Braid Question

[Ray R]

Hi Raiders, I only started using braid last Feb, how long does this stuff stay good for, and does it loose it's strength over time or usage, I have been using Stren Glacier Blue on my flattie outfits, must have cast 1,000s of times still feels as strong as ever. Hope someone can inform me....

[shefford]

I'm quite interested in this question sa well.

I'm only relatively new to braid as well, spooled reels with 250ms braid

And have just been taking off a few metres or so at a time when it becomes rough, or when ever im re-rigging for a new trip. I'm pretty sure the especially with intense casting the braid gets a work out, i'd rather play it safe incase a big fella comes along!

[jewgaffer]

Hi Ray R

How long braid line will last with regular use is a really good question. You really can't do a measuring test on all the various sections until you get to the colour change where the exposed braid meets the unused braid.

I usually check the used section for obvious wear, and although I've got about two hunded metres of braid on top of the mono backing on the big Penns and Ticas etc, I find only about metres 100 or so of that is subject to exposure in the main, and the unused braid underneath looks like new.

If ever I've got any reservations about the condition of the braid, all I do is discard the old braid to the colour change and tie a new section of braid, the same breaking strain with a good braid to braid knot.

Doing this also tops up braid that's become low at the rim of the pool due to regular use.

Cheers

jewgaffer

[inhlanzi]

Gday RayR

I agree with what Jewgaffer says and I will add my 5c

After a season I change my braid. During the season I will reverse the line so the good stuff at the bottom gets a turn at the top.

I run 80 and 50 lb for Kings and Jewies. Much lighter for livies and squid.

Fish on average twice a week so the braid takes quite a beating.

Kings near the rocks do a lot of damage.

I will also take he good middle bit at the end of the season and add it to another good bit from another reel and use it for a second season. Make a good neat double uni and coat it in superglue to join the two.

The colour usually fades and and with all the dirty water it goes quite brown.

I wash the line with fresh water after use.

On a good sunny day at the right angle you will see the "fur" on the braid if it has taken a beating.

Hope this helps

cheers

inhlanzi

[caranx]

You can buy braid conditioner too that is meant to aid longevity by providing a protective coating. You will need to search for it on japanese tackle shops and some ebay shops though as I have never seen it here for sale in AUS.

[The Iceman]

Braid was originally designed for fly by wire in aircraft that has to tell you something about longevity

[chrisg]

Braid was originally designed for fly by wire in aircraft that has to tell you something about longevity

I've got some 30lb Fireline that must be 3-4 years old by now and fresh 50lb leader always breaks first. I keep meaning to change it but you know how it is

[donjuarez]

If ever I've got any reservations about the condition of the braid, all I do is discard the old braid to the colour change and tie a new section of braid, the same breaking strain with a good braid to braid knot.

Doing this also tops up braid that's become low at the rim of the pool due to regular use.

Cheers

jewgaffer

I'm due for a top up ... whats a good braid to braid knot to be using?

Cheers,

AJ

[jewgaffer]

Hi throw me a fish

When replacing the exposed section of braid, it's best to tie the knot somewhere close to the colour change, even if you're only topping up the spool, so that you can keep on using the same length of line and have a knot only where it doesn't usually come in to play.

The same size new braid would be used to top up the unexposed braid underneath. As you discard the used braid on top, you should start to see good colour before you get to the unused braid underneath. In some cases it would pay to go right back to the original knot in the mono backing and for what it's worth tie a whole new section of braid on to the mono

In my opinion, a carefully tied uni knot for the new looking braid to braid connection as such would be a very good knot.

Even if you only have to top up a braid line in good condition, it is still necessary to discard line as mentioned above to keep any knot well inside the line that remains on the spool, and not where a knot can normally come into an actual fishing situation.

If the used braid is short but in very good condition, you should spool brand new braid onto the original reel and use the used braid on top on a smaller reel and tie it to shorter or longer mono backing where necessary, and again as long as having a knot in your line doesn't come into a normal fishing situation.

Hope this helps

Cheers

jewgaffer

Edited June 23, 2008 by jewgaffer

[Ray R]

Thanks for the input Raiders, I have some good advice now.. Thanks again...

[donjuarez]

likewise.. thanks folks!