Braid or Mono fishing line? Choosing line. KILLER TIPS #2

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Another exception; Trolling artificials can see benefits with braid. Baits tend to run deeper than with heavy mono at faster speeds. Just keep in mind that you have no shock absorber. Use looser Drag settings and step the braid up a bit or big fish will snap off at strike. Adding 30-50ft of mono makes a good shock leader as well👍👍

[@duaynebarr4392]

Sorry, just saw the comment...

[@pakde8002]

Luckily I read your pinned comment before making mine 😁. I only recently switched over to braid because it's all anyone was talking about but a couple of years after switching over without really knowing why or really loving it I find guys like you who are using mono with just braid for backing on your live bait and cut bait set-up, which is my preferred fishing style and trolling since I'm older with bad knees and shoulders (yeah I played football) and can't do hours of casting and jigging.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Me too brother. Played many years and I’m broken down. I have to take many breaks and lay flat for back rest several times. I’m only 50 and feel way old these days. Oh well. At least I get to fish. Can’t complain. 😁

[@outdoorsadrenaline]

Thanks Mike for sharing your knowledge and experience! Your videos have helped me a lot. I recently got my first limit of 10 stripers on my own. I had been having a heck of a time trying to net shad. Ended up getting skunked like five times out. I abandoned catching live bait and tied on a flutter spoon and it’s been lights out putting the hammer to the big fish. Man it’s been exciting. I hope to keep improving to be able to share the enjoyment with others. Thanks again and keep those uploads coming. Have a blessed day.

[@mikekarpiak5286]

Best fishing tip vids on KZbin !! Thanks again !

[@davidwatson8677]

Love my Striper Stealth Rods.. Switched all of my bottom and live lining Rods over to them. I even use them for trolling small spoons.

[@normbeauchamp7224]

Awesome analogy. You taughtl me a few things today.

[@jamescrawford8121]

Can't agree more. The leader of mono on the end works great as well. Just play around with the leader length till you find what works best.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@buckrockerm]

Another big exception is near structure due to the unforgiving nature of braid’s lack of abrasion resistance. I tried last year in Tennessee using braid and it was a disaster. We were casting toward the banks with large plugs. The Stripers literally run the bait up on the banks at night. Large and small rocks are everywhere. I lost 3 of my biggest fish due to braid breaking when fighting the fish. Within seconds of contact with rocks the braid line broke. When you get a 15+ pound fish on it goes where it wants the first minutes of the fight. I am not saying I would have landed all of these fish with mono but I do know in the past the mono lasted longer than braid. I know you do the best to give the best advice so I thought you might revisit this video for us lake fishermen. I would welcome your insights. Thanks again for your great videos. I have learned so much!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks for the feedback brother!! You bring up a great point! I am guessing you were using 20-30lb braid. Because braid is extremely thin compared to mono of the same strength it gets cuts off 3-4 times quicker when touching a rock. 20lb braid is not equal to 20lb mono. If you are fishing anywhere near structure you have to go by the diameter ratio on the spool. For instance, if you are having great success with 20lb mono and decide to go to 20b braid you will snap fish off very often in structure. Instead, look at the diameter ratio on the spool of braid and go with the same DIAMETER braid as 20lb test mono which is more like 60-80lb braid. 20lb braid has the diameter of around 6-8lb mono. That’s way too thin for any structure at all. Hell, when I first switched to braid I went from 20lb mono to 20lb braid and I would lose plugs just casting them😂. If I’m being honest, it took me way too long to figure out why my plugs went flying into the stratosphere on a hard cast. 😂. I tried 8-9 different knots before realizing what was happening. I keep 50lb braid on all of my casting gear and 90lb for trolling and jigging in rocks. This problem is why I use baitcasters because spinning reels can’t cast 50lb braid very well, unless you get a huge spinning reel. Excellent topic brother!!! Thank you!

