what should I spool up with?

[justntime]

need some advice on what to spool my tiagra 50 wlrs with for swordfishing? newbie and not sure of which way to go.
some say braid spectra or some say strait mono. which one?
thanks

[Litetackleredneck]

A 50W Tiagra hols approx 900 yards of 50lb mono, which is 2700 feet, thats plenty of line. If strenght is an issue, use Sufix, 50 lb breaks at or a little under 80lbs. Personally i like ANDE Backcountry (the blue stuff.) With mono you should be fine, but im sure others have differening opinions.

[RiskTaker]

Justn:

Mono is certainly the economical way to go, for the short-term.

Considering that you mentioned you want to spool up some powerful drag reels, you certainly could take advantage of higher tech/test line if your budget will allow it. Going to higher test line than the class reel you have, almost implies that you will be spooling with a super-filament, especially so you still have at least 800 yards of available line, just in case, should that special size fish drop by your spread for a snack.

Mono is simplistic and you should go tht way if you want pure simplicity.

Solid core spectra (like Powerpro) will enable you to bump up your strength test to say 80 lb. and enable you to put another 80- lb. top shot of mono and stay at approximately the reels nominal capacity (~900 yards). Note that this stuff can cut you and is pretty rough on the hands.

Some captains are a little bit critical of having multiple linkages in the line which are vulnerable to failure.

I have taken a few hits with line losses of top-shots and wind-ons, electrolumes, etc., etc. You can grin and bear it and continue on will your belief mechanism with the super-filaments or you can retreat and use nylon as the stable and faithful, yet higher maintenance solution.

Your best choice is just araund the corner now!

As an example, myself, case in point. I just picked up a spool of Jerry Brown hollow core spectra, 130 lb. test. (Hi vis yellow) This was so I could spool two Penn 50 TW reels, a little bit less capacity than the Tiagras 50s. Well, the spool was 2500 yards, ($300) enough to spool 3 reels with ~~830 yards of line. (Plenty for most people). Mind you this is 130# line, so you can dial up the drag for a BIG swordfish (possibly needing some heat) or a furious tuna without much concern for line breakage when half spooled or more.

The hollow core is spiceable, so you can repare chafe spots and keep that line on your reel for multiple years. On my reels with the hollow core, I go straight to a 200# wind-on leader, finger trap, serve and glue. That''s about as simple as it gets on the high tech side, over capacity line strength, maximum length and wind-on leader mentality. (Plus the Jerry Brown H.C. 130 is softer than the solid core spectra.

Mono remains the standard-simple solution at a reasonable price.

So, the choice remains up to you. Good luck.

[justntime]

thanks for the info
another question is if I also plan to go with a lighter combo(tld 30 2spd).
and use hollow core jerry brown(as you mentioned)
what # should I go with and spool the whole reel ? or use top shot mon0 or just strait to 200 lb leader to hollow core?
thanks

[sabiking]

Hollcore Jerry Brown is the way to go on the larger reels. I'm not sure if he makes a 50# hollowcore line, but if he does, that's probably your best bet on the 30. I know his 80# is about the diameter of 30# mono and the 130# is equal to about 50#. On my Avet 50's I use a 100 yd 50# test top shot on top of 1100 yds of 80# hollowcore.

[RiskTaker]

Justn:

That is getting to be a tough call when you are still mentioning Jerry Brown Hollow core on smaller reels, < 50 lb. class. (I don't think that is a recommended way to go.)

It is interesting to note that Jerry Brown Hollow core does come in lighter test than 130#: Unfortunately, to say that 80# JB H.C. is more expensive than the 130# due to a tighter manufacturing process. You can check the web sites to compare if you like. http://ringedhooks.com/ . Just as a comparison 2500 yds. of 80# is $474 while 2500 yds of 130# is $274.
I don't think you want to do that. But it is manufactured for someone's benefit.

(Update as of June, 2006 - I have noticed that there is now available Jerry Brown Hollow Core in 60# test - 2500 yds. for $295. I had heard back in December, 2005 that there was some possibility that a 50-60 lb. test would be coming out at some point. Seems like it is here now; although I don't having any in hand. Seems like the 80# Hollow core remains highly priced in the $475 range. - end update 6/2006)

If that solution is too pricey but you like the super-filament, I would suggest that you go with a 65# or and 80# solid core spectra. You can get this in 600 yd. spools (J.B. solid core) for about $50 - $60. With that you could simply use the loop to loop connection, spectra to spectra/mono wind-on and maintain a super-versatile rod. If you were swordfishing you could slip on a 200# wind-on leader and when you are fishing otherwise you could have a more modest wind-on, say 50-60-80# in either nylon(mono) or flourocarbon.

