To each is own…I love the sensitivity, cast ability, durability , and low memory of braid…..especially on spinning rods. Simple blood knot to a leader…gives you a lot of flexibility. I use braid as backing on most baitcasters….a waste to fill whole spool with Fluro
I don't understand the idea of someone getting mad at someone else for sharing their opinion. Lots of stuff Randy says I don't agree with, but there's stuff he says that worked out for me. That's how you learn, pick up what works for you from other anglers, and if something doesn't work for you or you don't agree with it, just ignore it.
Acting like a reasonable adult? How refreshing. Too bad an ever increasing number of people have no idea how to be reasonable. Listen to someone else ideas and opinions, and do what others have written here already. Personally, I don’t agree with most of what Randy says. I think he’s too set in his ways, he’s too used to doing what he gena doing to take the time to make any adjustments. I’ve caught fish on braided line exactly how he says you should never do. If you combine the line with the rod, and your own fishing method and that is when you’ll have the best for you. But be open minded enough to listen and perhaps give a new/different idea a try if interested.
@@NealVan I agree. I fish almost exclusively braid to fluoro, even cranking. I match my rod to the technique. I use a mojo glass rod for chatterbaits and cranks, and don't have a hard time missing fish, but I can see how if you're using a rod that's too fast, that using braid could be an issue.
I Always use braided line on crank bait, jerk bait, swim baits & Never have these problems that you mention. I love the sensitivity of the braided line also. Every fisherman must use what works for himself!
Gotta agree with some of the comments here. The pros are literally all over the board on fishing line and techniques. Id say get out there and try it for yourself. Theres a million variables and you never know what works best on any given day, fishing style, condition, etc. But i get it Randy, youre sharing what works best for you. Appreciate it.
I use 10lb braid on my Jerkbait. You can cast so far with small braid line plus the strength gives me confidence. I also use 15-20lb braid on my jigs. Helps me pull them out of docks,Lilly pads, weeds and trees.
Randy worries about visability. I use japanese braid. Half the thickness of garbage spiderwire or power pro. I can get 14lb test with 0.06mm line. You cant tell me the fish cant see 0.32mm, 6x thicker floro. All floro does is bend the light, it doesnt make it invisible. refractivity of floro is 1.42, mono is 1.55 and braid PE is 1.54. Water is 1.33. Braid is actually MORE invisible than mono. And its only 20% at worst more visible than floro. So if i have a line thats 6x thinner than Randy's floro, Im gunna go ahead and assume the fish see his line before they see mine. I get hypersensitivity, no memory, no stretch so instant hook set (i just use a hybrid rod where the last half is glass so i get plenty of give in my hookset, and if i get snagged i can pull up a lot of the logs rather than break my line off. At the same time i can always use a floro leader if im that worried and can cast wayyyy further than straight floro. And if you use a spinning reel you can only do maybe 8lb floro before it gets unmanageable whereas i can have 60lb braid with no issue.
Great points. I need to try the higher quality braid ! I’ve caught fish in clear lakes on straight braid or short fluro leaders. You might miss some bites because fish are spooked. But you miss more bites not feeling every little bite with the sensitivity of braid
This is one of those things I feel can go either way. I caught a 24 pound bag of smallmouth on a 3in swim bait braid to fluorocarbon leader. I think if it works for you then by all means. And I think Randy is of the same mind and is just sharing what has worked best for him for those who haven't yet formulated their own opinion on the matter. Thanks for all the great info Randy!!
Thanks randy love the channel an all the lessons but I would like to say I run braid to a leader on almost all my rods rather finesse fishin or power fishing except my jerkbait rod reason being I have 20 rods an I can’t afford quality line for each one so I run braid to a lead to save line plus if I got a 12 lb mono leader an the water is clear I can cut it attach a 8 lb leader or vise versa if I fish a lake an next day a storm rolls in an water goes to chocolate milk I can cut the leader off an go straight braid depending on lure just thought I’d share that cause it helps a blue collar man like myself save a dollar or 5
I've lived up in north MN where we have tons of grass in every lake. We NEED it 90 percent of the time flouro would get ya hand cuffed. I moved to Branson 5 years ago and haven't spooled braided lines since. Why? No grass. No pads. No reeds. Clear deep water with the average size fish being MUCH smaller. There is very little reason to use braid in highland reservoirs with no grass. But of ya head to MN or Florida for largemouth the terrain changes and you must have braid. If not you'll lose em all. It's all dependent on cover
You are the pro Randy, and you definitely have the experience to back up your tips. I have, however found a couple niches where braid is useful for cranking-I use braid with a fiberglass rod for cranking around grass, and for bouncing or ‘worming’ a lipless crankbait off the bottom. A limber fiberglass rod is key in both situations for me..
I mostly throw crankbaits on braid. I also use a medium light pole for creek and river fishing. Enough parabolic bend compensates for the braid but is more controllable than line stretch. I also use straight braid on jigs, shakey heads and spinnerbaits from time to time depending on what combos I have. To be fair most creek fish aren't half as pressured as lake fish so I don't think they care as much and there is more heavy cover than in lakes
Just my 50 years of experience I fell in love with Braid and can't stand Mono or Fluorocarbon anymore. I love 12LB 0.10mm Braid and cought so many fish on it. I never use a leader. I've been using straight Braid and I've never broke my line yet since I've been using Braid. I've used all colors and i just love Braid i will never go back to mono or Fluorocarbon.
I was actually just wondering the same issue so perfect timing.thank you very much for sharing. it is very confusing to see so many people using braid and not understanding exactly what it's best use is
I agree with ya Randy but I haven't heard of many anglers who use straight braid on moving baits. Good tip for people who don't know much about fishing line
I agree with your comments about stretch but a rod with a more moderate action will negate that issue. I prefer braid because of its no memory and life when compared with other line types. I fish grass lakes so it cuts through the grass much better than fluorocarbon. It is much easier to cast and I get much less birds nest and the ones I do get are easily removed with no fear of the line becoming weak. That being said this season I have completely switched to fluorocarbon with the hope of more bites and with the goal of learning to manage fluorocarbon.