[@buckrockerm]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Thanks and good insights.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@buckrockerm bro. I bought that spider wire fusion when it first came out and I lost half my dang tackle box when I used to bass fish lakes a lot 😂. I SWORE it was the knots and I already put that crap on all of my reels, so I kept casting and changing knots. I called the company and they said “these super lines must be fished on a very light drag. 🤨🤨 I said DRAG???!! I never even got to turn the handle one time. 🤪🥴. I really could have used the internet back then. Thanks again for your support! I love topics like this👍

[@UdaykumarPR]

Outstanding art of explaining, intricate process made simple to implement❤❤

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Uday!!!I appreciate that brother!

[@UdaykumarPR]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS ❤️❤️

[@johnhanselman6371]

Big Help! Thank you.

[@tjohnson1673]

That was short and sweet and VERY HELPFUL!!!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🙏🙏🙏🙏😁

[@stanlande3753]

Thanks for that information.

[@WeaverHeritageFarms]

I’ve always ran leadered fluoro or mono from spooled braid. Tend to have a few setups with various leader length.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@0tt0z]

Thank you for this video. I'm gonna change over to mono now. That made alot of sense.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like it brother!!! 👍👍😁🙏

[@StephenWoskoska-de3gq]

Thanks for the trip! 🙏 what about if you do braid with say a 25 yard top shot of mono?

[@StephenWoskoska-de3gq]

Tip*

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@StephenWoskoska-de3gq that’s actually the most common question I get about braid. Using at least 25ft will work wonders for sure. 👍

[@danielhall266]

Awesome video thank you!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🙏🙏😁😁

[@pilot27records]

Thank you great to no ! Hey Mike going to fish in the Atlantic City any recommendations? I only have a skiff so bays are my options.

[@duaynebarr4392]

Another exception: Using deeper diving trolling tools like slide divers. I have braid on the reels to help with drag but the slide diver slides on 80' of mono so I can still have some shock absorption on heavy hits.

[@ItsCartelBoy]

I got my new battle and at first I had 40 braid red seemed to not get bites now I have 40 mano and I lose my leaders for reds

[@patrickbeltz138]

excellent video

[@santexlph6892]

got it,thanks master

[@markd6637]

Ur the best!!! Thanks for the help all the time man

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Mark!!! I appreciate it brother!! Good to hear from you!

[@gregnye6089]

This is exactly what you taught me last year. I changed over to mono and it’s been very helpful. Thanks for the tip! PS: waiting for you to come up to NH!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome! I appreciate the comment and the invite Greg!! Thanks brother!!

[@gregnye6089]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS You’re welcome. The huge stripers have finally made it up here. We have seen sizes like this in a long time.

[@hoag2531]

If your ever down at SML again, I’d love to fish with ya… if your chartering of course… I haven’t been out since your last tip on where to fish this time of year… hoping to get out this weekend. Keep on rockin’!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I’m glad you liked it. I need to do it a few more times soon. 👍🙏🙏

[@rolandogarza1151]

Thanks capt! Great tips. Really enjoy your videos keep them going!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Will do!! 😁🙏

[@andyschils5053]

Love your videos man, super helpful. I troll with w mono and fluorocarbon leader, would you just run a mono leader...fishing clear water reservoir in Tennessee...I'm sure you've answered this in a video but I haven't caught it yet, TIA man ! Keep the videos rolling

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother! If you’re pulling live bait slowly I would use fluorocarbon in TN. If you’re pulling artificials faster with the gas motor mono is good. 👍👍

[@huntingpursuit431]

Will a 2 ft Leader do the same trolling live bait? I’ve had a few times where they have dropped it but not many

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You’re on the right track, but I would use at least a 10’ but probably more like a 20’ top shot of mono. You will absolutely hook more fish, and you will also keep fish buttoned up better because the stretch makes it a lot harder for the fish to throw the hook. I use a 20’ top shot on my jigging rods w braid. 👍

[@charlesschuler3904]

Should l use braid or mono when trolling spring rock fish

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I troll mono because I like the shock absorber. You can troll braid, but I would not go less than 90lb. I used to break 50-60lb when a 30lb fish would hit. Even with a lose drag. Small fish were ok, but pigs would snap it instantly. I would also add 20-30ft of mono above your baits to help with shock should a monster whack it. 👍👍

[@charlesschuler3904]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thank you

[@fryzee9789]

The only thing I would say is that if you’re offshore trolling, braid is important for line capacity so I would say this is the exception.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Ah man, you didn’t make it to the exceptions part. 😁😁😁

[@fryzee9789]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Apologies mate! I love your content and well done 👍🏼

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@fryzee9789 THANKS BROTHER!!! I appreciate you!!👍👍🙏

[@johnnykenney4273]

Good tips. Thanks man.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Johnny! 🙏

[@jamiejames9828]

Is there a certain color of mono that works better

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

A lot depends on water quality but I’ve always liked low vis dark green and blues. Sometimes clear.

