Call me a Dinosaur?

Posted by Derek Townsend on September 9, 2011 under Sea Fishing | Be the First to Comment

Call Me a Dinosaur!!!

It is likely that the reader is familiar with the old adage “there’s many a good tune played on an old fiddle”, accredited to a Samuel Butler (1612- 1680).   It personifies my lifelong attitude to so-called “progress” and an inbuilt reluctance to automatically rush to embrace any idea, technology or material just because it is claimed as “New”!   My long term “fishing” association with “monofilament, nylon” line prompted me to explain in my new book “Bass Fishing from the shore in south east Wales and More”, that  I had resisted the temptation to use braid for my shore fishing for no other reason than that I was content with the results achieved with the former material.  I have to admit that at the time of writing this piece, my sentiments remain the same and I am still not convinced that my style of sea fishing would benefit from any change.

 

Abu 2100 Sport loaded with 8 lb. test (.200 mm) Sufix Elite.

What’s my Line? 

Of all the items that go to make up a “light tackle” outfit, it is the accuracy of the stated specification (i.e. diameter/ test strength) of the line to be used that will confirm the credibility of the exercise.  It is important that the angler has confidence in the manufacturer’s statistics as displayed on the spool label, secure in the knowledge that the line selected matches what is claimed.  There has to be an element of trust here, between the manufacturer and the angler but, for piece of mind, it may be worth paying that little extra for a line that has a good pedigree, and carries a respected brand name and “signature”. 

Scouring the Websites.

Scouring the websites, swotting up on all the different lines including braids, that are on the market and available in 2010, produced a list of some 15 different names and still counting.  Life was a lot simpler in the 70’s / 80’s, with a very limited range from which to make a choice.  When I say “choice”, the probable reason that a particular “brand” found its way onto a fishing reel was either because it was recommended in a magazine review, or was promoted by the local tackle shop. “Sylcast” was one of the most popular “brands” of the time, and widely used by many in the sea fishing fraternity.  “Sylcast sewerage brown”, 11 lb. test strength monofilament line was the mainstay of my bass and smooth hound fishing. “Sylcast blue” 15 and 50 lb. test mainline and leader, when loaded onto my second (1975) Abu 6500C (fitted with a large Abu 7000 handle), were important components of my “long distance casting” kit for rays and cod.  In those days, the labelling on the spools did not include the all important line diameter (thickness), which was a handicap to those who had light tackle aspirations.

Monofilament or Braid. That is the Question?

Whether “expert” or novice, selecting a fishing line today from the vast array on display in the local tackle shop, advertised in the angling press or on the various manufacturers websites, is a challenge in itself, but having to weigh up the pros and cons between “nylon” or “braid” only adds to the confusion.  Selection is not made any easier by the manufacturers’ assertive claims, promoting the attributes of their individual products.  Braid is not new, having been in existence for many years, the difference being the evolution of this material to the level of sophistication enjoyed today.  My experience with fishing lines has almost totally been through using “monofilament”, apart from a brief encounter with Dacron.  In the 70’s and 80’s, “good” lines were easy to identify because of the limited choice; not so today.  Speak as you find, I have had few problems with “monofilament” line during the four decades plus of use, other than those caused by my own failings.

Monofilament and the much maligned “Stretch” factor.

Contrary to some expressed opinion, the much maligned “stretch” factor was recognised as an advantage rather than a disadvantage, especially when fishing light tackle.  The cushioning effect of “stretch” when fishing with light line test strength’s, was valued as a creditable and effective “shock absorber”, complementing the properties of a bass rod during casting, striking and when playing a robust and determined fish.  Any move to reduce the amount of stretch during the manufacturing process as a result of improved technology would be accepted as beneficial, but eliminating this “buffer” from “monofilament” lines would be detrimental to sea fishing.  One of the drawbacks attributed to “stretch” was that it was more difficult to detect delicate bites.  My experience would not support this conjecture, with a large proportion of my own bass takes over the years originating from the most delicate, almost imperceptible “ghost” bites.  Maybe the perceived problems associated with “stretch” would be largely resolved, if holding the rod and maintaining close contact with the line became a more widely used practice.

Holding the rod and maintaining close contact with the line

Line Colour, Significance in the Real World of Shore Fishing?