Good topic. I’m fairly new to baitcast fishing. And outside of pitching/flipping, and frogging. I didn’t know where braid would come into play. When spin fishing I like using a braid to fluoro Leader for drop shot, jerkbait, and light swim baits. For casting distance on Clearwater.
All the best smallmouth fisherman up here in Canada use braid to floro leader for MOST applications including jerkbaits. And these are up to 8 pound smallies. Just sayin 😜. Me personally I have braid on every one of my rods and use leaders as conditions change from 20 pound down to 6. Works great for me. Randy is the man and his knowledge and experience is unmatched for sure. Love to hear his opinions
Medium power rod-10lb Big Game mono. Medium Heavy Rod-15lb Big Game mono. Heavy rod-20lb Big Game mono. Braid for frogs only. Simple, cheap and just works!
@@castandchill A lot less complicated and cheap! 10lb breaks at over 16lbs, 15 breaks around 24lbs and 20 breaks at over 30lbs. Unless you are fishing really clear water or a sponsored tournament angler fluorocarbon doesn’t make sense.
Love your Channel Randy, but on the braid issue I'm always gonna call poppycock. The "cushioning" element can be in the rod, or it can be in the line. Sure, if you select your gear haphazardly, much of your criticisms can hold true. On the other hand, moderate rods love braid. It's not just for power, it's for superior castability too. Fritts is on record recommending braid for cranking, and swearing off fluorcarbon (nuff said?). Personally, I haven't lost a single fish I can recollect since I switched. In fact, I rarely lose any fish. And I use braid for an overwhelming majority of my techniques. Chatterbaits. Jigs. Cranks. Jerkbaits. Finesse applications. Granted we have a lot of grass in our natural lakes, but we also have gin clear water. And economically, braid makes huge sense for guys that don't get Seaguar or Sunline shipped free in the mail. It lasts and lasts. In fact it gets better with age. I know you need subjects for videos. This subject isn't a strong one for you. Maybe these things hold true in the Ozarks. But a big part of it is your bias. And that's cool too.
I've been using braid to flouro for 15 year's...to me its better...I power fish with a MH spinning with 20-30lb braid 15-20lb ...I use a long leader 12-14'...so there's a little stretch...you also get a better hookup if they bite at the end of your cast...2021 was my best big fish year of my life six over 8lbs, one 9.4 and a 10lber...all but 2 weren't caught on this setup... it works because I have the right equipment and methods.
@@timothymetcalf8001 yours is a perfect example of how different things work for different anglers. I like 10-15# braid on ML, M and MH spinning gear. I've landed pike and muskie approaching 20lbs on this gear. But I understand you going heavier if you're using it in thicker cover. The trade off is casting distance. I can put a weightless 5" stickbait into a low orbit with 10# braid. I use 20, 30 and 40# on my baitcasters, depending on technique. You can get away with a faster action rod with vertical techniques, but for moving baits especislly crankbaits, hard jerkbaits and bladed jigs, a soft, moderate action rod is perfect. Randy's right about feeling everything and reacting like an exposed nerve... the thing is, once you've developed a feel for your tackle, you feel everything and then you catch them. I have three reels rigged with a co-polymer, and I have about 20 spooled with braid. No fluoro in sight, except for leaders.
I love using braid on my spinning gear it just works so much smoother and casts better and lasts longer , I use a about 6 feet of leader, usually 10-12 Lb fluorocarbon. I’m honestly not sure if it makes a difference as far as the fish seeing it, I use it in case I get snagged because breaking off braid isn’t happening and I don’t like loosing a lot of line if I get snagged. Every time I’ve had to break off a snag it’s broken off at the lure and not my leader knot so I’m confident that it’s strong enough to hold up. I saw a guy just this week catching all kinds of fish with straight braid to a Texas rig worm so who knows. Love your content just giving perspective why I use a leader knot. I use the Alberto knot and it’s very easy to do in less than two or 3 minutes and so far has been excellent.
Braid to leader. Period. I fish Great Lakes water, 20-30 foot visibility. Put a long leader on. Wasting a spool of fluorocarbon line every few weeks is crazy in my opinion. And when the 5 pound smallie becomes a 20lb pike I want my lure back. If you need more stretch go to a softer rod or mono leader. Good luck!
What's the weakest link? It isn't the knot connection between braid to flouro I can tell you that with 100% confidence. The fg knot keeps my break offs at the bait with a polymer knot.@@tollmcdaniel885
The lake I live on is full of weeds, pine stumps, Kissimmee grass, you can’t help but often have to horse a fish in through the weeds, and pull up a wad of it with the fish. I think the “need for the raw power” certainly applies on this lake. Just today I broke some 20 lb braid twice on the same rod…..
Personally always braid to fluorocarbon leader for me . Best of both worlds no line memory, awesome castability and the fluorocarbon leader is invisible with just the right amount of stretch.
As always Randy, I love your content. I love your honesty and refusal to agree with the industry defined standards. You are incredibly in tune with the true facts of bass fishing. The only criticism I have to offer, would be to lay off Johnnie's click bate titles. I love his stuff too, he is super informative. His content is top notch, just like yours. The issue I have is that you have such a high knowledge of fishing, that you don't need that. We trust your information, and knowledge. We will watch regardless of the title... I just hate seeing your video titles with "80 to 90% of anglers get this wrong". We all know better than to think 90% of us are too stupid to properly rig a senko... You're better than that mess, stop letting the industry dictate your content titles. We will support you regaurdless of what you name the content. We love what you do man... Just be you, and stop worrying about what title will drive the most clicks. At the end of the day, your knowledge is what sells...
thank yeah i fishing spinnerbait on mono line 5 yrs few lost bass.charge new braid great cast far,easy knot and smooth spool.but bad lost huge bass 5 one week by braid.back mono next yr hope.
