After years of fishing mostly with spinning rods for smallmouth, I couldn’t disagree more. Braid ti fluoro offers multiple advantages over straightfluoro. First-superior line management. Even the most carefully managed fluoro becomes unwieldy on a spinning rod over the course of a day. Second, much more sensitivity. Third, better strike detection with fluorescent braid. Fourth, much more cost effective. Fifth, I can cast farther without sacrificing line strength. I suspect those and other reasons are why smallmouth stars like Brandon Palaniuk, Taku Ito, etc. use braid to fluoro.
I agree on all points. Yet, I recall Taku using straight 6lb test fluoro back in 2020 Elite Series at St Clair. My point is that some pros are not blindly using braid to fluoro. It depends on conditions of the field.
Mogippa- totally agree. The conditions definitely matter. For some things like tubes, I won’t use braid because I don’t want to move the tube too much, especially in cold water.
I like the high vis braid(yellow) with the use of spinning tackle as my finger is not on the line to detect a bite, therefore I can see the line move. For me most bites come on entry and fall of the Ned Rig. You are correct it is more affordable, every little bit help if you have multiple rods which we all do.
I tried both. I prefer braid to fluoro. A spool of braid lasts me an entire season. Hell some reels have two or three year old braid on them. A spool of fluoro lasts me forever. I can run my reels much more loose, because braid is much easier to cast. With fluoro I need to tighten down my spool tension, with braid I just leave it completely off. There is a difference in sensitivity. The only downside is because I don't like my knot being on my reel, I tie a lot of leaders, but that's about it. However people want to fish is up to them, but braid to fluoro makes more economic sense to me, and gives me more advantages then disadvantages.
Lol 3 year old line that’s no good line bud so your sensitivity is not helping you and that’s false anytime you run two different lines less sensitive braid has no memory no stretch so you loose sensitivity only way max sensitivity with line is run just that one type of line at the right lbs time change that line if three years old just saying line goes bad all it and after that long it’s bad so your sensitivity is not accurate
@@beyondfshn2844 lol cool story bud. Braid lasts forever, it has no memory. It's not going to start backlashing after a few months like fluoro. The only issue is either fading or fraying. You trim the frayed parts when you tie your leader, and braid isn't milk, it doesn't just "go bad". As for sensitivity, braid to leader provides better sensitivity then straight fluro. A six foot leader doesn't stretch nearly as much as having 30 yards of it casted out. I don't care what you say, I've tried both, and know the difference. My sensitivity is much better then running straight fluoro, and this setup works for me. If you want to run straight fluoro, have at it.
@@twiggsherman3641 and to each is there own but listen to what you say yes braid has no memory no play or give there for less sensitivity there’s more to it then opinion though
@@beyondfshn2844 slack braid will have no sensitivity. If there's no slack, braid will give better sensitivity. Adding a fluoro leader helps add sensitivity to the braid when you're slacklining, because of gravity. If you're using a wacky worm, your slack line still has pressure on it from hanging down in the water as it sinks, so movement on the fluoro will translate through the braid, better then just having braid by itself. However if you just toss a bait out there and let it lay on the bottom, with no pressure on the line at all, straight fluoro will be better then straight braid. Opinion is which one you prefer, facts are what I just laid out.
there are some very real advantages to braid-fluoro. I have spent time with both. -you get more sensitivity -better hook penetration, especially when fishing deep. -braid lasts a long time and it extends the life of a fluoro spool -its very versatile. If you need to switch between 8, 10, 12 pound line, you can do it no problem and you don't need to carry extra spools. This is my system and I feel that it is pretty optimized. If anybody has any suggestions to further optimize it, feel free to reply. I tie a blood knot with 8 loops on each side, cinch it down, and give it a few pops to make sure it wont break. It's a skinny knot, it goes through the guides easily. I like to use a 15 foot leader, which in my experience has always been longer than the visibility distance. If you're fishing shallow, you can use neon to see your bites and have the braid be totally out of the water. I like to use dark green braid when fishing deep if I have it on hand, or when fishing a fluke or floating worm.
I've been fishing for 45 years And i never used a leader in my life. I only use Braid all the time and never had a problem. I've cought so many fish in my life time and will never change what works.
@@adamlebeck9482 the guy has fished more than the 3 of you combined..thats why he cashes cheques and you sit at home and watch his videos that make him money
@@kcroyal5249 there's more than one way to skin a cat. I just think flouro is a pain in the ass and never noticed any benefit from using it as a mainline. Also I watch while I'm at work. So you have to pay me to watch it lol. If I wanna learn I watch tacticalbassin.
You offer a lot of opinions without backing it up with anything factual. I'm old, old school and have always used mono or braided, no leader. I , by and large, am a jig or worm fisherman. I plan on using braid to mono this season for the first time. I think the added sensitivity over just mono or just floro could be a huge bonus. Do you feel the same about braid to mono. Keep up the good work. I have gotten some great ideas from you. I don't always gave to agree with your technics.
Randy does raise some excellent points - seems to me the best approach is to be aware of all the pros and cons of any particular setup and factor those in when making the decision of what setup to use based on the specific conditions/application at the time.
