Been thinking of running a braided line on my plug rods. I like the no stretch and the ability to yard a fish out of a rootwad when needed, but I,ve heard when a fish gets to rolling up in the line, they look they have been through a meatgrinder. I would rather stick with the mono if it is easier on the fish. Has anyone noticed this.

I just started using power pro. I like it, ang have never heard of the meatgrinder problem. I say try the pp on your bobber rod and keep your tip up. Use mono for leader-maxima ug.

I had that same idea recently but I've since changed my mind. Two reasons:

1) Braided line does not have the abrasion resistance that mono of the same diameter doees so if your plugs are working down and around sharp rocks, then you could be in trouble.

2) You want stretch when a fish grabs a plug. Whaaaat? Yes, you do. There has to be some give to the rod and the line when plugging so the fish can grab the plug and turn with it. I use softer plugging sticks and straight mono now and I can honestly say that I stick more takedowns than ever before. I see too many guys with super tight drags (another plugging no no) and stiff ass rods that usually help with the empty takedowns. Trust me on this one as I am a "plug monkey" and I have learned what not to do the hard way. Peace

I agree with Kid Sauk. The only advantage I see with braided lines is that they are thinner and allow plugs to dive deeper due to less drag in the water.

Most fish I catch on plugs are in 3-10 feet of water. Any 10-15 pound mono will allow your plugs to cover these depths. I think that the braided lines dive deep too quickly, allowing the plug to be too close to the boat, which allows the fish to see the boat.

Kid Sauk is also right about the abrasion resistance of braided lines. They claim to be better, but I like Maxima way better for abrasion.

Two things that I think make plugging way more successful are the right rod and the right amount of line out.

I bought 2 Ugly Stick 8'6" rods that get laughed at by my friend that guides, but they work perfect for plugging. The tips are very flexible and the rod can handle big fish. I only use them as plug rods as they are not very sensitive as drift rods.

I also bought 2 Shimano 1500LC line counter reels. They allow both rods to be out the exact same distance which is important when plug fishing. I usually go out 20 on the counter which is 60 feet. These reels are probably my favorite piece of equipment I own, except for my Willie drift boat. They are perfect for plugging. I would have had three, but got outbid by smilesforu on e-bay. Good pick up Marty

Hey Kid, I have to disagree with the abrasion equation because when they are the same diameter the mono will have 8 pound strength and the superbraid will have 30 lb. strength. With that amount of beefy pull you can keep the fish turned away from snags. Besides, they aren't much more abasion prone than thin plugging mono, if at all. As for your second issue, I do agree somewhat that the mono stretch helps with shock absorption for harder strikes. You can reduce this factor by using a lighter action rod and leaving the drag initially light, and tighten it as you play the fish. I have not lost plug struck fish due to the braids I've used. The big advantage of the braid is the much thinner diameter and superior strength. With the 30 lb. braid and thinner diameter you can get a plug significantly deeper for fishing Kings and still have the strength to land big fish. The thicker mono used for 'nooks won't cut down thru the water as deep. It's not as much advantage when fishing shallower runs for the smaller steelhead. ...

Another advantage for the braid is when switching over from a plug and clipping on a bait backboncing rig; the no stretch braid just kicks ass for bouncing - it picks up and taps the lead much better and easier, and it's much more sensative to a fish bait pickup. And allows quicker and deeper hooksets. It floats for superior floatfishing too. - Can you tell I like the stuff? (I don't sell it either)

RT

When the braided lines first came out I ran two rods with braid and one without for pulling plugs.Used it most of the winter season.The braided line lines out fished the mono three to one.I attributed this to the facts mentioned above already.The braids let shallower running plugs like Tadpolly's (my favorite) run in water that I normally would have to run Hot Shot 35s in to get down.I also believe with the thin line you got a much better action on the the plug.The no-stretch really buried the hooks.But........Two trips in a row I lost fish way into the fight.Each time loosing 5 to 8 feet of line with the plug.Way away from the knot.To see a fish swim of with that much 30 pound attached is enough to make you sick.The only thing I could hope was that the fish threw the hook,as they were barbless.And yes,I always check my lines constantly for abrasions.
Super lines have their place.I don't think you can beat them for float fishing,mooching and jigging,They are flat out awesome.But in situations where the are highly susceptible to abrasions,I have my doubts.

I've never had a prob with getting big kwickies down to the Kings with K-15 or K-16s. I might have to run out alittle bit more lineto get down though. But the thing I like about mono on my plug rods besides what is already said is that it comes in floresent so you can see exactly where your plug is working.

Tight Lines

Kevin

SRBC