Hi Randy, yes I agree as I love my fluorocarbon straight through 90% of the time. The only time braid and fluorocarbon leaders is good is trolling deep diving minnows as it will crash dive down to 32 ft compared to 15 ft with fluorocarbon. Trolling is it a dirty word haha I don't do much of it anymore these days. Thanks for the tips Randy.
Braid to leader.... This actually allows the exact same amount of stretch whether the fish strikes 10ft or 100 ft from the boat. With Mono or fluoro the difference in stretch is drastic at those different distances
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Judging from the length of the comments on this post everybody’s got an opinion. Line choice is a personal style thing. I understand what you’re saying but I happen to love braid to fluorocarbon. I just use a more forgiving rod when throwing treble hook baits. Mind you, I fish for fun not to feed my family like you. So I understand why you would want to remove any variable that you can have control over. I just love how braid handles on my spinning gear and I don’t really think I’ve lost any fish because of using bread to fluorocarbon, but I could see how I could happen. Anyway thanks again for sharing.
I like Randy but David Fritts the greatest crank bait fisherman that ever lived uses mostly braid on all his crank techniques… To each there own. I love braid to leader on all my crank techniques with a glass rod the Megabass OrochiXX swing fire to be exact and the Megabass Launcher.
Fritts said he uses straight braid on the bass edge podcast. He likes the small diameter of the braid, which allows for more crank bait wobble vs fluoro or mono
Some of my fishing buddies tease me because I have braid on everything. I always use a leader, either flouro or wire. For soft plastics or inexpensive (under 10 dollars) crankbaits, I use regular flouro. We have a lot of pike and pickerel, and some muskie, so if I'm throwing more expensive lures, I always have 50lb bite resistant flouro, or wire leader on. I don't like to leave lures in fish, and I don't like fish to swim away with lures that I paid between 15-30 dollars for. Anyways, back to my original point about my flouro friends. Is flouro generally better? Yes. But 90% of the time, I'm out fishing my friends who are flouro purists. I've been fishing for 38 years. I've always adapted my technique to fit what I'm using, because I also fly fish, and different flies require different techniques. Thus, it's very easy for me to adjust to using braid and not lose fish. Just giving my perspective from nearly 4 decades of being in love with fishing. Thanks for what you do, Randy. I always recommend you to people who are getting started in the sport.
Do a video about the types of beef jerky and what is popular for Bridgford.... Appreciate the valuable knowledge ! Your tips work! I can attest to the modifications video I implemented in my fishing! Thanks a ton Randy! Tracy Gravely
If I’m fishing with a $25 megabass crank bait, I’m using braid. 60lbs test worth. I hear what you are saying and I don’t disagree. I may not catch as many bass but I get that crank bait back in the boat every time.
Hey Randy I know this has nothing to do with the video but Randy I can't believe how big your son Elijah has gotten. Good video Randy I stopped using braided line about 10 years ago I got fed up with the cost of it and like you said Randy it's going to cost you bite's. Hey Randy tell Elijah we all said by by and have a nice day today with your family. I wish I had a family God bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike.
Vertical baits - Braid to Fluro or Mono. Horizontal baits - Straight Fluro or Copoly Micro jigs - Straight Fluro Jigs - Straight Fluro (exception 15-20 lb) Flipping, Frogs - Straight Braid Saltwater Surf - Braid to Mono with a big snap and no back reeling. Works great for big sharks.
I kind of agree with you one this one. But instead of going to mono line I use a glass rod. Randy do you ever use a glass rod? I use the st Croix legend glass.
Agree Randy on straight braid. We disagree on braid to floro…but that’s dead horse has been beaten to death. BTW - After all the content you’ve shared, I actually feel like I know you. Next time yiu come to the Coosa River I will have to shake your hand!
Always love your input and expertise. Also, love that you know how to fish without modern technology, ❤️. Most guys wouldn’t stand a chance against the knowledge you have, 👍👍💪💪
I run braid to fluoro on about everything. It does me good, I don't think it's costed me any fish but who knows 🤔. Either way, I appreciate the tips you post. 👍🏻
Randy i stopped using braid on my texas rigs offshore fishing because i think i have actually less sensitivity when the line is slack compared to FC line… Just wondering does this make any sense?
Randy, can you do a video on the type of fluorocarbon that you like and any sprays that you put on it to help eliminate backlashes or memory please. Also, does a lower pound test backlash easier or hold more of a memory? I have both of those issues with fluorocarbon but rarely backlash braid, so I'm one of the braid to a 6 foot leader guys. I am sure it is operator error but it does get expensive. I'm afraid to keep using the braid after I backlash because i feel i created a weak spot, what are your thoughts on that. Thank you. Hello to you too Elijah.
Lot of toothy predators in my lakes that bite through fluro like butter. I would lose 10x more lures. I also break off a lot more fish with fluro. Nothing worse then seeing a nice fish you just broke off jumping out of the water trying to shake your lure stuck to their face, knowing it might die. I will take catching less fish over losing expensive lures to pike, musky, pickeral and potentially killing fish i break off
Randy, that subject about braid to Fluorocarbon is like an open wound that never heals. LOL(FYI I have 1 spinning and 2 Baitcasting Braid to fluorocarbon) and the rest either straight Fluorocarbon or straight Braid.
I use it flipping, pitching, frogging and lipless crankbaits and then only when water is stained. Mono is once again king. Flouro that I've tried, Berkley vanish and seaguar are JUNK! A big waste of $$$. I've been told P-Line is good so I'll give it a try but I'm not too impressed with what I've fished with yet over the last 8-10 years. I agree with ya, they're nothing but gimmicks. You'd think they'd be able to come up with something better after all these years. Smh
I caught a fully rigged flash mob jr at the lake the other day, it had about 15ft of braid tied on to it. I was freshly lost, it hadn't been there for a few years or anything, it was probably lost within a few days. I was just like "damn people are dumb....but thanks for the A-rig!!" a heavy a-rig on like 30lb braid, probably had a backlash during cast and line snapped right off. You need that stretch on heavy A-rigs and big heavy swimbaits.