Love your vids - they have either taught me something new or solidified how I fish now. On this topic though, I part ways for sure. In my 60’s - fishing hard for many years now (shore, boat, kayak, drift boat - fresh and salt - all forms - hand fished as a kid - all rods - all types of fishing - fly/bass/surf/spey/trolling salt and fresh, on and on - I use mono and fluoro for a few applications and of course fly line as well (all types - river and lake - flaoting/sinking etc). But for much of my fishing for several years now, I run braid to fluoro for most of my fishing (spinning/baitcast/surfcast and trolling). I wish I had done it 20 years ago! I catch more fish - I have less hassles with line memory etc and my bait is in the water more often and for longer - I use a uni to uni knot mostly and have not had problems - for salt an FG knot - braid to fluro is also cheaper in the long run, but that is just bonus - it catches more fish because I have my line in the water more and for longer - I re-tie less and lose no more fish than the many years I did without it. As for no stretch? I use spinning reels with good drag and set it correctly for my target fish - baitcasters not much of a need for drag (powerfishing). I am not a young guy and I am all in with braid to fluoro.
I'm one to agree with you. Around 4 years ago I converted around 75 percent of my gear to braid and leader. After 4 years of experiencing the pros and cons of braid to leader. Most of my biggest fish above 7 pounds were caught on straight mono or flurocarbon. I love the greater sensitivity of braid to fluro in the right situations. A lot of my rods have small to micro guides which I hate having the knot going through. To make a long story short. Everyone has to experience the pros and cons for them selves. Just part of the learning process. And for many, that learning process takes longer unless someone like yourself points it out to them. Keep up the great videos Randy.
I haven’t had much luck spooling fluoro on my spinning reel. Even dragging behind boat and reeling in wet I still had loops falling off the spool. I prefer yellow braid to fluoro mainly for visibility and sensitivity. I use an Alberto knot for the braid to fluoro and a Palomar knot for fluoro to hook. I can retie the entire rig fairly quickly but I practiced to get the speed up. I’ve used it from floating worms to shaky heads. I do check my Alberto knot regularly and retie it when I think it’s weak or frayed. I only use this on spinning rods. My baitcasters are full fluoro. Just my preference. I enjoy you videos.
“I don’t know if Gary Yamamoto has ever lost a bass in his life.” There’s pretty much the ultimate fishing compliment. I hate hearing the knot go through the guides as well. I cringe virtually every time. Much respect for your opinions on everything.
Would love to see you and Matt Allen from tactical bassin sit down and have a conversation about this. He's a big advocate of running braid to leader, people trust his advice because he's almost always catching big bass in their videos, and so much of the things discussed on the tactical bassin videos have worked well for me
Matt HATES braid to floro. Be stresses this over and over again. Tim uses it on his finesse setup. They have videos where they say they've tried certain types of FC for leader material but as a general rule...matt hates it. Braid to mono🤙
I’m a kayak guy and prefer braid to fluorocarbon on my spinning setups, here’s why: 1. More versatile, I can switch up leader lb test or just cut the leader off and use the braid for poppers/small top water. It allows me to carry 1 medium light spinning rod and 1 medium spinning rod to cover all my finesse applications. 2. Longer casts 3. Cheaper 4. Easier hook sets, I reel set on everything, I don’t Jack em
Yep. I didn’t put the ease of changing leader poundage in my comment but your 100% correct. I think randy doesn’t understand you can have a 50 ft leader if you want.
As far as it being cheaper I put a mono backing on my reels about half the spool then I put my fluorocarbon on after that so I get 2 reels out of 200 or so yards of fluorocarbon. Cause basically a spool is like $20+ of the invizx.
On my finesse setup I utilize braid backing to a fluoro mainline/leader that is about 2-3 cast lengths. Leaves me enough fluorocarbon to retie a bunch before i need to add more fluoro and I save big $$$ in the long run. If you fill the spool with straight fluoro and get bad line twist you’ll lose twice as much line as someone who uses braid backing.
Totally disagree. Never had a failure with the Alberto knot as the fluoro to braid connection. Hate the inevitable line twist from a day of fishing straight fluoro. I use a 12-15 foot leader which is plenty to last a trip or two. I also have over 50 years fishing experience. I started using fluoro to braid about 5 years ago. I'll never go back. As I've gotten older being able to see the his-vis braid is a plus. Come on Randy, maybe its time you gave it another try. This time with an open mind.
I use braid to fluorocarbon and have for years now but do appreciate the point. When I take a nube fishing with me I set them up with straight mono. Great honest video
Don't always agree with everything you say on you videos but they do spark a lot of conversation. Also one of the biggest problems in the country today is, if you don't see things my way then you are wrong. No room for different opinions are points of view and no respect for someone with a differing point of view. Keep up the videos and wither I agree or disagree with you, I'll still listen to your ideas and know that its your opinion and respect that.
Braid to flouro saves so much money. The only down side is learning to tie the knot, which is easy (fg knot or my preferred blood knot). You can spool 50% braid on your reel (jerkbaits) 80% (spinner baits and chatterbaits) or 95% (flipping). You can make it to where no braid comes out when you cast just like straight flouro. The downside to straight flouro is memory and having to change the line more often. Not to mention high vis braid help detecting bites. Braid to flouro is far superior once you have the basics down, especially for someone trying to save money.
