PART 2 - For the BEST Monofilament Line out there

[(219)-Bass-Man]

Trilene XL is winning the poll with your guys votes. I have always been an Trilene XL fan but I never really tried anything else in the past, maybe because it worked so well. This year Im planning on trying more than a few new lines to see the differences in them. I just tried Berkley Vanish yesterday on one spinning combo I didnt like it that much, seemed like it would make a better leader. Which is what I bought it for last fall for Steelhead.  It seemed to have a little more friction (noise) than I was used to and it didnt fly off the spool as nicely as XL.  Maybe I just need to get used to it. Its funny how little changes are hard to get used to when fishing.

I was wondering for the guys who voted for Trilene XL if they have tried other lines and went back to it or just stuck with what worked for them?

And for the guys who prefer the new lines - What was your go to line before this new line you been using?

Thanks

[Dug]

I was a trilene XL fan before I switched to Sufix Elite.  I got tired of the memory, so changed over and haven't looked back.

Dug

[Joshawa]

I have never used the suffix elite before. The rods that used to have Trilene XL have all been switched over to powerpro or Trilene 100% fluoro. I am going to pick up some of the Suffix and give it a shot.

[bigfatsmallys]

I've used Suffix and IT'S A REAL GOOD LINE PLUS REBATES. AS FOR Trilene XL that I got free for joining NAFC IT'S STILL SITTIN' WHERE i THREW IT.

[bass11.11]

I have always used Berkley Big Game.  I tried some Vicious Ultimate the other day at Fork and loved it.  I cant tell you how it will do after being on a reel for a while but I'm headed back to Fork next week for 5 days to give it a futher field test and let yall know.  The Big Game is good line just needed to be changed a lot due to abrasions and memory.  We'll see

[dmac14]

For a good Hybrid line (IMO the best choice for applications), try Yo Zuri Ultra soft. This has become my general line used for most applications. Can go down to 6# for drop shot, and 20# for topwater.

[islandbass]

I have never used the suffix elite before. The rods that used to have Trilene XL have all been switched over to powerpro or Trilene 100% fluoro. I am going to pick up some of the Suffix and give it a shot.

I don't think that you'll be disappointed. You might want to make note at how long Sufix (elite or siege) resists acquiring memory. It is incredible.

[squall24]

Vanish isn't very good esecially on a spinning reel.  The 100% Trilene Flouro is great though and 8lb works great on a spinning reel.

BPS Excel line is my favorite mono hands down.  It took me 5 years of playing with line to find it and now i won't use anything else, for mono anyways.  It is made by a big name line company but BPS won't tell me who makes it, anyone know?

[OCBassman]

I was a trilene XL fan before I switched to Sufix Elite.  I got tired of the memory, so changed over and haven't looked back.

Dug

Yep Im with Dug.

[deepsessions]

I remember canceling my BASS subscriptions in the 80's so I could get a free spool of XL every year LOL...I used to love using it on spinning reels for split shot'n and weightless rigs because it was so limp and casted great. I no longer use mono for anything other than big swimbaits and sometimes topwater poppers. I respool often and use Big Game because it's consistency and price!

[coldfront]

It's very interesting and fascinating the directions these threads go...

I've used STren and Trilene XT in the past...my experience with Stren was that it tended to break a lot...Trilene XT was better...but had a lot more memory.

Again, there are quite a few folks whose experience sure differs from mine...

[Bassinkorea]

I prefer fluro and braid for just about all my techniques, but there are times when I need to use mono......I then use only 15lb clear big game.

[basnbud]

Well what you gotta remember about these lines are right in the name. XT= extra tough so it will be tougher and more abrasion resistant, stronger knot strength and have a breaking point above the rated lb test, but the down side is more memory. The Xl= extra limp, is more supple, and easier to use, but the same applies to it being softer, more stretch, lower knot strength, less abrasion resistance.
I don't think the PERFECT line has been created yet, which IMO would be as strong and supple as braid, and invisable under water like floro, good knot strength and abrasion resistant. but one of these days they will figure it out hopefully, then watch out !

my 2 cent.

Basnbud

[coldfront]

I prefer fluro and braid for just about all my techniques, but there are times when I need to use mono......I then use only 15lb clear big game.

great responses as always...so I was thinking this morning...MY line choices have to do with 'WHICH' lines give me the most confidence in fishing certain techniques.

For me, that confidence is
a.  a line that won't break
b.  a line that's as trouble-free as possible (less memory/less-lower backlash) without needing line conditioners

I don't have problems with mono's line stretch in certain applications (and find it's the most trouble free line with lowest visibility)...use flouro in a few applications as well where abrasion resistance is my main objective...and braid where I'm dealing with long casts and the need for 'extremely' positive hook sets...

I've made my choices that I feel give me my best chance at accomplishing the goals...but to get here, I've relied on two things:
1.  Opinions/experiences of others
2.  Confirmation by trial/error on my end...

[deepsessions]

One thing that interests me and may be a bit pricey for some is the new hollow braids that are coming out. The line essentially acts like a chinese finger trap when joining another line giving you a knot less connection. No more knots wizzing through the guides or raw thumb at the end of the day. Offshore tuna fishermen use it if anyone was worried about strength.

here's a link to a video of the guys over at tackle tour
http://tackletog.com/cal/2009/03/22/blackwater-internationals-topshot-on-the-water-report/

[tmiller2]

ive never liked xt it just has way too much memory...i used xl for a while but used suffix siege once and never looked back...i loved the memory (or lack there of) on it and then i got snagged...i couldnt break it i started pulling the boat toward the shore with 12 lb line before it finally gave way...

[wvbassangler]

Well what you gotta remember about these lines are right in the name. XT= extra tough so it will be tougher and more abrasion resistant, stronger knot strength and have a breaking point above the rated lb test, but the down side is more memory. The Xl= extra limp, is more supple, and easier to use, but the same applies to it being softer, more stretch, lower knot strength, less abrasion resistance.
I don't think the PERFECT line has been created yet, which IMO would be as strong and supple as braid, and invisable under water like floro, good knot strength and abrasion resistant. but one of these days they will figure it out hopefully, then watch out !

my 2 cent.

Basnbud

I think you hit the nail right on the head 20when I would say the next five years