Hey Randy, love your channel. Living in Florida I agree with most of what you said. Braid on frog is a given. In certain circumstances I use straight braid on swim bait and swim jig when throwing IN HEAVY vegetation. Also when punching. When throwing to edges of pads/vegetation I stick with fluorocarbon.
All the flouro I've tried has really been junk! What brand do you use, maybe that's my issue. I've tried from 12-20 lb Vanish and Seaguar. They've been problematic from the start with memory retention and kinking then breaking. Seems as though the Florida sun affects it, too. After a trip or 2 it gets brittle. Smh
@@DatGuy960 i don't think fluorocarbon is adversely affected by UV the same way monofilament is. The way I understand it, unlike mono which has elastisicity (stretch and rebound), fluorocarbon streches without much rebound. So it stretches, and stretches until it becomes brittle and fragile. Another reason I'm not a fan of fluoro as a mainline in most circumstances. 2 cents.
Always hated braid. Use is exclusively on spinning rods though, always had good luck with good ole Sufix 832, others try and go too thin. Concerning a baitcaster though, braid ALWAYS digs in. I can use 50-65lb fine, but only have only setup with 50lb. Anything less than that always seems to dig in for me.
Used to try running flouro leader alot cause i definitely noticed more bites but i would always snap off my whole leader and lose big bass. Always tied the uni to uni knot. Sucked. With the FG knot, that problem is gone
Love the video’s Randy. Hater’s gonna hate man. Just remember that opinions are like A-Hole’s man, everybody’s got one and some stink more than other’s. I love the channel man , keep up the great work buddy!!!!!
So I see this video, and you make some valid points, but then I see your other video "You'll start using straight braid on crank baits after watching this video". Has your opnion changed ?
Not a fan of braid……. I have 48 rods and reels. 1 with braid for top,water, and one with mono for crankbaits. 46 reels, loaded with copolymer… why I hear nothing about it still amazes me. Copolymer looks like mono, but has no stretch, so it feels like braid. Gamakatsu introduced me to this when I was on their pro staff. It didn’t take off at the time, but I stuck with it, and loved it. P-Line (not sponsored by them) now produces the same copolymer and it is an amazing product. Everyone I have introduced to this line has told me how their fishing has improved, both from sensitivity and casting distance. The big secret, is to load copolymer wet onto the reel. Simply drop the spool into a small bowl of warm water (not hot or cold) then spool it, and the memory is negated. When it dries, the new memory is the size of your reel spool…
Randy, long cast with top water baits such as choppo, or buzzbaits or whopper to make long cast say 70 yards which is a hella cast, fish are gonna come from behind usalky to eat it. And with that long of a cast, I would think no stretch of braid helps you ling as you pause on hook set.
Guess I am just old school but I prefer Trilene, XL for everything I do have Braid on one bait caster and Flurocarbon, on another. Also I will use Braid with a Flurocarbon leader for Carolina rigs or drop shots
Braid has an appeal to penny pinchers who can’t fathom spending the money to respool with high quality fluoro at appropriate intervals. They may have a point especially if their paycheck doesn’t rely on catching fish.
To each is own…I love the sensitivity, cast ability, durability , and low memory of braid…..especially on spinning rods. Simple blood knot to a leader…gives you a lot of flexibility. I use braid as backing on most baitcasters….a waste to fill whole spool with Fluro
Right, backing is always a good move and I'm sure randy runs backing too
Fluorocarbon is nothing more than someone wanting or believing in equipment more than knowledge.
@@outdoorswithjt6652lmao " to each his own " bud
I don't understand the idea of someone getting mad at someone else for sharing their opinion. Lots of stuff Randy says I don't agree with, but there's stuff he says that worked out for me. That's how you learn, pick up what works for you from other anglers, and if something doesn't work for you or you don't agree with it, just ignore it.
Well said
Acting like a reasonable adult? How refreshing. Too bad an ever increasing number of people have no idea how to be reasonable. Listen to someone else ideas and opinions, and do what others have written here already. Personally, I don’t agree with most of what Randy says. I think he’s too set in his ways, he’s too used to doing what he gena doing to take the time to make any adjustments. I’ve caught fish on braided line exactly how he says you should never do. If you combine the line with the rod, and your own fishing method and that is when you’ll have the best for you. But be open minded enough to listen and perhaps give a new/different idea a try if interested.
I agree with you
@@lilbaby6689 you really fit that name.
@@NealVan I agree. I fish almost exclusively braid to fluoro, even cranking. I match my rod to the technique. I use a mojo glass rod for chatterbaits and cranks, and don't have a hard time missing fish, but I can see how if you're using a rod that's too fast, that using braid could be an issue.
I Always use braided line on crank bait, jerk bait, swim baits & Never have these problems that you mention. I love the sensitivity of the braided line also. Every fisherman must use what works for himself!
I am broke, I fish braid to flouro leader for almost everything 🤣 I love the sensitivity and the castablility.
Gotta agree with some of the comments here. The pros are literally all over the board on fishing line and techniques. Id say get out there and try it for yourself. Theres a million variables and you never know what works best on any given day, fishing style, condition, etc. But i get it Randy, youre sharing what works best for you. Appreciate it.
Totally agree Randy! Other than frogs I use straight floro for everything with no issues. For treble hooked topwater baits I prefer mono to braid
I use 10lb braid on my Jerkbait. You can cast so far with small braid line plus the strength gives me confidence. I also use 15-20lb braid on my jigs. Helps me pull them out of docks,Lilly pads, weeds and trees.