A lot of emphasis is placed on the colour of the fishing lines in use today, with the promotion of certain functions attributed to a specific colour be it red, yellow, orange, blue or maybe green.  Colour was not a big issue in those early days, maybe because the manufacturers inadvertently got it right at the time.  It is questionable whether the colour of a line, bright or diffused tones, has any significant role to play in the real world of shore fishing or whether this is yet another promotional wheeze.  Falling back on experience once again, the Sylcast brown and blue coloured lines more than adequately met the requirements of the clouded upper Channel reaches.  I must admit that the compatibility of these coloured lines with these waters must have been through good fortune or coincidence, because I have never chosen a line of any make on the basis of its colour.  Current lines in use are Berkely Iron Silk (Green), Stren (Blood Red), Sakuma Lite Crystal (Pale Blue) and Sufix Zippy (Clear).   My conclusion is that if the line is selected on the basis of test strength (lbs. bs.), line diameter and relative durability, choice of colour is of no more consequence than a matter of personal choice.

Radical, Liberating consequence of Line Diameter Information!!

In my view, it is no exaggeration to state that the options presented by the different line diameters (thickness) per the same stated lb. test strength and the displaying of this information, is one of the most important and valuable assets of sea fishing generally, and for light tackle fishing in particular.  The liberating consequence of being able to select and fish with a line of the same test strength but which is available in different diameters to match the known behaviour of the prey species on the hook, the type of ground to be fished be it rough or clean, and the sea / weather conditions on the day, is an opportunity not to be ignored.  This approach to sea fishing does require a selection of interchangeable, spare reel spools, each loaded with a different test strength / diameter line.  This could be an unusual concept to accept if the norm is one line test/ diameter for all conditions, ground and all species. It may appear radical at first glance, but if the aspiration is consistency, using the appropriate, sensitive, durable line specification for the mark and the conditions on the day, could enhance the chances of success. Drawing on my experiences of fishing for bass at various locations around the British Isles and southern Ireland, confirms that the inshore waters of the upper Channel reaches are not as densely populated with inshore bass, therefore additional sensitivity and concentration is needed to secure the desired level of consistency.

Downside, Not all Sweetness and Light!

It is well documented that “monofilament” line is not “all sweetness and light”. Casting “burn”, knots, kinks in the line following a “birds nest” and abrasion damage, are potential weak points that could lead to an unwanted break at the wrong moment.  The detrimental effects of most of these vagaries can be neutralised and managed to a large extent, by applying the same level of care and attention to the welfare of the line as is applied to the other items of gear such as reels and rods.  Regular line maintenance has always been top of my list of priorities, for the simple reason that this is the critical link between angler and fish.  To a certain extent, rods and reels will continue to operate even if neglected, not so the line.  There is no intermediate stage that will sustain effective and pleasurable sea fishing.  Removing the line completely from the spool will release any tension that has built up during a normal fishing trip or casting session.  It has been estimated that line left on the reel spool under excess tension for any length of time, can depreciate by anything up to 20 % of its original strength, of real concern to those making a calculated move to light tackle fishing.  Slowly rewinding the line onto the reel spool through a small square of cloth, will not only remove particles of sand, salt or chemical accumulation, but will allow detailed scrutiny of knots, abrasion scuffs and any other possible damage which can be retied, cut out or replaced.  In the early seventies, I designed and built a simple, cheap, motorised “Line Winder” which took the “chore” out of the operation, and eliminated the need for 2^nd person assistance.  The accompanying photographs are self explanatory.  With the advances in rechargeable battery technology and the use of modern materials, it should not be too much of a challenge to assemble a more sophisticated version suitable for the 21^st Century.

Derek’s motorised line winder

 Braid, Positive and Negative Qualities?

There is no better method of evaluating the properties of a material than to use it yourself in earnest.  Failing that, although not a substitute for the former, researching and reading the available comments from around the world on the internet and elsewhere, the consensus of experienced opinion on the subject of braid provided an insight into the positive and negative properties of this material.  The most dramatic difference between braid and “monofilament” lines that the research exposed was the wide gap between the diameters of the two materials for the same test strength.  I must admit that the extent of the difference in the diameters of the “like for like” test strength was a revelation, hinting at less drag in both water and air, less dense lead weights and greater sensitivity.  I have assembled a modest table of comparisons, intended as a rough guide for demonstration purposes only. 

