On recommendation I have been trying Berkley Fireline Crystal braid (8lb) on my 'pin, but after two shortish sessions I can't get on with. I like braid, I have started using Spiderwire Stealth on my fixed spool reels, but this Fireline crystal stuff beds in, is quite stiff and I don't much like the so-called "translucent" but more like white colour. Admittedly I did put the whole spool on (125m) and I could halve that which might reduce the bedding in, but I still don't much like the feel or look of it. Others seem to think its excellent though As an experiment I tried some cheap Drennan Feeder braid, which is nice and soft, green, didn't bed in at all, but unfortunately slow sinking - actually not as bad for trotting as you might think as even when it starts to sink it still picks up quite easily, but clearly not ideal.

So... does this Fireline crystal stuff get better with use? or are there any other floating braids, preferably softer and more of a dull colour that people would recommend? I've heard Powepro recommended, maybe even a lighter version of the Spiderwire I have on f/s reels? Or any to definitely avoid?

__________________

Hi Jeff, I use nothing but fire line crystal on all my pins and have had no problems with it at all over the last 2 years I've been using it, the secret to success is only put on the reel what you require, Its no good filling the reel up when your only going to be using less than 50 metres, Think to yourself how far can I trot a float and be able to strike comfortably and see the float, everyone is different.
As for the colour if that is putting you off then don't let it as it does not spook the fish I have had it pass over shoals of Grayling & chub and it effected them not one bit, I normally use a 4 turn water knot and attach 3 ft of mono to the end of the braid for my terminal tackle
It does get better with time and becomes more supple and the line pick up off the water is excellent, I've still got braid bought & loaded on a couple of reels which is over 18 months now and its still going good today.

__________________
A Scotsman in Yorkshire now there IS a combination

jeffR, i have used berkely fireline (the grey version) for over 10 years now after trying other brands availiable at the time. primarily for barbel and chub, i would not switch back to mono now. the braid does lighten after time, but a touch up with a marker, or cutting off a couple of yards sorts that. using a pin 50 yards is plenty. fixed spool whatever you like. i also use a fluro leader attatched to the braid, via a double grinner knot. this is the best improvement in presentation i have ever used. i came to this conclusion after trials watching fish in clear ,water and how they react to terminal tackle. tight lines steve.

__________________
skingfisher.

Thanks George, I don't normally load up my 'pins too much for the reason you say, but I hadn't expected bedding in to be a problem with this. In fact I had 100m+ of 5lb Drennan Floatfish mono on before and no bedding in problems. I'll take half off and see if that helps. Its an Okuma Aventa I'm using at the moment, so quite a narrow spool. I don't like leaving myself too short though in case of the occasional big fish. As for terminal tackle, I make up rigs in advance on large pole winders, on about 10 or 12' of mono, so the braid is well away from the hook, I just looks odd using quite bright white line! I bought it on-line, not sure I'd have bought it if I'd seen it first. To be fair, it did catch me a good few fish the last couple of outings, including a surprise near 4lb brownie which gave it a good test, so its stood up well on that front. I used a grinner to attach the braid to fig of 8 loop in end of terminal rig. I'll persevere....

And cheers Steve, like I say, I am a braid convert now on my f/s reels, mainly chub and barbel like you, I like being able to "feel" the gravel bottom with it when legering, as well as its other benefits

__________________

you plonker ,you only need 20m for the penk ,i actually halfed my 125m spool (2X63m) ,i like fireline crystal (must i've been using it since it came out about 4/5 years now ,actually the same line i first brought) its on my kennet and my browning revolver at the moment .as they both have solid drums ,you really should stick with it ,once the outer coating wares of it'll get slicker when casting .its also a good idea too line the spool with mono ,just enough too cover the drums face once or twice ,as braid has a tendancy too slip around otherwise .

if you really don't get on with it try 25(4lbs) or (6lbs) 30lbs PowerPro with a mono hooklink of say 3lbs b/s ,its what i used too use before fireline crystal for about 3years ,didn't like the grating noise it made as it flew through the rings but casts great and picks up good .and its green (well it starts out green then fades too whiteish colour with extensive use .) i've no plans to visit "The River" or i would of left you 70m of Powerpro too play with ,in the lodge .

i do use hooklinks with my braid ,i use 14lbs Fc (6lbs) or 10lbs Fc (4lbs) with 3or4lbs mono hooklink (hooks-2-nylon)

if i had too try a new braid i'd probably try PowerPro Super 8 Slick braid maybe hi viz yellow in 15 or 20lbs b/s (4lbs & 6lbs) yuh wouldn't mis that floating down the river .

__________________
I try to be funny... but sometimes I merely look it! Steve

It all sounds very interesting. I might have to try some of this stuff. I use braid for all my lure fishing but was unsure whether it would really work for trotting. There are a fair few experts here who use it so I'll have to give it a try.

Do you guys attach the float to the braid and then add a hooklength of (say) 18 to 24 inches?

__________________
Cheers,
Lawrence

I had a spool of braid from the tackle shop bargain bin which was intended for use when fishing floaters for carp. Worked very nicely for trotting.

for me its what ever length the shop brought ready tied hooks too line are ,and the only time i make my own hooklinks is when barbel are the target then i'll knock some up 3-4ft long incase the barbel roll on the line

you have too trust your rod ,because of the lack of stretch in braid and only a small amount in the hooklink ,your rod has to act as the main shock absorber (actually whats its designed for) and with a centrepin at least ,you play the fish off the reel reacting too the fish .no crank & bank method this.

__________________
I try to be funny... but sometimes I merely look it! Steve

Steve (Chav version!), its for the Dove not the Penk Speaking of which I haven't even been down there myself yet this season, been too distracted by the Dove!

As regards end tackle, I'd sooner have all that including the float on mono, so I make up different rigs on large pole winders as mentioned above. I only use a 12" hooklink - fine diameter hi tec mono (Preston Innovations Powerline), the rest of the rig is standard mono slightly heavier gauge than the hooklink and the mainline braid is attached to that. The braid is then effectively all above water, between the float and me. Plus its quicker having rigs made up than setting up at the river.

__________________

i use float winders myself ,see here ,although theres not a lot too look at right now ,as i've got to relink the pictures ,after moving things about on photobucket .#1 picture is of my penk float on its winder .

__________________
I try to be funny... but sometimes I merely look it! Steve