Randy worries about visability. I use japanese braid. Half the thickness of garbage spiderwire or power pro. I can get 14lb test with 0.06mm line. You cant tell me the fish cant see 0.32mm, 6x thicker floro. All floro does is bend the light, it doesnt make it invisible. refractivity of floro is 1.42, mono is 1.55 and braid PE is 1.54. Water is 1.33. Braid is actually MORE invisible than mono. And its only 20% at worst more visible than floro. So if i have a line thats 6x thinner than Randy's floro, Im gunna go ahead and assume the fish see his line before they see mine. I get hypersensitivity, no memory, no stretch so instant hook set (i just use a hybrid rod where the last half is glass so i get plenty of give in my hookset, and if i get snagged i can pull up a lot of the logs rather than break my line off. At the same time i can always use a floro leader if im that worried and can cast wayyyy further than straight floro. And if you use a spinning reel you can only do maybe 8lb floro before it gets unmanageable whereas i can have 60lb braid with no issue.
Great points. I need to try the higher quality braid ! I’ve caught fish in clear lakes on straight braid or short fluro leaders. You might miss some bites because fish are spooked. But you miss more bites not feeling every little bite with the sensitivity of braid
This is one of those things I feel can go either way. I caught a 24 pound bag of smallmouth on a 3in swim bait braid to fluorocarbon leader. I think if it works for you then by all means. And I think Randy is of the same mind and is just sharing what has worked best for him for those who haven't yet formulated their own opinion on the matter. Thanks for all the great info Randy!!
Thanks randy love the channel an all the lessons but I would like to say I run braid to a leader on almost all my rods rather finesse fishin or power fishing except my jerkbait rod reason being I have 20 rods an I can’t afford quality line for each one so I run braid to a lead to save line plus if I got a 12 lb mono leader an the water is clear I can cut it attach a 8 lb leader or vise versa if I fish a lake an next day a storm rolls in an water goes to chocolate milk I can cut the leader off an go straight braid depending on lure just thought I’d share that cause it helps a blue collar man like myself save a dollar or 5
I've lived up in north MN where we have tons of grass in every lake. We NEED it 90 percent of the time flouro would get ya hand cuffed. I moved to Branson 5 years ago and haven't spooled braided lines since. Why? No grass. No pads. No reeds. Clear deep water with the average size fish being MUCH smaller. There is very little reason to use braid in highland reservoirs with no grass. But of ya head to MN or Florida for largemouth the terrain changes and you must have braid. If not you'll lose em all. It's all dependent on cover
The fact that a mild-mannered, friendly, and helpful person like you has haters is a testament to the toxic nature of people online.
You are the pro Randy, and you definitely have the experience to back up your tips. I have, however found a couple niches where braid is useful for cranking-I use braid with a fiberglass rod for cranking around grass, and for bouncing or ‘worming’ a lipless crankbait off the bottom. A limber fiberglass rod is key in both situations for me..
I mostly throw crankbaits on braid. I also use a medium light pole for creek and river fishing. Enough parabolic bend compensates for the braid but is more controllable than line stretch. I also use straight braid on jigs, shakey heads and spinnerbaits from time to time depending on what combos I have. To be fair most creek fish aren't half as pressured as lake fish so I don't think they care as much and there is more heavy cover than in lakes
Just my 50 years of experience I fell in love with Braid and can't stand Mono or Fluorocarbon anymore. I love 12LB 0.10mm Braid and cought so many fish on it. I never use a leader. I've been using straight Braid and I've never broke my line yet since I've been using Braid. I've used all colors and i just love Braid i will never go back to mono or Fluorocarbon.
You know what is great about you. While we can disagree on many concepts you are always informative . Thank you.
I was actually just wondering the same issue so perfect timing.thank you very much for sharing. it is very confusing to see so many people using braid and not understanding exactly what it's best use is
I agree with ya Randy but I haven't heard of many anglers who use straight braid on moving baits. Good tip for people who don't know much about fishing line
It’s reassuring to hear this since I’ve done this intuitively with braid without really thinking about it… only use it for heavy cover and froggin
I agree with your comments about stretch but a rod with a more moderate action will negate that issue. I prefer braid because of its no memory and life when compared with other line types. I fish grass lakes so it cuts through the grass much better than fluorocarbon. It is much easier to cast and I get much less birds nest and the ones I do get are easily removed with no fear of the line becoming weak. That being said this season I have completely switched to fluorocarbon with the hope of more bites and with the goal of learning to manage fluorocarbon.
Good topic. I’m fairly new to baitcast fishing. And outside of pitching/flipping, and frogging. I didn’t know where braid would come into play. When spin fishing I like using a braid to fluoro
Leader for drop shot, jerkbait, and light swim baits. For casting distance on Clearwater.
All the best smallmouth fisherman up here in Canada use braid to floro leader for MOST applications including jerkbaits. And these are up to 8 pound smallies. Just sayin 😜. Me personally I have braid on every one of my rods and use leaders as conditions change from 20 pound down to 6. Works great for me. Randy is the man and his knowledge and experience is unmatched for sure. Love to hear his opinions
Medium power rod-10lb Big Game mono.
Medium Heavy Rod-15lb Big Game mono.
Heavy rod-20lb Big Game mono.
Braid for frogs only.
Simple, cheap and just works!
i just got some big game to try cuz ive heard so many good things about it
@@castandchill A lot less complicated and cheap! 10lb breaks at over 16lbs, 15 breaks around 24lbs and 20 breaks at over 30lbs. Unless you are fishing really clear water or a sponsored tournament angler fluorocarbon doesn’t make sense.
Love your Channel Randy, but on the braid issue I'm always gonna call poppycock.
The "cushioning" element can be in the rod, or it can be in the line. Sure, if you select your gear haphazardly, much of your criticisms can hold true. On the other hand, moderate rods love braid. It's not just for power, it's for superior castability too.
Fritts is on record recommending braid for cranking, and swearing off fluorcarbon (nuff said?).