That little reel will sure be a formidable powerhouse and very much swordfish and tuna capable should you not have enough bigger reels to set out.

I will presume you are not too interested in IGFA,.

[CAPTINMITCH]

Personally, I prefer Suffix Hi-vis. Makes it alot easier when you're working the fish.

One thing to keep in mind with braids - if you have inexperienced anglers, braid will cut you all the way to the bone. I also like the cushioning effect mono gives.

But then again, according to some of these guys, I was around when T-rex was still walking. :lol:

[wackme]

i always use momoi diamond 60 for the 50w . its mono/spectra, and is really strong , also quite expensive , i get it for FREE so the price doesnt bother me. i also sugest either 30 pound diamond for the tld or 25 lbs suffix tritanium.

[RiskTaker]

Yes sir:

Momoi is significantly stronger than its stated lb. test. So if you get a few minor abrasions you may still be holding up to its labelled strength.

Momoi's Diamond Monofilament

Momoi's Diamond Monofilament is the clear choice for extreme conditions! Tougher finish offers superior abrasion resistance for extreme conditions! New formulations offers tensile strengths up to 200% of stated line tests. Superior knot strength is the most critical factor in choosing a monofilament. Momoi's unique "Diamond Clear" color combines the benefits of high visibility yellow line and the clarity of clear line. Economical new spool sizes offer closer match to reel capacities.

http://tackledirect.com/momoidiamond.html

[CaptKen]

I have the same reels you have,I go with 600 yards of #130lb Jerry Brown Hollow Core,and 200 yard top shot of 80lb Mamoi Diamond which breaks at over a 100 lbs, So I have 800 yards of over 100lb# test,I use the chinese finger method menchoned above HC to mono,
Also the JB wont cut like menchoned above,it is soft like a cotton rag,you can level wind it without the worry of being cut like power pro,also while swording its the top 200 yards that gets nicked up from tying balloons and such.So when its time for line, its only $20 dollar top shot instead of 60 or 70$ to respool the whole reel.
I also use mine for high speeding for wahoo,Ive had 60lb wahoo hit at 16 knots and you would think the reel is going to blow apart,like hooking a freight train,never had a failure.
Check a guy named TEK at reelproshop.com
I think,not sure, like 13 cents a yard for #130
18 cents a yard for #200
Ken

[JahMussa]

RiskTaker... where did you find out about Jerry Brown Hollow core spectra?

-Tek

[RiskTaker]

Tek:

If you do a web search, JB spectra: there are many links to sites. I first saw this from Wind-ons from Basil since he uses the hollow core spectra for his wind-ons.

Of course there is the site that goes drectly to Jerry Brown industries in Oregon. (I think this is where the manufacturing process is described.)

Another neighbor of mine is in the Biz too (BMC) and he will spool up 600 yds. with every outfit that is sold, as a no cost perk item.

I have visited your site before to and have seen and know that you have it available for anyone to spool upas well.

I picked up my line from ringedhooks.com for the primary reason that they advertized J.B. H.C along with the glue and splicing needle to make the slice/loops, and they advertized the High-Viz yellow which I did not see as a listed option from any of the local vendors, including yours and BMC.

The first time I had the opportunity to fish with the the J.B. Braid was with Joe McG. He had 130# white braid on, all of his rods. It was very nice compared to the the 80# soid core PowerPro, I had on my reels.

The J.B. Hollow hollow core did not quite provide the sensation that it could cut you wide open, whereas the solid core power pro felt like a very powerful line in super thin form, enough to lacerate you given any tension and slippage.

After comparing these two forms of braided spectra, I would definitely suggest the J.B. hollow core braid, for multiple reasons. It seems to be a great material if you are willing to Risk a departure from Monofilament as the mainstay. RT

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

I don't have alot to say here. Mainly reading and learning. Thanks folks!

I will state that RiskTaker has things very well in order when discussing Line One by Jerry Brown.

Line One is the easiest on my hands of any line I have ever fished. This includes Izor and Power Pro Spectras.

It is the easiest to splice and I find that it makes the best windons too. Bar none.

[JahMussa]

RiskTaker... I have sold JB for 3 years. Not only do I sell it.. I use it, splice it, make windons, etc.

After working for so long to bring Jerry's line to south Florida, I find it interesting that that other companys want to give it away. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good deal but hollow core spectra has many benefits and must be installed correctly. Knotless connections are easy once someone shows you how to do it. If you are still tieing knots... you are not using the hollow core to it's fullest potential. However, knots can still be used.