Just a quick question, saving money meaning using more fluoro than braid? Does cost of fluoro less than the the cost of braid? I am curious how long of fluoro do other fishermen commonly use? I do have problem of the tight knot hitting the guides and causing wind knots often (double uni). Some people said shorter leader line helps. Would love to know your opinion?
The only thing I like braid to fluorocarbon for is the brightly colored lines can act like a strike indicator for baits like weightless worms, flukes, etc
I actually feel braid to floro outweighs floro only. Like you stated above, I love being able to see the strike indicator when using weightless worms around docs. The other is further casting. And lastly is sensitivity. now I will agree with Randy on one point for sure… Straight Floro no doubt will get you more bites, but if your leader is long enough, I don’t know how many more bites that is. :-)
I agree 100% Randy & I’m just a weekend warrior. Hardly an amateur!! 😂 I will say this though. Taking a black sharpie or permanent black marker & simply blacking out about 10 ft of braid from your hook is legit!!!! The legend Roland Martin has a video about doing that to your braid so you know it’s legit!!! Good stuff!!!!
Why do you need to make your braid black? Don't tell me that now since it is black, the fish can't see it.... Have you ever caught a bass on a black worm??? Bass can see the color black. Some use a green magic marker on their braid....Bass are caught all the time on watermelon and green pumpkin color worms all the time.
@@ejzabojnik834 you only looked at the color and took every other variable out of the equation. It does work to color the line because of the thinner diameter( than a worm). Now, that is only for visibility and water clarity matters. Another thing is that braid can make a sound in the water. I mean its up to everyone's preference.
Dear Mr. Blaukat, due to a huge respect to you I have given it a try. I spooled 8 lbs Seaguar InvizX on my light spinning (2500 Shimano Vanford reel) and I have tried to go fishing some garfish and cods yesterday. It was windy and the reason I had to cast my maximums to reach the ridge that goes to the depth, I was really pushing on it... Caught some fish, but just after retying my lures after catching up 3 major bird nests. Spooled it right direction and even put the line in the water while spooling and spooled it holding a bit tight through the wet cloth. I have never had any problems like that with braid. Braid sits much better on the spool. It feels like it is easier to cast with a braid, because it doesn't give that sense if insecurity and fear to break it like a stretchy 8 lbs fluoro. Messed up 30 meters of line and I am getting back where it all started - braid, swivel or ring and leader. Kind regards! P.S. Being non pro angler I don't really care about few bites more, but just like everybody I am trying to keep it my budget and pain in the ass friendly!))
Go Randy! Loved this video! I dont use braid to fluorocarbon for the same reasons. I'm straight fluorocarbon, straight braid, or straight mono (topwater). That knot is an extra risk i dont want and couldn't stand it going through the guides. With straight braid, I color the first couple feet black with a sharpie.
Comments are very interesting on this. I think it is interesting the delineation of braid to fluoro leader versus braid backing to fluoro. I think what Randy is describing is the braid to leader, not the backing situation... but I can't speak for him. With the leader setup, I see the same arguments and both sides as Randy lays out. It does seem that maybe casting distance, lack or stretch, ease of swapping to straight braid or lighter leader, lack of line twist all would be good reasoning for certain fishers... all depends on the particular person. I'd like to add in though the cost factor and the sensitivity of braid. If I get more bites with straight fluoro, but I can't tell I am getting them... then it does me no good. In part adding braid to fluoro leader may make up some sensitivity in a cheaper combo that many of us recreational fishers must use.
I Switched to braid and fluoro leaders from straight mono about 9-10 years ago, and doubt I’m going back. The sensitivity and cast distance I get with braid can’t be matched, at least for my fishing, and a well tied FG knot has never failed me. I have experienced break offs with fluoro, but again, tie your knots correctly and that can be minimized. Fluorocarbon also gives me the abrasion resistance I need in some situations, besides the low visibility. I run straight braid for heavy flipping, pitching, and frogs. As far as shortening leaders due to reties, I live with it because the pros out weigh the cons for me. It’s a matter of preference. If I was in the boat with Randy, he might convince me otherwise, but in my experience braid and fluoro is still the way to go.
Randy, continue doing what you do best. I will do what I can afford. I need the distance fishing from the bank, especially now that the fish have moved off shore into their deeper winter waters. Braid to fluorocarbon works for me since I only earn a $224 biweekly paycheck.
The reason I'm going to run braid to flouro this season is only because of line management. I spool flouro correctly, but I still get line twist, and it doesn't come off the spool well. I'm interested to see if the sensitivity is better as well.
I listened to your previous video on this topic and considered your points, but I concluded that I like the extra casting distance with braid to mono on spinning gear (tied with double uni). The only reason I prefer to have that advantage is because I don't have a boat. Reading some of the other comments, I also agree that I've noticed it's quite nice to spool the braid once and it lasts forever (so long as you keep inspecting it for any fraying), and using a hi-viz line color is nice to be able to keep track of where your lure is. I understand that such a setup may cost me some bites from bass, but bass are not my target every time. Using straight fluoro is something I haven't tried yet - partly due to the cost of fluoro vs other line types, and partly because I didn't want to learn a new set of knots just for fluoro (maybe I'm ill-informed, but I had heard/read from a few sources that the standard set of knots used with mono don't always work as well with fluoro). Having said all that, I'm not married to my current habits and I'd be willing to experiment with straight fluoro.