Personally, I haven't lost a single fish I can recollect since I switched. In fact, I rarely lose any fish. And I use braid for an overwhelming majority of my techniques. Chatterbaits. Jigs. Cranks. Jerkbaits. Finesse applications. Granted we have a lot of grass in our natural lakes, but we also have gin clear water.
And economically, braid makes huge sense for guys that don't get Seaguar or Sunline shipped free in the mail. It lasts and lasts. In fact it gets better with age.
I know you need subjects for videos. This subject isn't a strong one for you. Maybe these things hold true in the Ozarks. But a big part of it is your bias. And that's cool too.
I crank exclusively with braid. Because fritts said so lol. Biggest fish on braid is a 9.75lb spot at bullards bar.
😂😂😂😂you dont know
@@coachmatt6735 agreed
I've been using braid to flouro for 15 year's...to me its better...I power fish with a MH spinning with 20-30lb braid 15-20lb ...I use a long leader 12-14'...so there's a little stretch...you also get a better hookup if they bite at the end of your cast...2021 was my best big fish year of my life six over 8lbs, one 9.4 and a 10lber...all but 2 weren't caught on this setup... it works because I have the right equipment and methods.
@@timothymetcalf8001 yours is a perfect example of how different things work for different anglers.
I like 10-15# braid on ML, M and MH spinning gear. I've landed pike and muskie approaching 20lbs on this gear. But I understand you going heavier if you're using it in thicker cover. The trade off is casting distance. I can put a weightless 5" stickbait into a low orbit with 10# braid.
I use 20, 30 and 40# on my baitcasters, depending on technique.
You can get away with a faster action rod with vertical techniques, but for moving baits especislly crankbaits, hard jerkbaits and bladed jigs, a soft, moderate action rod is perfect. Randy's right about feeling everything and reacting like an exposed nerve... the thing is, once you've developed a feel for your tackle, you feel everything and then you catch them.
I have three reels rigged with a co-polymer, and I have about 20 spooled with braid. No fluoro in sight, except for leaders.
If they can see the braid so good don’t you think they would be able to see the 3 treble hooks hanging below that jerk bait in clear water?
I've been saying this forever
I think the bass is so focus on a reaction bite that they tunnel vision onto the bait and cannot notice the line.
You could argue that hooks mimic moving fins
Ding ding ding ding! Exactly!
Ever seen someone with a dog on a leash in the park…..
Did u notice the color of the dogs feet before u got close?
Or did u see the leash
My rule of thumb is:
single hook lure - braid
treble hook lure - fluorocarbon
I firmly believe in buying the BEST braid.
That’s my rule to.
I love using braid on my spinning gear it just works so much smoother and casts better and lasts longer , I use a about 6 feet of leader, usually 10-12 Lb fluorocarbon. I’m honestly not sure if it makes a difference as far as the fish seeing it, I use it in case I get snagged because breaking off braid isn’t happening and I don’t like loosing a lot of line if I get snagged. Every time I’ve had to break off a snag it’s broken off at the lure and not my leader knot so I’m confident that it’s strong enough to hold up. I saw a guy just this week catching all kinds of fish with straight braid to a Texas rig worm so who knows. Love your content just giving perspective why I use a leader knot. I use the Alberto knot and it’s very easy to do in less than two or 3 minutes and so far has been excellent.
Love all the videos Randy...keep em coming... remember the old Fred arbourgas mud bugs...me and my uncle still throw em
Braid to leader. Period. I fish Great Lakes water, 20-30 foot visibility. Put a long leader on. Wasting a spool of fluorocarbon line every few weeks is crazy in my opinion. And when the 5 pound smallie becomes a 20lb pike I want my lure back. If you need more stretch go to a softer rod or mono leader. Good luck!
Ah. The weakest link.
What's the weakest link? It isn't the knot connection between braid to flouro I can tell you that with 100% confidence. The fg knot keeps my break offs at the bait with a polymer knot.@@tollmcdaniel885
The lake I live on is full of weeds, pine stumps, Kissimmee grass, you can’t help but often have to horse a fish in through the weeds, and pull up a wad of it with the fish. I think the “need for the raw power” certainly applies on this lake. Just today I broke some 20 lb braid twice on the same rod…..
Personally always braid to fluorocarbon leader for me . Best of both worlds no line memory, awesome castability and the fluorocarbon leader is invisible with just the right amount of stretch.
As always Randy, I love your content. I love your honesty and refusal to agree with the industry defined standards. You are incredibly in tune with the true facts of bass fishing. The only criticism I have to offer, would be to lay off Johnnie's click bate titles. I love his stuff too, he is super informative. His content is top notch, just like yours. The issue I have is that you have such a high knowledge of fishing, that you don't need that. We trust your information, and knowledge. We will watch regardless of the title... I just hate seeing your video titles with "80 to 90% of anglers get this wrong". We all know better than to think 90% of us are too stupid to properly rig a senko... You're better than that mess, stop letting the industry dictate your content titles. We will support you regaurdless of what you name the content. We love what you do man... Just be you, and stop worrying about what title will drive the most clicks. At the end of the day, your knowledge is what sells...
thank yeah i fishing spinnerbait on mono line 5 yrs few lost bass.charge new braid great cast far,easy knot and smooth spool.but bad lost huge bass 5 one week by braid.back mono next yr hope.
I love braid for spinning rods
Hi Randy, yes I agree as I love my fluorocarbon straight through 90% of the time. The only time braid and fluorocarbon leaders is good is trolling deep diving minnows as it will crash dive down to 32 ft compared to 15 ft with fluorocarbon. Trolling is it a dirty word haha I don't do much of it anymore these days. Thanks for the tips Randy.
I learned that the hard way!.. no more braid when I’m fishing the Texas Rig - Dad was using fluorocarbon & he was catching em left & right!..
Yes I agree with you Randy absolutely!
Braid to leader....
