Braid or Mono

[BiG_G]

Hello all,

As some of you know i am fairly new to this relaxation sport and would really like some tips.

I just bought a nice rod and reel but was wondering, what would be better for rock fishing...

Braid or Mono, i'm not really into swivels, i just can't get them right.

If i was to rock fish with no swivel, what would be better?

Thanks all

George

[david88]

if you cannot tie a swivel i think braid is a little out of your league due to the complex knots you need to tie to rig up. alternatively you can take the bull by the horns and learn to tie knots, its pretty simple and an important part of fishing. furthermore it will open up a whole load of new fishing opportunities for you such as soft plastics, floats, unweighted baits etc.

[Berleyguts]

If you like to fish the rocks with no swivel, I assume you are fishing for bream, pigs and drummer etc., like I do occasionally. I like to fish the smallest ball sinker I can get away with in the conditions, running straight to the hook (no sinker at all, if possible). I use an Alvey. This minimises snags, lost tackle, line twist and reduces re-rigging time. Braid is great for sensitivity and strength for line diameter but you really need a leader of mono or flourocarbon, which means additional knots. I am also relcuctant to run a sinker on braid as I find that it can fray the braid. That's just my personal opinion, no doubt there will be others. I admit to being "old school" and having a preference for mono in many situations. The stretch in mono can be useful (forgiving) at times but so can careful use of the rod, with braid. I also like to fish ANSA line classes and if I use a mono main line, I don't need to worry about break-away leaders (and more knots) as I would with braid. Braid is useful in certain applications, though, and I do use it on some of my outfits.

Cheers,

Baz

[BiG_G]

Thanks david and baz, I don't mind tieing the knots, it just gets annoying after it gets snagged but they're the consiquences when rock fishing, thanks for the help guys, it is truely appreciated

[Berleyguts]

Thanks david and baz, I don't mind tieing the knots, it just gets annoying after it gets snagged but they're the consiquences when rock fishing, thanks for the help guys, it is truely appreciated

Hence, why I run mono and a small ball sinker (if that) straight to the hook. There is less tackle to carry in and out, the bait moves around more naturally in the wash, I definitely get less snags and if I do get snagged, all I lose is a hook and a sinker and there is only one knot to tie to re-rig. That means more time with a bait in the water.

The KISS approach.

Baz

[BiG_G]

Exactly like me, that's what I do wit the 3 mono reels I have now, I guess I would like to try something new

[LeoB]

G'day

My best piece of advice i can give you is go and but a pool noodle...the foam things and cut it up into pieces you can fit in your bag. Then whenever you're bored sit there and tie up a stack of rigs and wrap them around the noodle. Some of different hook/line sizes and plenty of spares and secure them with rubber bands. Then when you get a snag all you you have to do is slip a sinker on and tie to the swivel.

As a newbie id recommend mono o er braid as it took me about 6 months or so to build up to it. Its just there is plenty more knots to tie...more difficult ones. They are nothing too serious just practice makes perfect. Good luck mate...drop us a pm if you need any more advice as im more than happy to help

Cheers Leo

[BiG_G]

Thanks Leo, will do.