For cost, it is cheaper for me to go braid fluorocarbon for many reasons. I can use the leftover spools from the re-spooling of reels. I don't mind retying leaders because I need the practice anyways. Many years ago, I did straight fluorocarbon on a spinning reel and it was a mess; a waste of expensive fluorocarbon.
*This was my first time using Braided line and I was happy with the product **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it's held up well and I have no complaints. Would buy again.*
Hey Randy rantalot, how long have you actually tried braid to flouro? From your dissertation about getting more bites it seems you made your mind up before trying it?
I believe he tried it but I also believe he was not running the system right. You can’t just put an 8ft leader on every rod. Each technique determines how long your leader is.
All of my spinning rods are braid to monofilament. You can cast far and the braid lasts 1-2 seasons, sometimes more. I like the braid because even on far casts I get a good hookset and the mono is good for being a shock absorber and stretches a little if the fish dives by the kayak. It also helps keep them hooked even if my drag isn't set right. I can be versatile with this setup and just cut the leader and use the braid for topwater. Allows me to bring less spinning rods on the kayak and more bait casters. Also, far less wind knots.
10 pound braid, 6-8 pound fluoro leaders. Never had the Alberto knot break on a freshwater fish. Cats, musky, carp... I can tie the knot in my sleep and it goes through the guides. It's all I use on spinning setups and I will never go back. I'm not sucked into any hype. I tried it and loved it. Hands down the best option.
I agree with you on this. I’ve never experienced any significant advantages to a flouro leader. Plus, being an advocate of braid, I find the strength of the braid helps me in a lot of snag situations and definitely is a plus for a solid hook set. I tend to whip my casts so I have lost a few nice lures just on the cast when my double uni contacts a guide and the 12 lb flouro snaps sending my brand new lures bye-bye. Embarrassing and probably my fault but that was the last straw. I just find it easier and less stressful not having to worry about extra knots and losing lures. It’s one or the other but no more leaders.
Randy I agree 100% bud. I personally stick with mono. I have alot of friends and they swear by the braid to fluro or mono and I laugh. I catch just as many fish and sometimes bigger fish than they do. Also a friend and I fished a tournament one time and I let him talk me into spoiling braid on. The day of the tournament I lost 3 giants which cost us the tournament. We fished a small canal so obviously fishing very close to the fish. So being that close caused my line to snap when I set the hook. Had I went with my mono that wouldn’t have happen. Ever since it’s strictly mono for me. I do use braid to fluro in saltwater though. I also think your right on the money with guys thinking it’s just what you use because so and so are using it. I could care less when it comes to fishing line. I’ve been fishing for 40 years so I’ll stick with my mono and fluro. Great video buddy keep up the great work.
I do it purely as a money saving measure. I don’t really fish tournaments, so I’m not as worried about losing fish. However, I completely agree with Randy’s assessment.
Some great comments below. No venom here. I'm a braid to short (~6') fluorocarbon leader user. Some things that make this so debatable come to mind. 1) Anglers often LOVE to tie knots. Just look at the proliferation of knot videos. Some leader usage results from, well, you have to have a leader to be able to tie a junction knot. But, as Randy says, adding knots adds risks and detracts from # of casts per day on the water; 2) People love to speculate on whether fish care about seeing line, or not, and fluoro's invisibility. And, yet look at the wire on a spinnerbait and many others! Go figure; 3) Sensitivity issue: it is real; 4) Line float vs. sink aspects. And, several other issues. Me? I generally agree with Randy but I absolutely hate straight fluoro on a reel even knowing how to spool it on correctly. Gotta say that I see some who don't have my issues. Are they often pros with fluoro sponsers providing free line to them so they can yank it all off and put fresh line on for each tournament? I really don't know. No issues, not for me, with fishing straight mono when it is called for. So, braid to leader, straight braid, straight mono . . . but, straight fluoro, though, is way down my list. Slightly above a root canal. Kudos to anyone who can pull it off.
Man, I'm so happy i found your channel. You have removed a lot of stress this time of year on line selection and respooling reels getting ready for the fishing season here in Wisconsin, Thanks for the useful information
I've tried them all also. I still prefer camo green braid with a 10lb test 15' Fluorocarbon leader on my spinning rigs. Straight Fluorocarbon springs of the real and makes a mess. Straight mono is like fishing with a rubber band. Straight braid is great as long as you feel it's not effecting the fish and most of the time it's probably not. In the gin clear water of the North however, I just feel better having a line they can't see or is extremely hard to see and that's why I stick with the 15' leader. That's what works for me. PS ~ Thanks for all your videos Randy. I always look forward to watching them.
I’ve tried both and I’ve caught fish both ways. 2 things to remember if you are gonna go straight fluoro. First put a decent amount of mono backing on. The backing will dig into the spool so you don’t have to worry about your line slipping and it will save you a ton of money because you won’t be wasting that expensive fluoro. 2nd thing is use light line, I only use 8lb or smaller on a spinning set up. With 8lb fluoro I can cast a mile and have no problems with memory or line twist. In fact I let my 7 year old daughter use my finesse set up a lot and she has no problem handling the fluoro. That being said if I you put 12-15 lb straight fluoro on a spinning setup it would be a nightmare for any angler. You will definitely be going for a trip down memory lane.
