Knot Tying Instructions for Super Braid Fishing Line

Spectra Fishing Line Facts

Spectra fibre woven into superbraid is the ultimate fishing line for both kite fishing and deepwater jigging for hapuku, bluenose and bass. Many people ask how strong are nylon fishing lines compared to spectra? Incredibly spectra is only around one third the diameter of nylon for the same breaking strain, an important fact to consider when selecting fishing line for deepwater fishing or kite angling.

For example, a kitefisher using a pocket sled or flexiwing fishing kite rig can get three times as much spectra line on their fishing reel and fish three times as far offshore.

When using spectra lines kite fishers using dropper rigs will reduce the work the kite has to do to tow the rig out and keep the line clear of the water by two thirds. This is because the superbraid has only one third of the windage and weight of conventional monofilament or dacron fishing lines. Light wind performance is greatly enhanced.

Spectra braid is also kinder to fishing reels as it only has a stretch factor of around 1% while nylon can have a stretch factor of up to 30% (even dacron fishing line has a 10% stretch factor). Spectra is often called no stretch fishing line, superline, super braid fishing line or spiderwire to reflect it’s small fishing line diameter to strength ratio and low stretch.

When using more conventional fishing methods, such as deepwater fishing from boats for bass, hapuka and bluenose or other deepwater species. Unlike nylon fishing lines, bites can easily be felt even at great depths because of the incredibly low stretch of spectra and its ability to transfer every detail of the bite instantly to the angler.

It also works the other way round, those jigging in very deep water can easily impart real action to the jig or lure even at depths down to 200 metres and beyond. Obviously when the angler strikes, the strike is instantly and positively transmitted to the point of the hook ensuring maximum penetration and fewer missed strikes.

Probably the biggest benefit to deepwater rod and reel fishers is the spectra physics that come into play. Because it is so thin for it’s breaking strain you will only need a third of the amount of lead weight to hold the bottom in deep water or strong currents compared to those who use nylon fishing lines.

FOR FISHING WITH KIDS

Avoid the kid’s stuff

A quality ultra-light bait cast or spin cast rod and reel combo is usually easier for kids to use.

Small hooks = big catches

Avoid hooks larger than size 10 (hook sizes run backwards - size 12 is smaller than size 10). Fish won’t readily take large hooks unless they are feeding voraciously. Most of the time, a subtle presentation is needed to catch wary fish. Tiny hooks also allow small fish to “inhale” the bait, rather than nibble the bait of the hook. If a fish swallows the hook and you want to return it to the water, simply cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish.

Lighten up your line

Light line will do the job, preferably 6-pound test line or less. Unless you’re targeting monster catfish or marauding muskies, light line is your best bet.

Bag the big bobbers

Bobbers (or floats) are used to suspend your bait in the water and to alert you when to set the hooks. The harder the bobber is to pull under, the harder it will be to hook a fish. Small floats will help convince the fish to take your tasty bait and run. “Slip” bobbers work well for kids. Slip bobber rigs cut down on the amount of line needed at the end of the rod and are easier to cast. Small ice fishing bobbers can provide a light touch any time of year.

Sink it with shot

Sinkers help get your line down to the fish. They can also create “zero buoyancy.” Ideally, you want your bobber to just barely float on the top of the water. Squeeze small BB-sized split shot sinkers onto your line one at a time until your bobber early sinks from the weight. Since there is very little resistance when the fish takes the bait, it is more likely to bite the bait and run.

Great big gobs of worms won’t do

There’s no need to use whole whopping-big, writhing night crawlers on your hook. Keep the bait approximately the size of your hook. Live bait such as worms, beemoths or crickets work best. Cut the bait to fit your hook.