I have done the board search and read many of the comments, but am looking for some additional comments.

I am looking for line to put on a couple of extra spinning reels. I have some lined with the old standby 8lb XL Trilene, two with 8lb P-Line, one with 6lb Stren Magnathin. I am interested in putting these two new spinning reels on 6ft jigging rods, and plan to vertical jig with 1/8-1/4 ounce jigs looking for walleye.

I typically haven't used braid as I don't like the wear/tear on guides and poles if snagged in rocks (vertical jigging walleyes...rocks). I would like possibly try a braid with a swivel and leader with flouro...but don't think re-tying both ends of line after the many BWCA snags is a great idea.

Any suggestions?

If you have a reel with a spare spool, I'd have one with Stren Magnathin in 8 pound test, Walleye green color, and on the other spool I'd have the Suffix 832 braided line. I've used tiny swivels with a two foot leader or so, but then you're pretty much having to stick to vertical jigging. Now I'm using an Alberto knot and tying on a three or four foot leader of mono so I can cast too, without worrying about the swivel damaging guides. The 8 pound Magnathin has the same diameter as most other brands' 6 pound test, but I really like it, even more than Berkeley Trilene.

I agree with TBL.

I've been using Suffix 832 with great results. I use it for both jigging and rigging, when feel is really important to me. For my jigging rod, I usually use 20 lb (8lb mono dia equiv) 832 tied to 8 lb flouro with a uni to uni knot. I don't really like using swivels in this application since I like to pitch my jigs as well. Using this set up, if I ever get snagged and snap my jig, it almost always happens at the Palomar knot I tied to the jig. This makes tying a new one really easy.

I'll be following the responses closely on this one. I have always used 6 lb trilene xl and like it but have been considering giving braid a shot. The idea of retying more than I already do isn't very exciting but if the feel is that much better it might be worth a shot.

quote Walleye6: "I agree with TBL.


I've been using Suffix 832 with great results. I use it for both jigging and rigging, when feel is really important to me. For my jigging rod, I usually use 20 lb (8lb mono dia equiv) 832 tied to 8 lb flouro with a uni to uni knot. I don't really like using swivels in this application since I like to pitch my jigs as well. Using this set up, if I ever get snagged and snap my jig, it almost always happens at the Palomar knot I tied to the jig. This makes tying a new one really easy. "

I use 15lb braided line. I like the PowerPro SuperSlick, and I attach it to 8lb fluoro with a uni-to-uni knot... I use this rig for bass fishing, too, but I sometimes bump up the line to 10-lb fluoro if I'm pitching in thick cover. Mono if I'm fishing really shallow, or topwater.
I am pretty meticulous about the knots I tie, and when snagged, the knot has almost always broken off @ the uni/uni knot, forcing me to re-tie the leader, and THEN the jig... Uni can be a PITA to tie at first (after a few tries, it can be tied and cinched in about 2 minutes, but it's worth it, as it casts through the guides REALLY nicely and is remarkably strong, -just not quite as strong as a perfectly cinched clinch).
I recommend giving braid to fluoro a try. The sensitivity is addictive.

I too am a big fan of 15# power pro super slick with a double uni knot to 6-10# floro. The double uni is 98% so don't worry about the double uni. Tie carefully, wetted and make sure no wraps are on top of others. It's easier than it sounds. We are huge fans of the Shaw Grigsby knot for floro to hook/lure connection. Just YouTube it. It must be close to 100% I've never had it break at the knot. We use a 6' tippet and most days and I only retire the double uni once a day on average. I'm a fly fisherman at heart and tying knots is just part of the deal. The tippet is good until it gets down to about 2' is where I re-tie. It's a little tedious but, I fly fish and backcountry trip with these with the built in 2.5 magnifier. Magnifier Sunglasses Knot necessary but worth it for me with marginal near vision. Note: you can subsitute drug store readers and do the same thing it just takes 2 pair of glasses.

It's absolutely worth the effort IMO. You don't know what your missing until you have Zero stretch between the tip of your rod and the jig. Additionally, it turns the hook set into a flick of the wrist since you don't have to take all the stretch out of the mono first. BTW, I wouldn't waste the effort if throwing cranks, spinners, jerkbaits, etc....line stretch may work to your advantage there. Good luck.

6 or 8 lb powerpro with 10 lb flouro leader and uni to uni unless throwing spoons or especially spinners and then a swivel. I use that for everything up there.

quote mapsguy1955: "6 or 8 lb powerpro with 10 lb flouro leader and uni to uni unless throwing spoons or especially spinners and then a swivel. I use that for everything up there. "

^this
For mono to braid I use the surgeon's knot with 5-7 overhand wraps before cinching. Much easier to tie than the uni or bimini twist. Never had one break on me.