I have just started using braid to fluorocarbon for the first time this year. I am 60 years old. I could care less who does what. I have never had an easier time or got in more fish than I have this year. I will never go back to straight mono or fluorocarbon. That has been my experience. Now I do fish the Tennessee River most of the time so it is not very clear. I love not worrying about breaking off and all year never had a knot fail. I will never go back. If I am in one of the highland lakes I will use straight mono because of the water clarity but for Watts Bar and Chick, I stay with Braid and Fluorocarbon.
i totally agree with you from florida i have always used a braid to brand name mono and i do very well with it just always check the leader after a catch
Ive been experimenting with the different lines for quite some time now and i would say the most important factor in getting bites is fishing where the fish are. Your line means nothing without fish being present. Tight lines!
1st off love learning from you and your videos . Wife and I watch every week . But I watched this video . And said ok I'll try to do straight fluorocarbon . Well I'm back here to tell ya at least for us . Fluorocarbon will only be used as a leader . Back to braid with leader for us . What a nightmare the last 4 times out fishing . 3 baitcasters And 2 spinning . And yes I know how to put it on properly. In the middle of our last excursion I ripped of all 5 reels and redid them with braid, then added a leader . Back to no issues . Go figure. Keep the videos coming .
I would love the opportunity to debate you on this. I have a couple reasons why it's beneficial. 1. 15- 20 foot longer cast 2. I save an incredible amount of money on line not wasting half my spool of flouro. I respect what you're saying but I believe you are conflating two situations(backing vs. leader). I don't ever hit the knot or even come close to the knot that connects the braid to the floro. If you do you have too much braid and you need to remove some. You are thinking that people are talking about using fluoro as a leader on their braid. That's something different than some are talking about. Like you, I have used this technic for a decade and it's tried and true. I have saved hundreds on not wasting floro/mono. Your confusing leader with backing. Ther is a difference. I've paid for every lure that I own and every foot of line that I've ran on my reel. That's the experience I'm bringing to the table. You don't have to fish tourneys to be experienced.
That was my question I'm not an expert by any means but is it really a leader if your main line never leaves the spool. I would call that backing and I think it's a totally different conversation. Just my opinion I don't know.
I only agree with the last sentence because it is so true. But I would say I can buy two spools of Bass Pro Shops 10 lb clear blue mono and have new line every week. I can get the distance because I downsize and have extremely efficient equipment. I can still match bite to bite and land fish to fish because I know what I’m doing. I’ve been doing it for forty years and I know the capability of my line and most importantly the rod and still do it cheaper than braid. I do love a little stretch and believe it or not…I want everything to slip just a bit. The line and even my reel is set so it slips. Then I can jack the shit out of them and most of the time they swallow it. It’s funny how so many people live by pros words with doing the homework themselves.
Love your videos but I disagree, I finally started fishing braid to flouro for lighter techniques and I love it. Casts better, more sensitive. Stronger
Well Bro... you've made a believer out of me. I've spent so much time wading through ALL the info, pros & cons etc. I've had a couple setups this year straight Fluoro. Hundreds of Largies & Smallies later, I'm just loving it! And no more stress or inconvenience of messing w/a Leader. Thank You!
Love your channel, but I think this is your preference.. and that’s fine. 5 of my top 10 biggest bass have come on braid to fluro. The key for me was to practice the knots a ton so I can retie quickly. Braid last much longer on my spinning reels, it doesn’t tangle as often, and I can see the bite better. I do still have one rod rigged straight fluro for fishing finesse baits deep. The braid will slow the fall down too much at times.
Agreed. I fish with a buddy. Fish straight floro on his drop shot. The rest of us are fishing the braid to floro. He consistently out fishes us almost every time. BTW we fish ultra clear water. He's done this over the last 3 years. I've switched. I'm now catching more fish.
Sadly people who don’t have an open mind , are the know it alls ? But I thank you for telling us your experience from years of research and applying knowledge you have gained
Randy, I appreciate your stance and firm opinion on this matter. The correct answer is that braid to leter, straight floro or mono all need to be tools used in angling. Also fishing has a lot of personal preference. Rods, reels, baits, knots etc. My personal preference is braid to leter. I could careless if I hear my knot through my guides. I don’t tie the FG knot. I tie double blood knot, it’s money. I also fish straight floro as well. Just depends my application. Keep up the great content and thanks again.
i have rods with straight fluoro and braid to fluoro. i lose less fish on the braid to fluoro because i get a deeper hook set. they just rarely get off. Straight fluoro i lose more fish. backlashes are far easier to fix on braid and doesnt damage the line anywhere near as bad as fluoro. Its a great idea. Might not work for you but, works for me. You have a LOT of tips that are absolutely great tips that work. braid to fluoro is better for me. it casts farther, its more forgiving, it set the hook better. just mind you drag. FG knot with a tad of superglue on it. it doesnt go anywhere.