[@crappienaterfishing1198]

Good job , valuable information !

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I appreciate that! 🙏🙏

[@dannyneihart1821]

I troll with braid to mono leader but I also use mono for trolling. With braid I seem to get the smaller lures a little deeper. Now I am not too sure on what to do. Whatever catches fish I guess. Enjoyed the video Mike!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

IM GLAD YOU SAID THAT. That is another exception. Trolling with braid is a good way to get baits a little deeper as long as you use a heavier braid or add 20-30 feet of mono for the shock. (I was torn on including that exception because I didn’t want to sound confusing.) I used to troll with braid but I had to jump up the size because I would snap anything less than 50lb when a big fish hit. Losing that shock absorber was a tough adjustment with lighter braid. I just couldn’t get my drags loose enough. Small fish were fine, but if a hoss hit I would snap 30-40lb instantly. If you’re not snapping off fish with braid stick with what works for you. 👍👍👍👍. Thanks for the comment. It’s a good one 👍👍

[@andressanroman8527]

Nice explanation !!! Now everything makes sense jajaja . Thankyou very much for these little details that makes the big difference.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I’m glad you like it 👍🙏

[@smokster0604]

Team Old School awesome cool...Fish on

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😊

[@lakeratatouille]

I got mono once in high school, she had cute braids.

[@maritimeus]

Did you crush her pelvic bone? That’s a sure way to get mono. Those braids make great handle bars, too

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

YES!! Best way to get it 😂😊

[@maritimeus]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS 13 years in the Merchant Marine taught me that if you can say it diplomatically or nastily, choose the latter.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🤣👍

[@lakeratatouille]

@@maritimeus I’m keeping this one in my notes

[@rodneyallen6038]

Very good info brother 👍🏻 thanks as always.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like it brother! Thanks 🙏

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like it brother! Thanks 🙏

[@rodneyallen6038]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS I had a buddy that used to troll with braid. I hated in so many ways 😬. He was a older gentleman. Said the line would last longer. He rarely caught stripers. Got cut a lot.

[@kevlofion]

100% agreed

[@richardbarnett7058]

Hay mike do you tie straight to braid or do you use mono or floro leader

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I always use a leader. Usually fluoro, but mono is good too, especially for cutbait on the bottom. For Live bait I stay with fluoro. My bait rods all have 30lb mono for freshwater and saltwater. The leader ranges from 15lb in clear lakes to 40lb fluoro in salt. I love the Aftco Saiko leader. 👍

[@richardbarnett7058]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thank you I fish all fresh water keep the videos coming I watch them all.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks for the support brother!

[@jwfishing1872]

Hi Mike, LOVE the videos. You've taught me so much and I really appreciate it. Any chance you'd share your favorite brand for mono? Thanks!

[@saelee33]

I mostly like mono. Nice one brother!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brah!! 🙏🙏👍

[@damiendeegan5994]

Unless you are using a clicker reel with a circle hook. That being said excellent video.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!