There's a reason Trilene and Strength brag about being the strongest 8 lb test: it is. That's because it actually tests out in the 9.5 range! Tectan is one that tests out true...that said, instead of messing around with different brands, drop to 4lb, your choice. There will be those calm, bright days when no negative clues is the answer. Make it fluoro, it's really invisible.

Power pro and floro leader for this guy. It's just SO sensitive on a light action jigging rod. Can feel every rock on the bottom.

I use both slick and regular PP, prefer slick for casting, regular for jigging.

Seaguar blue label or P line floro leader for this guy.

20lb or 10 lb PP usually because it roughly matches diameters with my leader material. I usually go with 6lb or 8 lb leader for jigging.

Snags happen... I've found that if my knots and strengths decrease to the terminal tackle I'm attaching too, I rarely have to re-tie the leader. So I will usually put 6-8 foot sections of floro on at a time.
- - Alberto or strong uni-to-uni knot to attach PP to floro.
- - Uni knot usually for attaching to jighead.

Back reel is your friend when you hook your hog :)

quote BnD: "I too am a big fan of 15# power pro super slick with a double uni knot to 6-10# floro. The double uni is 98% so don't worry about the double uni. Tie carefully, wetted and make sure no wraps are on top of others. It's easier than it sounds. We are huge fans of the Shaw Grisby knot for floro to hook/lure connection. Just YouTube it. It must be close to 100% I've never had it break at the knot. We use a 6' tippet and most days and I only retire the double uni once a day on average. I'm a fly fisherman at heart and tying knots is just part of the deal. The tippet is good until it gets down to about 2' is where I re-tie. It's a little tedious but, I fly fish and backcountry trip with these with the built in 2.5 magnifier. Magnifier Sunglasses Knot necessary but worth it for me with marginal near vision. Note: you can subsitute drug store readers and do the same thing it just takes 2 pair of glasses.


It's absolutely worth the effort IMO. You don't know what your missing until you have Zero stretch between the tip of your rod and the jig. Additionally, it turns the hook set into a flick of the wrist since you don't have to take all the stretch out of the mono first. BTW, I wouldn't waste the effort if throwing cranks, spinners, jerkbaits, etc....line stretch may work to your advantage there. Good luck."

Hey good stuff BnD. I will check the Grisby knot and compare to the tie fast gryp knot......if it's better I will switch. I have used the double uni for close to 20 years but with mixed results. When it's on it's tough to beat although a bit bulky. Have you tried the FG knot? I believe it's clearly superior in strength and slimmer to boot.

I used to be skeptical of the strength of a Uni when tying thin diameter braid to fluorocarbon, but I've done a lot of skinny water fishing where I live for snook, reds and more with no problem. I usually use a 3000 series reel with 20 lb PPP and 30 lb leader. There is a big difference in diameter but it compares nicely with my 6/10 in Quetico. I do a few more loops on the skinny side for the heck of it, and have NEVER had a knot pull. Since it is the only knot I use, it is really easy!

15 lb power pro, swivel and 9.2 lb (3x) mirage fluorocarbon tippet. That stuff is like the " gateway drug" to fly fishing. That and the float and fly.

Mapsguy check out the FG knot......it's just better.

Where are you in S Florida. Before my work got popular I used to fish Charlotte Harbor out of Pine island quite a bit as well as Everglades city and Chokoloskee. Once a week for at least 10 years in the winter but now I probably haven't been down there in 10 years. Sigh.......started my honda for the fun of it the other day and it fired right up.......nice reliable motors.

6 or 8 lbs mono for me. I understand the advantage of a hard line; it is very sensitive. The other side of that is that the fish can feel you as well. I learned how to jig using mono and find that I catch more fish with mono, so I am sticking to it. If you have a rod that isn't the optimum jigging rod--like an ugly stik-- then for sure a superline is the way to go.
I do like superlines for jigging big plastics; it seems you need some extra oomph on the hookset.

East Coast... Sebastian

quote mapsguy1955: "East Coast... Sebastian"

Doh! I was just in Melbourne a month ago doing a show.......could of met for some Irish stew. Used to cast net finger mullet and flounder fish in November in your inlet for flounder. Nice area. That was always big fun if you could find bait.

Lundojam I am not so very far away from your opinion on jigging with mono......I grew up jigging mono and have developed a bit of a sixth sense with it......as long as my forefinger is in contact with the line there is not much which goes unnoticed. And I completely agree on the bigger hooks on swimbaits wanting braid. Great minds think alike (insert rolling eyes Imogee >here<

That knot looks like a lot more work! I haven't had slippage yet with the double uni (big fish too) and it takes me about 45 seconds to do... I'm not great with knots and I like the flexibility of using it to tie lure on as well... Keeps my life simpler, but thanks for the suggestion!

quote mapsguy1955: "That knot looks like a lot more work! I haven't had slippage yet with the double uni (big fish too) and it takes me about 45 seconds to do... I'm not great with knots and I like the flexibility of using it to tie lure on as well... Keeps my life simpler, but thanks for the suggestion!"

