Braid
The use of braided main lines has
revolutionised saltwater boat
angling and, although mono-
filament still has its applications,
such as when float fishing for
example generally, braid is now
'king' and has many distinct
advantages.
Primarily, it's low diameter/strength
ratio simply means that much less
lead weight is needed to combat
the effects of tide and depth, both
using bait and artificial lures. It
means that our fishing is much
more sporting and, therefore,pleasurable. In
some cases, it's
actually opened
up fishing
previously
unavailable
in the 'pre-
braid' era.
I regularly
fish for tope,
during the
spring, in a
set of very
deep
gullies in
an area where
the tides are very powerful
and, even with braid, I need to use
up to a pound of lead to anchor my
baits in the take zone. This would be
almost impossible to achieve in the
past with mono-filament line.Long-lived and good value
Despite being relatively expensive,
braid is also very long-lived, and can
actually prove to be more
economical than mono-line. I tend
to use products from the Berkeley
(Whiplash) or Power pro ranges
although I understand that some ofthe
braids
manufactured in china and
available in bulk spools are good
enough quality and they are
certainly much cheaper than
'branded' products.
I have a multiplier loaded with
'Power pro' that has had seven
seasons of hard use and, despite
losing its colour, it is still as strong as
the day it was purchased. I tend to
only to replace my main lines when
they simply become too short forJeff Smith looks at the essential safety equipment we all need when
out in our boats
Dinghy fishing for beginners − Part 8
64 Saltwater Boat Angling
Jeff Smith looks at the vital
parts of the tackle armoury
Hooks and Lines
Varied selection
of fluorocarbon and
mono leader and hook
length materialJeff Smith bent into a bream
Whiplash
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