I love braid to fluorocarbon leader. I’ve had more big bass break off on straight fluorocarbon . Learned my lesson on straight fluro. Got to swap out that line twice a year. Where as straight braid is longer lasting and which I love for frog fishing . Braid to leader is a money saver especially on expensive braid and fluorocarbon line. I utilize both starlight fluro and braid to leader for different situations on both spinning and baitcasting gear.
I have used braid to fluorocarbon for years and never have had the issues Randy speaks of..I am not a pro fisherman but I tend to spool my bait casters with about 60-70 percent braid and then I'll spool about 30-40 yards of Fluorocarbon or regular mono. I don't have issues with the fish seeing any transition from the different lines. I do agree with Randy if using braid to short leaders of fluorocarbon.
Randy, I appreciate your opinion and most valid. However, having tried both ways myself on all applications and all presentations, my conclusions are as follows. Spinning rods I always use braid to fluorocarbon. 1. Float & Fly the fish never see the braid and the leader is at a specific depth. 2. Drop shot Shaky head ; I use more leader than the depth of the water, fish never see the braid. When it gets hung up the knots back on the reel. 3. Though any knot I’ve tried braid to fluorocarbon is weaker, I’ve never lost a fish from breaking the knot. Reel setting is much more efficient braid to carbon. 4. Like others have said, the braid last forever compared to mono or carbon! Saving $$$ 5. Fishing a Senko it’s nice to be able to see the braid as the bait is slowly sinking. Bait casters; 1. Jig no braid! 2. Top waters depends on water clarity? I’d rather throw a whopper on braid to mono for distance. 3. A-Rigs & big Swim-baits straight carbon. Only to prevent the occasional snap off you get with braid. And I agree in clearer water even with a longer leader, you’re pulling the braid over the fish your trying to catch. Love your videos I’ve learned a lot!!Thanks!!
I agree with all the disadvantages you talk about regarding braid to fluorocarbon. I fish tournaments with my son and we often fish tubes for smallies. He fishes straight fluoro and I fish braid to fluoro. We do about the same! I used to used straight fluoro but switched (before it was even something I saw the pros doing) for several reasons. The main reason is that my aging eyes can see it. My son is younger than me (Duh!) and he can see the fluoro. I can also feel what's going on better. Finally, I am a guide and I spend a lot less time untangling my clients' lines when they are using braid to fluoro (and yes, I know how to put line on a spinning reel, I've been doing it for more than 50 years). Love your channel!
Bank fisherman, switched to braid to fluoro last year. Love it. extra distance is great, no twists, generally easy to retie on the shore, mastered the double uni. Plus, with limited ability to carry a bunch of setups I can put a multipurpose 15-20 lb braid on, but switch up the leader to 8-10-12-15 lbs etc. Just my opinion.
I just recently set my rod up like this for the first time.... kinda wish I hadn't now but I'll find out. I appreciate your advice,no matter if I think it's right or not it's still appreciated
This is my comment before I watch the video... Grab my attention instantly because I have noticed significant advantages running braid to fluro carbon for trout fishing... However, there are also some disadvantages as well.. Looking forward to the video .. Will post again after 🤣
Rule #1 is use 20+ feet of leader to get shock absorbency. A long leader puts a negligible amount of pressure on any knot you choose. A short leader is asking for problems. Setting the drag before and after hookset is crucial. Choosing larger diameter braid helps distribute pressure on the knot. I like the versatility of switching line/leader types. I seldom have any issues. If you get a knot or abrasion 40 yards into your straight Fluoro spool, the whole spool is now trashed. That is less likely to happen with braid. To each his own! Whatever you feel confident with is the right choice.
When I really started bass fishing I was using straight braid because I was fishing from the bank. Once I got a boat I tried using Fluoro but it feels like fishing with a rubber-band. I use braid on all my rods. Fluoro leader on most.
I tried straight fluorocarbon and it was a waste. Braid to fluorocarbon for me. GT knot it double uni..... no issues. I don't use yellow braid anymore. Thanks for the opinion video,
Dude no hook set? Tell me you dont fish smallmouth without telling me. As for braid. I switched last year to braid with leader. Love it. No more swearing in my busy. Lol.
I agree a lot of stuff fisherman think they need is overblown, maybe some compensation? You don’t need a 8ft broomstick with 80 pound braid to flip that jig into the rotten stumps.
Randy THANK YOU for all the insights you share with everyone. Those insights are based on your experience, hours and hours, countless days and years of experience. That is why I am willing to listen and learn. Again, THANK YOU. There will always be know-it-all’s who will put others down. Ignore them people, ignore them. GOD BLESS you in 2022.
You definitely bring up some pretty good points but I find that my braid to fluro is way more sensitive. I can notice a huge difference. Not to mention it saves me hundreds of dollars a year. I just maid the switch 2 years ago and it was hard for me to learn the knots but now I got it wired. I remember when I was a kid flouro wasn’t even around. I would re spool every other time if every time I fished.
I agree to an extent.. if your useing 8lb or less floro. But if your heavier than this it makes your one spinning rod, that lots of people use for everything . much more versatile..
I see exactly what your talking about. One straight line type is one of the best ways to go. But I still prefer braid to flouro. Given the fact I’m a bank angler and don’t like to carry more that two or three rods. I don’t want to be limited to topwater or only jigs and moving baits. Yes braid doesn’t have any stretch. In my opinion it’s better to use a softer rod for braid to flourocarbon to give it a bit of flex. I will also say that people think the only good knot is the FG knot. I think the double uni because it’s simple amd it’s almost just as strong. It also allows me tie a new leader on more frequently. The only true weakness a leader is that the knot becomes your weakness.
