Dacron vs. Spectra line

[dropsalot]

Is there a great advantage of using a Spectra type line over braided Dacron for deep dropping? Obviously, Dacron has a cost advantage. Thanks

[islandshark633]

yes, spectra is thinner than the equivalent strength dacron, ergo, more line fits on a given reel.

Hope this helps.

[dropsalot]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I understand that Sprecta is thinner and allows more line on the reel. But, if one can load on an adequate amount of Dacron is it about as good as Spectra for about 1/3 the cost? I guess what I'm asking is, is the stretch factor of Dacron similar to Spectra so that bites can be felt as well at depths of 600-900 ft?

[islandshark633]

as far as I know dacron does not stretch any more than spectra so if you can load enough dacron then I suppose it can be used. I have never come accross anyone using it though. Here in the Bahamas you need 2-3000ft of line available so dacron is out of the question.

if you are sure you will never drop below 1000 ft then go for it!

[reel life]

spectra is thinner so you need less lead to compensate for for the current blowing a curve in your line

[RiskTaker]

I cannot comment with very much specifics on the comparison of Dacron Braided line to Spectra braided line but they both do not stretch very much.

But as Reel Life commented, the spectra braid is generally thinner than dacron or monofilament. (But there can be significant variation.)

One recent observation, after seeing some MagiBraid Hollow core spectra: I thought this was 500 lb. test line at first glance, and making my comparison to Jerry Brown Hole core 130# line. Not all brands of Hollow core are the same. This line I saw was 65Kg Hollow core but twice the diameter of the JB. But probably identitical as far as stretch is concerned.

So as far as thin-ness goes, a solid core spectra line would be the thinnest, followed by JBHC (Hollow core), then coarser hollow core brands and dacron.

Without quoting exact specifications, the spectra lines and probably dacron too, stretch about 3-4% and the monofilament can go upwards of 25%.

So if you want to use dacron based on cost savings, go for it, and save a buck or two. More cash in your pocket for some boat drinks at Nippers. Arrgh, pass that pirata a boat drink.

But be careful not to buy any good hollow core: once you do, then you may like it, then you will be addicted to the good stuff, and your cost of living, I mean fishing, will go up.

Do you splice lines or tie knots? (For inline connections or double line tag ends....) I like the hollow core because you can splice it at 100% strength, so I have been told.

[dropsalot]

Thanks for the input RiskTaker. Can always use a few extra bucks for "Nipper's Juice" or a "Grabber."

[Belize]

a friend helped me rig up my first reel...he put a backing on of dacron and then topped it off with spectra. this made the diameter much larger = faster retrieval speed. the advantage of spectra is that the dia is so much smaller and therefore it resists currents much better than spectra.

on my reel i have a total of 6000 ft of line...1/4 is dacron. in theory if i cut my line i can re-rig and fish the same spool.

[dropsalot]

Thanks Belize....what kind of reel are you using?

[stag11]

WIRE IS THE SHIT. YOU CAN FISH TWO ELECTRIC REELS AT A TIME WITHOUT GETTING TANGLED IN DEEP WATER. IT IS SENSATIVE ANS CUTS THROUG HTHE WATES MUCH BETTER.

[Belize]

i have a 651 krystal

i am new at this game but assume use more lead and light spectra line = same thing as wire but dot have to worry about kinks.

[rick miller]

i am new to braid line and need some opinions on jerry brown. i am fishing avet ex 50/2 and would like to determine if it is best to fill the spool with the braid or use part braid and part mono. We use wind on mono leaders. also i hear that the braid has to be washed once per year to reduce salt abraision on the reel, does cleaning need to be done?

thanks