Whats Kind Of Line Should I Go With For River Smallmouth?
Right now I am using 8lb fluorocarbon, and I am having success, but I really don’t like the feel of it as far as casting and sensitivity. It feels like it stretches out and gets weaker when I’m yanking out a snag, etc. I like the fact that the fish can’t see it though.. I’m thinking about switching to a thin braid or maybe one of those superlines??? What about that fireline crystal stuff, it always catches my eye at the store, but I haven’t tried it.
Go with a braid like PowerPro and run a fluoro leader from that. Use a double uni knot to connect the leader and you’ll have no trouble casting the leader knot through your guides.
I use spiderwire monofilament.. it doesn’t feel like it stretches out, and is much thinner in heavier weights than the competetion. Main thing about river water is it is hard to make out what is under the water, braided lines are super strong, but if the tension isn’t kept on the line during casting it will birdnest in a heartbeat., along with the fact that it will saw into the ceramic guides on the pole.
i do alot of small mouth fishing in rivers and i have had alot of sucess with maxima ultra green it is super strong holds up good on rocks doesnt nick easily and is almost totally invisible to the fish i use 8lb test. i have landed steelhead pike andcatfishon this line most recent was a 36 in channel cat wieghing a little over 25 lbs on this line i caught it using a mimic minnow from northland tackle company while throwing jigs for small mouth.
you just need a thicker line, 12lb trilene lo-vis is a good choose. when i get snags, my hooks usually bends first. never had a problem with it stretching either. blends great with river water. 8lb test is to light for smallies, they fight way to hard, and they will stretch it. braids more of a topwater lure line because it floats. one thing to keep in mind if you do go with braid, tie a braid knot, not a fisherman’s knot. the knot snaps way to easy.
I just bought stren 10 lb. caught 5 25+ pike on it and a nice 3lb largemouth no leaders. It seams to stretch on snags but haven’t lost any fish.
The line is 10lb or a 12lb may help you out on the idea and good luck to you on fishing too.
I personally use 8LB Fireline Fused.
it is outragously sensitive with no stretch at all
that and its very strong