I just like being able to see my hi via line easily. I make fewer mistakes and helps a lot in strike detection on the initial fall. Even in fluoro I use Berkeley Vanish Transition or colored fluoro.
I have extensively tested all kinds of knots, braids, fluorocarbon leaders, high quality thin mono.......I used every superline and Fins Windtamer Braid, if that’s what you do on casting setup. and Sling Braid for spinning........fins pink windtamer never loses its color, in a light or heavy wind it whips through the air and extends casts immensely. I used a sunline leader when I use one and a sunline flouro for a mainline as well. Their 7lb shooter is thinner, stronger and clear on an finesse setup. Fish how you want. If you don’t catch a dang thing then listen to someone who does,
Thank you Randy! I absolutely agree! I have seriously tried the braid to fluro for a couple seasons and am switching all my rigs back to single line. You are 100% right on the hesitation to re-tie and the time required. I think it's funny that anglers state they run braid backing to save money. Most of the folks I see either on RU-vid or at the ramp have a half dozen $400+ rod reel combos on a $40K boat behind a $50K truck.
Randy, I love you and appreciate all you do for the angling community over RU-vid, but as a bank fisherman, I have a SIGNIFICANT upgrade in casting distance, on these ponds using 10lb braid on my spinning outfit and 20lb on my baitcaster. I get my bait places I couldn’t before than on straight mono or fc, I get more and bigger bites in those places, especially in these dog days of summer and trying to get that bait in the deep spots of the small ponds that I get to fish. There is a point to all the knot tying however, and if someone might have a boat, RANDY, they might be able to carry multiple outfits to fish with and not need all that extra stuff going on with the lines. I bring 1 spinning and 1 baitcasting outfit whenever I go, sometimes I only want to carry 1 of them around the pond because it’s nicer and simpler to just go light but if I can’t get my bait out to where that monster fish is from the bank then what good is fishing for him I guess that’s my philosophy but that’s the only style of fishing I have an option with at this point in my life
I find straight flouro on my finesse setups have worked better for me. But I do prefer braid to leader on my baicasters. Nice video. Informative as always. Keep up the good work.
Totally agree! Never had trust in leaders. I do use braid as a backer and it makes a difference I believe. My knot never comes off the spool. Thoughts?
great idea, ott defoe uses that exact same technique and so do I. Seems to be the best of both world’s because none of randys gripes with braid to fluoro apply to braid backing.
Also I'd like to add because you've got me tickled right now 🤣🤣 I love the fact that you told them if they're having problem with lying twist and they need to know how to use their equipment better 🤣🤣🤣 and you're absolutely right folks if you're having trouble with lying twist you're either not spoiling it right you have a fishing lure that is spent an underwater because you're not paying attention to it that is off track and you need to bend it to get back on track and stop putting twist in your line and if you get twisted in your line you can get it out just like he said by trolling your line behind a boat. Its that simple. I'm only 35 years old I've been fishing since I was a little girl and I know all this what's wrong with you little girls...?
All right, so here's my comment after... Great video! ! I appreciate your experience and time on the water.. I don't bass fish, and I also have hundreds of hours experience on the water... With trout, I believe the hookset is an issue... And using the braid to fluorocarbon allows you to change liters kind of like a tip. It on a fly rod... On Stormy Days I like to use a 6 lb... And on clear days I'll go as low as 1 lb for my fluorocarbon... Running a braided main line allows me not to have to take multiple rods... Having to retie your leader definitely can take you out of the game on a windy day 🤣🤣😢 Also, I don't run braid in the winter... I run straight fluorocarbon to the reel because the braid tends to beat up and freeze.. Mono has been tested and proven to catch fish, but I think fluorocarbon is an advancement in technology which is an upgrade in every way if used properly.. Also, I go by the motto... Fish what you can afford to fish..🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the insight !!! Stay Motivated !!! Keep It Tight !!! Cpl. Hood 🦈🦈🦈
I definitely agree with what Randy is saying if you're primarily or only a bass fisherman. I have two bass setups that are species and technique specific for bass fishing. Those two are straight fluorocarbon. I'm 100% in agreement there. However, the rest of my rods are used for multiple species, techniques and conditions in both fresh and saltwater. Braid to fluorocarbon allows me to fine tune for anything. I don't have the cash to buy or time maintain a couple dozen different setups. Just for one example... I can take my Penn Battle II 4000 spinning reel, Star Stellar Lite fast taper med/light rod, 30lb Suffix braid then tune it with 8lb, 12lb, 20lb or 30lb Seaguar fluorocarbon leader and catch pretty much anything that swims salt or freshwater. I can also use pretty much any lure and do pretty much any technique with amazing results, even down to live bait. I can take that setup with one tackle box and travel the whole country burning almost every species up. For another example...On big fishing trips with the family, I can pass my rods out and fine tune the whole family to what we're doing with braid to fluorocarbon as well. All I'd be doing is changing line all of the time if I went full fluorocarbon.