Test Strength      (lbs.)	10	15	20	30	40
Braid                    (m.m’s)	.150	.180	.230	.280	.330
Monofilament    (m.m’s)	.260	.310	.370	.435	.570

 

With braid so significantly (approximately 1/3^rd) narrower than the equivalent in “monofilament”, there could be a temptation to select a higher test strength but of the same “monofilament” diameter being used.  For example, my standard line when fishing medium active surf for bass is 10 lbs. test at .260 mm diameter (Sakuma Lite Crystal), whereas braid of a similar diameter, say, .230 mm has a test value of 20 lb. breaking strain.  Succumbing to this temptation would negate any potential benefits of reduced surface area of the line, and void any claims of light tackle fishing.  One of the long term complaints directed at “monofilament” lines was the retention of the “memory” factor, the ability to conform to the shape of the reel spool.  In severe cases, the looping line being pulled off the spool could hinder casting and create unwanted slack line, a potential “birds nest” situation.  Removing and relaying the line carefully onto the spool at an acceptable tension after fishing, the correct drag setting and a competent casting style, proved the best way to manage this problem.  Braid has little or no stretch so it should clear the spool safely without “looping”, resulting in a smooth transition through the rings.  The inherent strength of braid begs no argument, so the risk that vulnerable points may submit to stress or weakness are reduced, knots are stronger and less likely to be a breaking point. One of the reported downsides is that braids are more susceptible to abrasion, having a tendency to break easily when coming into contact with sharp edges.  If correct, this would seem to exclude braid from use in rough ground potentially putting at risk the terminal tackle and any fish hooked in this environment.  Finally, the oft repeated claims that braid could damage both rod rings and reel spools, together with inflicting painful injury on fingers, has convinced me to put any thoughts of changing over to this material on the back burner.

The Jury is out on this one!! 

 “MyWay?” 

Each one of us is different with our own aspirations directing us to make choices that are sympathetic to our own, individual approach to the way we go about sea fishing.  The chart set out below is not intended to act as a guideline for all and sundry to follow, but is simply an illustration of my considered choices.

Description	Line test	Diam.	Reel	Rod	Lead	Prey fish	Ground
Berkley Iron Silk	10lbs	.310mm	Abu 6500C (1975)	Bones Bass Rod Mk.3	2oz.	Bass, Rays, codling	Rough ground, close inshore.
Sufix Zippy	20lbs	.450mm					(Shock leader / Weak link)
Sufix Elite	8lbs	.200mm	Abu 2100 Sport	Med. Taper O.D.	2oz.	Bass	Light to No surf (calm)
Sufix Zippy	20lbs	.450mm					(Shock leader)
Sakuma Lite Crystal	10lbs	.260mm	Abu Garcia 1000	Fast Taper O.D.	2oz.	Bass	Medium surf.
Sufix Zippy	20lbs	.450mm					(Shock leader)
Sakuma Lite Crystal	12lbs	.280mm	Abu 6500C (1975)	Bones Bass Rod Mk.3	3oz	Bass	Heavy surf.(30 lb leader)
Sufix Zippy	30lbs	.500mm					(Shock leader)
Sakuma Lite Crystal	14lbs	.310mm	Abu 6500C With 7000 Handle	ZZiplex 2000 Sport	5oz	Cod and Rays	Clean ground from beach or Rock Platform.
Sufix Zippy	50lbs	.600mm					(Shock leader)

 

“Cheap as Chips?”

My non-scientific res earch of the different brands of monofilament and braid lines, leads to the conclusion that the good ones inevitably cost a “bob or two” more.  This is the one item of the tackle set up that deserves the best, anything less is likely to have a payback in frustration, spoilt fishing sessions, and the loss of a good fish. Is it worth the risk?

Read Mike Thrussell’s review of Derek’s book “Bass Fishing from the shore in South East Wales and More” Click here for Review. 

Buy the book “Bass Fishing from the shore in South East Wales and More” by Derek Townsend. Click here for Details.

© Copyright Derek Townsend 2010.