Mono versus Braid.

[anglerpaul]

Mono versus Braid what are your thoughts I have been using Nash bullet braid on my reels for the past 2 seasons and can't really say it is any better than mono.
What are your views on this.

[BUDGIE]

I like the lack of stretch in braid and the fact that it doesnt deteriorate through ultra violot light. In some situations its lower diameter to breaking strain ratio can be usefull as well.

[MrMatthew]

Have wondered about visibility of braid as mainline, particularly in clear water, but on the whole I'm with Budgie

[dace]

Never used braid, but as MrMatthew said i too wonder about visibility, and the lack of stretch.
Thought that was good on mono lines, to give you a better chance of not getting a bump off.
But you only use braid for bigger fish anyway.

[BUDGIE]

The one problem I have found with braids lack of stretch is when you want to use lighter hook lengths.When I used to fish for big bream (doubles) with mono I would use an 8lb main line with a 1 3/4lb rod,the hook length would be the lowest diameter 5lb mono I could find.Never had a problem with breakages.With a braided main line the same hook length would break a lot (I learned this the hard way!) It is also similar if using a low similar set up when feeder fishing.

The lack of stretch in the braided mainline puts all of the pressure on the short (therefore also low in stretch) hook length.All low diameter monos are also "pre stretched" so adding to the problem.

For feeder fishing you can reduce this problem by tying a 12' or so length of mono on to the end of your braid and tie/build the rig on this.For big bream? well even though you can do the same I am seriously considering going back to 8lb Maxima.

[boilie]

I agree Budgie lighter braids do break much easier than mono, because they dont stretch.
Of the braids I've used PowerPro is excellent, Whiplash is also very good and a little thinner than PowerPro, but slightly more prone to knotting itself tightly when it tangles. Power Cable is another good one but I haven't been using it that long so I can't really comment.
Tufline I wasn't too impressed with; it seemed less tightly woven than the others but that was a few years ago and the stuff currently on sale may be different. Fireline is not a true braid, rather a fusion line. It's thicker and stiffer than braids but as tough as old boots and lasts forever; even when it gets "hairy" it still seems to retain its strength.
I hope this helps.

[dace]

I've just started using braid and used it a few times, i am getting loads off tangles. I think i put it on the reel right, has any one got any ideas how to stop this

[BUDGIE]

What braid,how are you using it and what are the tangles like?

[dace]

Yes it would help. It's Climax soft & strong braid 12lb.
I will be using it on my carp setup, but i was spinning when i got lots of tangles, i was just trying it out. I loaded it onto a shimano aero 6000 baitrunner which i had for christmas. I would cast out and when i retrieved the line sometimes it would tangle, most times i could untangle it, but a couple of times i had to cut back to the mess. I dont think i over filled the spool.

[BUDGIE]

Dace Ive not used the brand in question is it a round or flat profile braid? Round profiles are achieved by braiding the individual fibres tighter than the flat braids.These tighter braids are some what "stiffer" and dont tend to tangle as much as the ultra soft flat braids.

The reel you are using has a good line lay so I wouldnt have thought that was a problem.

As braid has very little stretch you have to make sure that it is wound on quite tight.

My main thoughts though are that you are using a very small diameter braid.Most 12lb braids will have a diameter very close to 4lb mono.I always reccomend buying braid by diameter rather than breaking strain. For example most people use 15lb mono for carp fishing this on average has a diameter of 0.35mm.For carping I would then choose a similar diametered braid regardless of its breaking strain.By all means take advantage of braids thinner diameter and maybe drop down to the equivalent of 10 or 12lb mono if you want a thinner line for fishing in a strong current or at range but dropping down to as low a diameter as you have will give you more disadvantages than advantages. A lack of abbrasion resistance and greater tendancy being among them.Using a similar diametered braid will mean that it "behaves" more like the mono you are used to but still with all of braids advantages. Ultra low diameter braids are so soft and flexible that when used out of context are very prone to tangling.

Dont think youve wasted your money though as Im sure the braid youve brought will be great for feeder fishing.