While Basil makes great windons and topshots, he really brought hollowcore to the masses and I applaud him for that. I found out about Basil after I was trying so hard to break into the South Florida market mainly for the Sword guys. The other stores you mention came in recently after the product was up and running and now some are giving it away. They put no time or effort into teaching guys about it.

I installed Joe's line almost 2 years ago I think and I'm sure we have discussed hollow core on this forum. I have yet to meet you at the Swordclub meetings but look forward to it.

For the record... I stock all of Jerry's Line and teach everyone how to splice and make end loops. If guys are not local, and don't have a line winder, I suggest they send me their reels and I'll spool it correctly for free. All you do is buy the line.

I'm glad you are fishing IMO the best hollow core out there... If you or anyone ever needs to see how to splice or make end loops, make windons (Serve or Crimp), etc. I'm always here to help.

-Tek

[RiskTaker]

Thanks Tek:

I did not realize you have been in the outfitting business for so long. I suppose that you already know everything about the (JB) spectra line 1 and its availablity and have honed your skills working with it! I suppose your question may have been more directly structured to me as: " Why did you not come to me for the business?" instead of "where did you find out about JB Line one?" I definitely have you in mind for line needs or other things you have to offer by way of your web-site and personal references. Although, I did go to your site when I was looking for some line, but I did not find any choices for the high-viz yellow, so I went with an alternative source that I had also bookmarked that had it listed in stock. So please don't think that I simply overlooked you. I certainly do enjoy referring business within a community when practical. Especially the small business shops versus the superstores: but I must confess that I was motivated to do it myself to learn how it is done.

In my situation, I knew that the next time I would have the need to re-spool; I would definitely like to go the hollow core spectra route. And after recently losing a nicely valued top-shot (on my solid core rod) and attachments for no compelling reasons, I figured that I may as well learn to make up the finger-trap or loop connection myself. That way if I should ever happen to hap-hazardly lose a wind-on/ (top-shot), I would merely have to look into the mirror to say it was my fault. But the plan is to go knotless with the hollow core: finger-trap or spliced loop.

So if anyone needs stuff, especially JB Line One braid and does not have the confidence to tie it themselves, TEK has it. Give him a call. I have heard of multiple referrals.

Tek - Perhaps I'll see you at the next SSC meeting or the one after; I may be out fishing next month in the Abacos.

[NightCrawler]

Tek, I really think you're the best. If you guys haven't checked him out you should. You have the best prices and the best sevices.

take care buddy.

[npm108]

Read this post with great interest as I am in a similar situation. Got hold of some Spectra Solid Core and some Dacron for a Senator 9/0, however I got the Dacron spooled on at the local tackle shop and when testing it back at home noticed that:

When doing a basic test with a friend who was pulling on the line to test the drag we noticed the dacron buried itself down into the spool between the rest of the line. This effectively resulted in it getting locked in between the rest of the line on the spool and required quite a tug to get it out.

Also tried some Power Pro still on its supplied spool, gave that a tug and whilst not as bad a similar thing happened.

Is this normal? Or does it mean a) the line wasn't spooled on tight enough or b) it was spooled on correctly, not enough left to right movement?

Little bit worried about this as it hasn't happened before with mono.

Am based in Malta, Europe and aside from one or two other ppl no one on the island goes out for Big Game Fish (BFT, Swords etc) so none of the local tackle shops have a clue when it comes to 50lbs+ stuff.

Any help would be most welcomed.

Thanks.

[quack quack]

The line was put on way to loose if it buried itself like that.Go back to the store and ask them to remove the line and put it on tighter.If they do not want to or it is a hassle just do it yourself.Try to strip the line on to another reel then reapply to the original reel under more tension.Good luck with your big game quest

[npm108]

Hi Quack Quack,

Thanks for your response. Does that mean the drag on the reel wasn't on tight enough? To be honest its a 1965 Senator 9/0 which had a sticky star drag, tried to get it serviced and well it improved slightly but by the sounds of things not enough?

Thanks

[quack quack]

I have got a lot of big fish with old 9/0s with bad drags The drag is not the whole question when filling the reel.The drag should be tight but the tension on the spool filling the reel needs to be tight enough so the line does not burry into itself.Set the drag at about 20lbs to start with and then take 1/4 turns on the star drag and see how much the drag increases with each turn.This will give you and idea on how much drag you are applying if you need to increase it during a fight.The reel should be on the rod and the drag set while pulling line from the rod.Try to warm up the drag first by pulling off about 3ft of line then quickly reeling it back in.Repeat about 12 times and the drag should be warmed up.When is it tuna season over there?