This actually allows the exact same amount of stretch whether the fish strikes 10ft or 100 ft from the boat. With Mono or fluoro the difference in stretch is drastic at those different distances
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Judging from the length of the comments on this post everybody’s got an opinion. Line choice is a personal style thing. I understand what you’re saying but I happen to love braid to fluorocarbon. I just use a more forgiving rod when throwing treble hook baits. Mind you, I fish for fun not to feed my family like you. So I understand why you would want to remove any variable that you can have control over. I just love how braid handles on my spinning gear and I don’t really think I’ve lost any fish because of using bread to fluorocarbon, but I could see how I could happen. Anyway thanks again for sharing.
This was a very helpful video. Thanks very much.
I like Randy but David Fritts the greatest crank bait fisherman that ever lived uses mostly braid on all his crank techniques…
To each there own. I love braid to leader on all my crank techniques with a glass rod the Megabass OrochiXX swing fire to be exact and the Megabass Launcher.
This
Does Fritts use a leader or just straight braid?
Fritts said he uses straight braid on the bass edge podcast. He likes the small diameter of the braid, which allows for more crank bait wobble vs fluoro or mono
Some of my fishing buddies tease me because I have braid on everything. I always use a leader, either flouro or wire. For soft plastics or inexpensive (under 10 dollars) crankbaits, I use regular flouro.
We have a lot of pike and pickerel, and some muskie, so if I'm throwing more expensive lures, I always have 50lb bite resistant flouro, or wire leader on. I don't like to leave lures in fish, and I don't like fish to swim away with lures that I paid between 15-30 dollars for.
Anyways, back to my original point about my flouro friends. Is flouro generally better? Yes. But 90% of the time, I'm out fishing my friends who are flouro purists.
I've been fishing for 38 years. I've always adapted my technique to fit what I'm using, because I also fly fish, and different flies require different techniques. Thus, it's very easy for me to adjust to using braid and not lose fish.
Just giving my perspective from nearly 4 decades of being in love with fishing. Thanks for what you do, Randy. I always recommend you to people who are getting started in the sport.
Interesting tips. It would be nice to see a video that covers the interaction of line, rod, and reel with specific types of lures.
I appreciate your meekness and wisdom.
Do a video about the types of beef jerky and what is popular for Bridgford.... Appreciate the valuable knowledge ! Your tips work! I can attest to the modifications video I implemented in my fishing! Thanks a ton Randy! Tracy Gravely
In my slop they can't see anything anyway so braid makes sense but this is really good info for clearer water for sure.
I crank exclusively with braid. Because fritts said so lol. Biggest fish on braid is a 9.75lb spot at bullards bar.
If I’m fishing with a $25 megabass crank bait, I’m using braid. 60lbs test worth. I hear what you are saying and I don’t disagree. I may not catch as many bass but I get that crank bait back in the boat every time.
I don't use braid for anything. I've never felt the need for it.
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Hey Randy I know this has nothing to do with the video but Randy I can't believe how big your son Elijah has gotten. Good video Randy I stopped using braided line about 10 years ago I got fed up with the cost of it and like you said Randy it's going to cost you bite's. Hey Randy tell Elijah we all said by by and have a nice day today with your family. I wish I had a family God bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike.
Vertical baits - Braid to Fluro or Mono.
Horizontal baits - Straight Fluro or Copoly
Micro jigs - Straight Fluro
Jigs - Straight Fluro (exception 15-20 lb)
Flipping, Frogs - Straight Braid
Saltwater Surf - Braid to Mono with a big snap and no back reeling. Works great for big sharks.
I have caught 100's of river walleye on 20lb braid with jerk bait. Actually caught 6 wallys tonight with that setup. Its my favorite.
Yah at night I have no problems with braid. It's mid day with clear water where a flouro leader starts to make sense.
Good job Randy appreciate all the tips
I kind of agree with you one this one. But instead of going to mono line I use a glass rod. Randy do you ever use a glass rod? I use the st Croix legend glass.
Agree Randy on straight braid. We disagree on braid to floro…but that’s dead horse has been beaten to death. BTW - After all the content you’ve shared, I actually feel like I know you. Next time yiu come to the Coosa River I will have to shake your hand!
Always love your input and expertise. Also, love that you know how to fish without modern technology, ❤️. Most guys wouldn’t stand a chance against the knowledge you have, 👍👍💪💪
We use straight braid on short bills in weed beds to rip them thru in upstate ny with great success
When is it a good time to use 30lb braid with a floro leader for bass fishing in your opinion. Thanks
I run braid to fluoro on about everything. It does me good, I don't think it's costed me any fish but who knows 🤔. Either way, I appreciate the tips you post. 👍🏻
I hate braid but its a must where i fish. i always use a 20-30 leader though. my landing percentage went through the roof once i started doing that.
Randy i stopped using braid on my texas rigs offshore fishing because i think i have actually less sensitivity when the line is slack compared to FC line… Just wondering does this make any sense?
I agree I used barid one summer never again it seems fish could see it another thing where their is rocks it comes apart
Randy, can you do a video on the type of fluorocarbon that you like and any sprays that you put on it to help eliminate backlashes or memory please. Also, does a lower pound test backlash easier or hold more of a memory? I have both of those issues with fluorocarbon but rarely backlash braid, so I'm one of the braid to a 6 foot leader guys. I am sure it is operator error but it does get expensive. I'm afraid to keep using the braid after I backlash because i feel i created a weak spot, what are your thoughts on that. Thank you. Hello to you too Elijah.
Your intro on this one was EPIC!!!!
Lot of toothy predators in my lakes that bite through fluro like butter. I would lose 10x more lures. I also break off a lot more fish with fluro. Nothing worse then seeing a nice fish you just broke off jumping out of the water trying to shake your lure stuck to their face, knowing it might die. I will take catching less fish over losing expensive lures to pike, musky, pickeral and potentially killing fish i break off
Randy, that subject about braid to Fluorocarbon is like an open wound that never heals. LOL(FYI I have 1 spinning and 2 Baitcasting Braid to fluorocarbon) and the rest either straight Fluorocarbon or straight Braid.
