Hey guys, I was just wondering what size braided line u use when fishing a frog? Iam currently using 20# spider wire, but was wondering if this is enough or should I go bigger like 30-40#? I kno a lot of guys use 60# or somewhere around that, but what r the pros & cons of that? Also I was wondering what ur recomendations r on what's a good braid to use? Thanks
I use 50 lb for frogs and flipping logs and brush. I am going to switch to 65 lb for next year as I just barely lost a nice bass fishing a tree on Wixom Lake that cost me the tournament. I definitely would not go less than 20 lb for lily pads neither. Some of those are anchored in the ground better than some buildings I know of. Every pro I have heard of uses 65 lb braid.
As for brand, I use Spiderwire but any name brand braid should be fine.
I use 65 lb P-Line Spectrex IV (http://www.p-line.com/product_detail.php?id=103) for frogs/toads/slop because it is the best braid I've ever used and since it isn't as popular as that other brand, I often find it on bargain sales!! Bought a stack of 65 lb test boxes a couple winters ago at less than half price.
I use it for flipping sometimes too! I used 80 lb test P-Line Spectrex more this year because I had it from peacock bass fishing (I was the only angler who didn't break off down there - the only one using P-Line) and it sits up on top even better with no snarls or tip-wrapping.
Many top anglers use the heavier braids because of the strength and more so because the thicker line won't backlash, snarl or wrap the tip like some lighter braids. Bigger line tangles in the slop less and stays up on top better.
Since I switched to all P-Line a number of years ago, most of the problems I used to have with lighter braids have vanished. I like anything reduces my hassle time and increases my fishing time!
I'll be switching all my line next year to Sufix 832 Braid (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Sufix_832_Braid_Ghost/descpage-S832G.html) in the ghost color, but currently I use the regular Sufix (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Sufix_Performance_Braid_Lo-Vis_Green/descpage-SPBLG.html) in the moss green 20 pound. I wouldn't recommend it for finesse techniques at all. MAYBE in the 10 pound variety, but otherwise it's just a bit too visible. I like the Sufix better because it doesn't fray like the Spiderwire does and it retains the green color a lot better than some other lines I've used. I find PowerPro to be too stiff and the Sufix isn't. Haven't had any knot or strength problems with the line and since I switch to it, I haven't had any birdnests either.
For fishing slop and topwaters I use 65# Power Pro. It handles very well on every reel I have used it on. I have never had a problem with break-offs or fraying. It also holds its color very well. I use 15-20# Power Pro for my spinning reels paired with a 6# or 8# P-line fluoro leader - I use this for my finesse plastics, drop shot, etc.
I recently spooled my carp/catfish reel with 65# Sufix 832 - so far it handles very well and is plenty strong, but it seems to have lost a lot of color quicker than Power Pro.
65# here also...Go big or stay home!
I'be been using 20 & 30 # power pro on casting reels and 10# on my finesse spinning outfits.
Just tried some suffix 832 this fall and really liked it so far.
65 lb Power pro is hard to beat. I have some 20 year old braid that is 80# Lynch line that I use also.
If you are going to dedicate a rod and reel for only frog fishing go with the heavy stuff, 65+. If you are like me and do not fish a frog enough to tie up a reel with 65 lb that you will hardly use, go with 30. I use 30 all the time with many different applications and have never broke it. I have broke the rod however.
50# or 65# Power Pro is my braid of choice when froggin or pitching into heavy vegetation. It is the limpest braid I have found to date and that makes it more manageable and it is strong. Go to a major retail store and just feel the samples and you will know what is best for you. I would never go below 50# for these applications. Some of the newer braids just felt too stiff for my liking and Power Pro is very easy to pitch and cast. It is also great on spinning gear. I have been using 20 on spinning finesse applications for many years now and have tried it with and without fluoro. leaders and have found that fish don't care as much as people like to think. I have caught hundreds of bass using straight braid to lure.
For buzzfrogs I like 30, but for spro's I like 65. I used to be a big pro fan, but I'm thinking about trying something new this year. Anyone have any suggestions?