Line Visibility - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

steamroll · 12-19-2008, 07:37 AM

Dave,

That monster in your avatar was caught without a leader, right? Straight spectra?

forefrazier · 12-19-2008, 07:46 AM

"Maybe some species like halibut have better eyesight and it matters more for them?"

This one was caught on straight 65lb spectra dropper loop....Go figure.

FISHIONADO · 12-19-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forefrazier

"Maybe some species like halibut have better eyesight and it matters more for them?"

This one was caught on straight 65lb spectra dropper loop....Go figure.

Nice! Do you always use straight spectra?

Holy Mackerel · 12-19-2008, 08:14 AM

I'd be afraid of pulling a hook with straight spectra (and have), but looks like you guys are onto something!

landwhale · 12-19-2008, 08:15 AM

I switched to straight 65lb braid when throwing my spinner baits. Being a reaction bait I have not noticed a drop in fish caught, and those big spotties don't break off anymore. I have landed over 3lb spotties and sandies over 4lb with it .

forefrazier · 12-19-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

Nice! Do you always use straight spectra?

No...total fluke. I just had my fluoro leader busted off by a thresher and was too lazy to tie another one on so just tied a quick dropper loop and sent it down. A few minutes later....that butt was on the end of it.

dorf · 12-19-2008, 09:48 AM

Everyone is talking about what the fish “see”. What about what the fish “feel”?
Don’t you think that a larger diameter line would cause more disturbance in the water that the fish would stay away. Halibuts might shy away from larger line not because they see the line but feel the disturbance in the water of the larger line. And what about your connecting not you are using to connect flouro leader on Spectra line or on your hook, jig or sinker? If it’s a big knot it will cause a different type of aquatic disturbance that might keep the fish away. The difference in line can cause a different disturbance also. When you look closely at flouro it is smooth compared to the coarseness of a breaded line.
I am by no means an expert. I use 65lbs spectra with a 25lbs flouro when hunting the big guys. I also use 12 and 15 pound mono for smaller guys in the harbor. These thoughts came to me when reading your posts. What do you think?

FISHIONADO · 12-19-2008, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steamroll

Dave,

That monster in your avatar was caught without a leader, right? Straight spectra?

True, 65# green spectra on a fast trolled rapala cd-14. I'm thinking like C.J., there are reactionary bites on something like a pulsing rapala or fast iron, and then there are the slower bites like halibut and WSB where it might matter more. Otherwise why wouldn't we use wire leaders for all applications? The bass fisherman sure believe in lighter line, and most halibut fisherman. I'm only asking because I haven't caught a decent fish in a long time. I want to exploit every technique.

I really like trolling my rapalas with spectra, usually with a short flouro leader, because you can see so much action in the rod tip from the swimming lure. I can tell the moment a single piece of grass or kelp gets hooked.

12-19-2008, 07:37 AM	#1
steamroll Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 385	Dave, That monster in your avatar was caught without a leader, right? Straight spectra? __________________

12-19-2008, 08:15 AM	#5
landwhale Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach Posts: 506	I switched to straight 65lb braid when throwing my spinner baits. Being a reaction bait I have not noticed a drop in fish caught, and those big spotties don't break off anymore. I have landed over 3lb spotties and sandies over 4lb with it . __________________

12-19-2008, 09:48 AM	#7
dorf Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 279	Everyone is talking about what the fish “see”. What about what the fish “feel”? Don’t you think that a larger diameter line would cause more disturbance in the water that the fish would stay away. Halibuts might shy away from larger line not because they see the line but feel the disturbance in the water of the larger line. And what about your connecting not you are using to connect flouro leader on Spectra line or on your hook, jig or sinker? If it’s a big knot it will cause a different type of aquatic disturbance that might keep the fish away. The difference in line can cause a different disturbance also. When you look closely at flouro it is smooth compared to the coarseness of a breaded line. I am by no means an expert. I use 65lbs spectra with a 25lbs flouro when hunting the big guys. I also use 12 and 15 pound mono for smaller guys in the harbor. These thoughts came to me when reading your posts. What do you think? __________________ Don't try to confuse me with facts! I hereby reject your reality and submit my own.

12-19-2008, 07:46 AM	#2
forefrazier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: OC Posts: 397	"Maybe some species like halibut have better eyesight and it matters more for them?" This one was caught on straight 65lb spectra dropper loop....Go figure.

12-19-2008, 08:14 AM	#4
Holy Mackerel Señor member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,627	I'd be afraid of pulling a hook with straight spectra (and have), but looks like you guys are onto something!