Newbie line question

[squidgq]

Good evening all. Just got back from Dania Pier a few hours ago and have been a bit on edge since.

I had two nice hookups today and while trying to fight the fish my line frayed and broke. Frustrating to say the least. This was probably due to the fish swimming under the pier and the line rubbing against the hard concrete supports. This happened yesterday as well at Pompano pier - should have learned the first time. I'm using 30lb power pro. As a result I'm going to switch to 20/30lb mono. Is there any recommendation on brands, colors etc?

[PhishingPhanatic]

As you found out, braid will pop easily if it is exposed to structure while tight. I almost exclusively use Ande pink mono. Some others like brands like Momoi and Suffix.

[C-MONEY]

Braid is horrible for pier. If you rub braid on the sidewalk it will break easy. Use mono for bridges / pier.

[squidgq]

Thank you. I think you may understand the frustration that comes with the fish that got away (strangely sounds like something a serial killer would say ...).

In retrospect the worst part is that I've been to anglins several times and always noticed some of the fishing faithful lugging around huge spools of mono. I didn't clue in to until today. Thank you for the tips, I'll be spooling soon.

[offtrackk]

IMO andes has never failed! only line i use!

[bolo]

First, were you fishing baits under the pier? If no, did you see the fish that took you under the pier? Most people use braid and catch big fish on the piers like Kingfish and Cobia. Braid allows the guys to cast their lures further compare to mono. They are able to control the fish and land them. So my next question is what reel are you using? I would have used 50lb braid if you can get more line capacity.

[Rodwhipped]

That's what I use, at least the past few years. Stren sonic braid 50# with about 10' of 80# mono leader with the big baits and 30# leader with the smaller baits. Never had a problem that way. I always suggest a double-uni line to line knot with that as well...but that's just me. Good luck.

[squidgq]

First, were you fishing baits under the pier? If no, did you see the fish that took you under the pier? Most people use braid and catch big fish on the piers like Kingfish and Cobia. Braid allows the guys to cast their lures further compare to mono. They are able to control the fish and land them. So my next question is what reel are you using? I would have used 50lb braid if you can get more line capacity.

Bolo -- I was fishing close to the pier. Whatever hit took the line under the pier. Despite my best efforts to keep the line from rubbing against the concrete supports, it just didn't happen. Hence my concern with the type of line. As for reel it was on a Abu Garcia Revo Toro. Rated at 250yds@14lb test. The concern i have with using 30lb mono is not having enough line on the reel... I think it works out to like 190yards with 30lb mono.

[bolo]

If you like to bottom fish near the pier then go with mono. It can handle abrasion better. Most fish caught on the pier won't spool you unless it is a shark, tarpon, big ray, or a monster kingfish.

[squidgq]

Thanks.

On the topic of spooling, what size reel would be a good recommendation?

I have the two abu's and most recently a finn nor 85. Was looking to get another reel in the near future.

[crashmister]

@ the pier with fish pulling under IMO you should go with mono

Ande is a very good line but for abrasion I would tend to use Momoi. It does have a higher abrasion resistance in same lb test than Ande. Not much but that might do the trick if you have to go with lower test due to yards on the reel.

Then again think about what you want to target. If you go for snaps and co you can easily go with a higher test because you will not need that much on yardage on your reel.

Momoi 25 or 30lb is the way to go IMHO

Striz; Could not agree more. Toughest mono I have used and it has little or no stretch to it.

[squidgq]

First of all -- thank you everyone for the advice and insight. This is some great information and insight.

I think at this point the dispute will be the cost of Momoi vs Ande.

As far as the reel question, I started to ramble. The underlying question is -- in your expert opinion, what would be the minimum capacity that would be recommended for any reel? I'm new to saltwater and obviously would like to future proof my reels if at all possible.

[Boca Jetty Rat]

Minimum/maximum capacity depends on what your fishing for. Snapper vs Tarpon or Snook vs. Permit for example. Match the rod and reel to what you are fishing for, this goes for an all around beater rod too. If your gonna use that small rig under the peir try 20# mono any type. You'll see the difference once you spool it up and hook a fish. Then you can say "Well I wanna spend the extra dough for the better mono". My personal opinion is that 20# mono is tuff line for any fishing your doing. 30# I only use on my Torium 30 on a custom built 9 foot jetty stick, boat rods, or for leader.

[crashmister]

Diamond Mamoi is more expensive than Ande but there is a sale going on now. Problem is I can't remember where. Try searching the threads here. I know somwone posted where it was.