I use it flipping, pitching, frogging and lipless crankbaits and then only when water is stained. Mono is once again king. Flouro that I've tried, Berkley vanish and seaguar are JUNK! A big waste of $$$. I've been told P-Line is good so I'll give it a try but I'm not too impressed with what I've fished with yet over the last 8-10 years. I agree with ya, they're nothing but gimmicks. You'd think they'd be able to come up with something better after all these years. Smh
I have had flouro let me down. Still use mono and have confidence in it's durability. Still got some FC to use up though.
I caught a fully rigged flash mob jr at the lake the other day, it had about 15ft of braid tied on to it. I was freshly lost, it hadn't been there for a few years or anything, it was probably lost within a few days. I was just like "damn people are dumb....but thanks for the A-rig!!" a heavy a-rig on like 30lb braid, probably had a backlash during cast and line snapped right off. You need that stretch on heavy A-rigs and big heavy swimbaits.
I don’t like braid period , for bass , but for casting a cork for saltwater I use on spinning gear only
Braid pretty much cancels out the line twist! Do you use a leader?
@@BRandomFishing yes fluoro under a cork for saltwater fishing only , other than that I hate it
I don’t like braid even for frogging with a baitcaster some people will knock it but I’m old and old school
If you're ripping lipless thru weeds, straight braid is great.
Hey Randy, love your channel. Living in Florida I agree with most of what you said. Braid on frog is a given. In certain circumstances I use straight braid on swim bait and swim jig when throwing IN HEAVY vegetation. Also when punching. When throwing to edges of pads/vegetation I stick with fluorocarbon.
👍
All the flouro I've tried has really been junk! What brand do you use, maybe that's my issue. I've tried from 12-20 lb Vanish and Seaguar. They've been problematic from the start with memory retention and kinking then breaking. Seems as though the Florida sun affects it, too. After a trip or 2 it gets brittle. Smh
@@DatGuy960 seaguar invixz
@@DatGuy960 i don't think fluorocarbon is adversely affected by UV the same way monofilament is.
The way I understand it, unlike mono which has elastisicity (stretch and rebound), fluorocarbon streches without much rebound. So it stretches, and stretches until it becomes brittle and fragile. Another reason I'm not a fan of fluoro as a mainline in most circumstances. 2 cents.
Always hated braid. Use is exclusively on spinning rods though, always had good luck with good ole Sufix 832, others try and go too thin. Concerning a baitcaster though, braid ALWAYS digs in. I can use 50-65lb fine, but only have only setup with 50lb. Anything less than that always seems to dig in for me.
What mono or flouro is recommended for main line and leader?
What rod action, reel, line do you suggest for walking baits? Thanks in advance
Totally agree. Also, dont use braid on a topwater walker. Thats just plain dumb.
What line do you use for a Megabass Pop Max?
Used to try running flouro leader alot cause i definitely noticed more bites but i would always snap off my whole leader and lose big bass. Always tied the uni to uni knot. Sucked. With the FG knot, that problem is gone
Love the video’s Randy. Hater’s gonna hate man. Just remember that opinions are like A-Hole’s man, everybody’s got one and some stink more than other’s. I love the channel man , keep up the great work buddy!!!!!
As far as cranking goes, can you get proper depths using braid? Isn’t braid buoyant?
Grew up fishing with mono, still use XT all the time live mono. I don’t like straight braid
So I see this video, and you make some valid points, but then I see your other video "You'll start using straight braid on crank baits after watching this video". Has your opnion changed ?
Not a fan of braid…….
I have 48 rods and reels. 1 with braid for top,water, and one with mono for crankbaits.
46 reels, loaded with copolymer… why I hear nothing about it still amazes me.
Copolymer looks like mono, but has no stretch, so it feels like braid.
Gamakatsu introduced me to this when I was on their pro staff. It didn’t take off at the time, but I stuck with it, and loved it. P-Line (not sponsored by them) now produces the same copolymer and it is an amazing product.
Everyone I have introduced to this line has told me how their fishing has improved, both from sensitivity and casting distance.
The big secret, is to load copolymer wet onto the reel.
Simply drop the spool into a small bowl of warm water (not hot or cold) then spool it, and the memory is negated. When it dries, the new memory is the size of your reel spool…
Thank you. 🫡
Randy, long cast with top water baits such as choppo, or buzzbaits or whopper to make long cast say 70 yards which is a hella cast, fish are gonna come from behind usalky to eat it. And with that long of a cast, I would think no stretch of braid helps you ling as you pause on hook set.
Guess I am just old school but I prefer Trilene, XL for everything I do have Braid on one bait caster and Flurocarbon, on another. Also I will use Braid with a Flurocarbon leader for Carolina rigs or drop shots
Old school or not, xl trilene works flat out
I use braid for top water.
What if I use a 6 foot 12 pound test mono leader with 30 pound braided main line?
Thumbs up Randy 👍 !
Braid to leader here, I don’t have a fluorocarbon sponsor
Randy, what do you use on your finesse spinning setups? Straight fluoro?
Yep straight
David Fritts says he has switched to straight braid on all his crank baits because he weakens the floro while he casting.
Totally agree
Love Summertime all braid all day long!
Braid has an appeal to penny pinchers who can’t fathom spending the money to respool with high quality fluoro at appropriate intervals. They may have a point especially if their paycheck doesn’t rely on catching fish.
Loved it again
Even when pitching I would prefer to us mono or fluorocarbon ,I lose to many on braid
Hey Randy, I live in south jersey bunch of shallow grass lakes...Mike Ike area...can you please help? Thanks
Learning how to accept honest criticism is important when understanding life’s lessons . Imo
Hi Elijah!
A-mart was a fan of braid as backing...
Seems as though as lot people are missing the fact that you’re talking about running straight braid.
I also use it throwing frogs
Second video, The Only Bait You Can Throw on Braided Line. Cause pretty much every category just got mentioned here.