everywhere else.

I have been to Falcon--still learning---the rocks are detriment for braid especially with big fish but yet stout enough to turn that head and come to the top

If you tie 65lb braid with 30 or 40 lb fluoro you don't get the same slippage problems as you do with lighter lines. My thinking is if you're going to go heavy go as big as you can.

I also use 65 lb braid with 35-40 lb. fluoro leader.

I have fished Falcon enough to know that 20 lb fluoro is your best option. If a big fish gets you wrapped up in the brush, you probably won't get her out with 55lb braid or a wire leader unless your lucky. Main thing is to check your line frequently for abrasions and retie. If you want to use braid, I would suggest Diawa Samurai. I have used Power Pro for years and recently switched to Diawa. It is stronger, smoother, and cast farther. The lake is 30+ ft low now, so not as much brush to worry about.

Jay do you use straight braid down there always? If so do you use a leader?

[

Falcon is Big Game Country. It might be over kill to use 65# but you wont go wrong by using it. The tackle shops down there keep a healthy supply on 80# as well. As for Flouro, I wouldn't use anything less than 20#. As foe leader on braid, YEP! I even like to use mono for my leader giving it just a little shock resistance without sacrificing sensitivity. IF you do use straight Flouro, use a Sandiego Jam Knot instead of a palomar. Also, use an Albright over the Uni to Uni for tying your leader.

Robert said he throws 80lb when flipping. Says the fish don't shy away