Interesting........My typical backcountry set up was 30b Power pro and 30 or 40lb Fluorocarbon. I always hated the double uni and found it very sporadic as far as results go. Plus it was always hard to tie in the wind on the water. I would like to see how you do it some day........I always doubled the braid and I think I did a minimum of 4 turns (equals 8 wraps since its doubled)......and then with the Floro I did 6 or 8 wraps. Usually it was 50/50 wether it would stick and it was rather bulky from my perspective.

Lots of different ways to tie the FG knot and most of them make it more complicated than it needs to be. Supposedly it tests out stronger and certainly is more trim. But like the old saying goes "if it aint broke don't fix it"..........Check out this method, fastest and easiest way to tie the FG knot.

quote mapsguy1955: "That knot looks like a lot more work! I haven't had slippage yet with the double uni (big fish too) and it takes me about 45 seconds to do... I'm not great with knots and I like the flexibility of using it to tie lure on as well... Keeps my life simpler, but thanks for the suggestion!"

Interesting........My typical backcountry set up was 30b Power pro and 30 or 40lb Fluorocarbon. I always hated the double uni and found it very sporadic as far as results go. Plus it was always hard to tie in the wind on the water. I would like to see how you do it some day........I always doubled the braid and I think I did a minimum of 4 turns (equals 8 wraps since its doubled)......and then with the Floro I did 6 or 8 wraps. Usually it was 50/50 wether it would stick and it was rather bulky from my perspective.

Lots of different ways to tie the FG knot and most of them make it more complicated than it needs to be. Supposedly it tests out stronger and certainly is more trim. But like the old saying goes "if it aint broke don't fix it"..........Check out this method, fastest and easiest way to tie the FG knot.

FG KNot

That FG knot is just a bit too much trouble for me. I can tie an Alberto knot connecting braid to mono or fluorocarbon in a fraction of the time, and while it isn't quite as skinny as the FG knot, it is still a tiny knot that slides easily through the guides. I can pull on the leader attached via Alberto knot harder than any fish is going to pull on it, and I can't get it to break, so for me, the FG knot isn't worth the hassle.

My only response is again........Interesting.

I have found the FG knot super easy to tie and the word "hassle" is not even remotely associated with the knot in my experience. Of course, as with any knot, the neuron pathways which conduct the electrical impulses to conquer the manipulations required needs be strengthened through repetition. HUH?

Just practice a few times ;-)

I think the recommendations for using a fluoro leader are over hyped. Just tie directly to your 8 or 10 lb superline.

quote AmarilloJim: "I think the recommendations for using a fluoro leader are over hyped. Just tie directly to your 8 or 10 lb superline."

Ya know, I haven't actually tried a side-by-side comparison leader vs. no-leader in open water. I've definitely noticed a difference on ice when pan fishing and just applied that experience across the board. I think you've just given me a new 'experiment' to try this summer. Thanks!

quote AmarilloJim: "I think the recommendations for using a fluoro leader are over hyped. Just tie directly to your 8 or 10 lb superline."

As much as I hate to admit it you might be right......at least when it comes to numbers of fish caught in canoe country. I know a guy who does just fine and dandy fishing fire line to a Knot2Kinky wire leader.

But I'll stick with a floro leader thank you very much. Cant help but believe the bigger the fish the more likely it is to shy away.........but of course the straight braid crowd would never know would they since the big girl didn't eat to begin with (swerving aside at the last moment). And of course water clarity has much to do with it.........probably get away with it in dark water more than clear.

quote mastertangler: "

quote AmarilloJim: "I think the recommendations for using a fluoro leader are over hyped. Just tie directly to your 8 or 10 lb superline."

Must be the saltwater fisherman in me. Floro leaders gets bit, wire/braid often gets ignored. Especially with live bait.

I'm inclined to believe in crystal clear water the braided line is more likely to decrease bites, but I know both camps will share their experiences, each refuting the other, so this is one of those things that it pays to just go and find out for yourself which produces better in your own eyes.

Having said that, where there is a lot of rocks and woody snags, I worry about not being able to break my braided line free from my snagged lure that I directly tied braid to, forcing me to have to cut lengthy sections of it off just so I can get free and move on/tie another lure on. I figure a mono or fluorocarbon leader will break easy enough once I've come to grips with my inability to free the lure anyway.