I use leaders mostly for the cost effectiveness, I can use the same braid for 2 or 3 years just tying on new 20 to 30 foot leaders. Obviously your situation is different than mine so, it's a bit apple's to oranges but, it works pretty good for me.
I agree straight floro or mono is better in some cases. But overall braid to floro is much cheaper in the long run and like you said cast better. I don’t think they will notice the braid unless you are in crystal clear water.
Hmm, very good insight and I disagreed with the video before I even clicked on it so I’ll spill my opinion as well: I haven’t even been fishing for a year yet but I’ve watched many anglers on RU-vid to to learn as much as possible. No one ever pushed me to try braid to fluorocarbon but I heard “braid” over and over so I did some research. Learning the FG knot took a few tries but using a leader or straight braid has never stopped a bass from biting. My ultimate argument about braid to fluorocarbon is that the knot on your bait/hook will almost always break before your FG knot does. This saves both your fluorocarbon from snapping near the reel and losing tension. 99.9% of the time I get snagged on a rock or tree, the line breaks at the bait/hook. I lose about 1% of my leader and I can re-tie again with minimal damage. When I used to fish straight fluorocarbon or straight mono, the line would snap anywhere randomly and I’d have to feed it through the guides again. That’s the biggest advantage from using braid to fluorocarbon. I also like that my braid makes it more visible so I can see my line while the fluorocarbon is invisible in the water. Once my braid FG knot is visible, I know about how deep my bait is. I think using braid to fluorocarbon absolutely does not cost you any bites but it will not increase your chances of bites either. I used to use straight fluorocarbon but I had to cut and re-tie so much that I ended up running out of line and couldn’t cast far enough so I had to pack it up. I never have to touch my braid unless I’m tying another FG knot because my leader got short. That happens once every few weeks or when I unspool everything to clean it and grease up the gears for the next season. I understand why you feel the way you do but I use straight fluorocarbon, straight monofilament, straight braid and main line braid to leader fluorocarbon. On different rods. Some times you want extra stretch or have the line sink and some times you need the power to cast heavier baits without sacrificing too much. I think they’re all good methods and only a fool would limit themselves to only one method. I am of course not calling you a fool but I’m saying that anyone who fishes should at least try or fish many different lines and methods on multiple rods. It would be a huge mistake to not try out everything you hear in the fishing community to see if you like it for yourself. I think it’s very courteous to give a heads up, but recommending people don’t at least try it seems very close minded. You want to present the pros and cons of fishing methods and allow the viewer to learn so they can decide for themselves. I don’t fish it because the pros do, I barely follow any pro bass anglers and I definitely do not follow their methods. I take advice and tips to create my own way of fishing. I think this topic is very controversial because many people love using this method but it’s very informative and you bring up many solid cons but in my only 5-6 months of fishing, I think braid to fluorocarbon is the best and absolutely my favorite method of fishing. I do want to buy a baitcaster to throw only fluorocarbon on but right now I use heavy braid and braid to fluorocarbon on my two baitcasters. I haven’t been a fan of fishing straight fluorocarbon on my back up spinning rod so I have yet to use it on my baitcaster. Hope my opinion holds some solid evidence about why I think it’s the better option but I still respect your opinion against it. We all fish the way we like to fish :)
I will admit you make valid points and i would agree with you for the most part for me i love my braid to fluorocarbon mainly for the sensitivity and i never get any curls or coils in my line cause braid has no memory and i can cast further and thats a big deal for me because i fish from the bank about half the time and i dont want to give up strenth in my line by using lifhter l8ne to get that distance. One more point for me is yes braid is expensive but the rebuttal is that i can use my power pro braid for a couple years so it pays for itself. I have had power pro on one of my spinning reel and rod combos i use to catch musky for going on 3 years now and its still holding up great its definitely not black anymore more like a grey lol but still strong and not fraying.
It gives me way longer casts and up here in the Great Lakes gives me more bites with water visibility of 30’+. The extra 20’ I get is huge with spooky fish. Never had a knot or break off problem. Saves a ton of money also. With dirty water i understand braid is fine. With gin water in my opinion you either need straight FC or braid and a leader. Way cheaper to use a leader. My braid usually lasts 3 -4 years. I usually use a 10-12’ leader. If fish are hitting an Arig in water that has 20+ visibility then i am not too worried about my FG knot coming through the water. This is what i have noticed here around the Great Lakes. I think it really depends on the situation and water visibility I understand the fewer knots you have the better but I have never had that problem. It all comes down to confidence
I'm in Michigan and agree with all you stated. I've been using the fluoro/ braid with a double uniknot for the past 5 yrs and have not broke off a knot once.
I’ve wondered this exact thing and could never really find a good answer for it. One thing I have learned, is that my drop shot bite went to dang near zero when I switched to a braid to fluorocarbon setup. Thanks Randy!
Using only braid works in murky water. In some lakes the water is so clear that the fish can see the braid. Finesse fishing using fluorocarbon is important especially when there's a snag the fluorocarbon or mono for a drop shot you can use a much lighter weight mono after the hook to save the hook and the bait by sacrificing only that section with the drop shot sinker weight. Using only 8 to 15 lb. braid can be difficult to work with because it's diameter is too small and having an intentional break off can be very difficult to accomplish.