[@pakde8002]

Hi Mike. Real newbie with totally unrelated question here but I'm just starting out with a conventional reel. Not sure I'm going to like using one so I bought an inexpensive Penn Warfare (WAR20N, narrow body model without the level wind). The spool has line capacity rings with a stated capacity of 570 yards of 30lbs braid. I used 35lbs braid (0.23mm) and stopped at the last capacity ring. I used around 25 to 50 yards 30lbs mono backing and had pretty good tension on the braid but only got 300 meters of line. There's about 2mm from the last capacity ring to the inner edge of the spool and now I'm wondering if I should keep adding line to the edge? Normally on my spinning reels that's about the amount of space I leave but I'm now thinking it's not necessary on conventional spools. Any advice on where to stop filling a conventional spool? Thanks.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Hey Pak, I have never once seen an accurate line capacity stated on ANY reel. That’s totally normal. I recommend slightly under-filling reels without level winds so you’re probably great where you are. It’s a great safeguard for forgetting to lay the line evenly during a fight. If you accidentally build a hump in the line it won’t hit the frame and stop the spool👍👍👍

[@pakde8002]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS okay thanks Mike. Will do👍

[@justinhughes9977]

Hey Mike - what lb mono would you recommend for trolling a 20 /6 Tandem parachute on a MH Stealth? Your vids have been a game and life changer for me. Thank you!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like them brother!! 30lb mono is what I use. 👍👍👍

[@johnsonc8]

Love this rule of thumb. As a guy trying to not to own hundreds of rods, and who targets all kinds of fish in different places (lakes, inshore, surf), I find that 40 lb braid to leader is great for a good number of my reels. Striper fishing in a rod holder, I add a 25 ft leader of mono for the stretch. 15lb if I’m in a place with smaller fish. 30 lb if I’m somewhere else. Same reel goes on a 12 ft surf rod or live bait set up. I just change the leader length and size for what I need. Braid isn’t cheap but it lasts several seasons, and changing out the leader is a great way to go.

[@glennl9630]

What was the name of the Braid you use?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@glennl9630 Reaction 👍👍

[@SCBullterriers]

What # test line do you use?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

30# mono.

[@timd7782]

Fantastic Mike. I’m primarily a Mack chunk striper fisherman. All my little Abu and Avet open reels I put in my rod holders have 30 lb braid. I lose a ton of fish week I think for the reasons you outlined. They are all going mono. Thanks for the great advice! Could be a game changer for me. I chunk fish 6 nights a week😂

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Tim!! I think you’ll have killer results!! Please keep me posted!!👍👍😁

[@timd7782]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS -I really mean this Mike: I have been salt and freshwater fishing for 45 years now. And I know at least ten charter boat captains here in Boston on a first name basis through Broad Sound fishing FB page (and real life too). I have never seen such great advice delivered so clearly and concisely with no “secret squirrel” attitude about it either. You are awesome and an amazing source of fishing know-how. I can’t help but ask what your PB striper is? It’s got to be multiples over 50 inches is my guess. 😺

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I really do appreciate that Tim. I really try to share everything I have learned because I was more fortunate than most. I started fishing for a living at age 15 and I’m 50 now. I fear that Sportfishing might not be here in 100 years with less kids taking interest. If I can help a few people progress to where they will teach their kids I will die a happy man. 😁. It’s comments like yours that fire up my motivation, so I sincerely thank you brother!! My biggest Striper is 61lbs. We got pretty consistent at catching fish into the 50’s by around 2004 or so. Although I never saw one over 57lbs until they restricted the Chesapeake season to the 38” slot. When they did, I was the only boat out there and my youngest Son caught the 61lb fish. That was just a year and a half ago. That video plays automatically at the top of my KZbin channel when you click on it. Is called the biggest striper I’ve ever seen. Thanks for the support Tim!! It keep me motivated!! More tips coming 😁😁

[@timd7782]

You are most welcome Mike! And I knew it! I have still never caught a 50 inch but have multiples in the 40s which is great. I will watch that one now. I like to say “you’re always only one cast away from glory!” Tight lines Captain.

[@beaudeclue4719]

5 minutes of knowledge goes a long way brother. Thanks for all you do. I'm thinking of getting that kastking reel you've been dunking on the Striper stealth rod. Is it still holding up and can you link it again please 🙏?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

So far so good brother!! I stopped at 6 salt dunks without adding any oil at all and just fished normally with it. Only rinsed it at days end twice. I popped the side plate off to look at the 2 easier bearings to see and they really look great. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️. Full disclosure: They did send me a few free reels, but they don’t pay me (and I’m thrashing the reels they sent🤣). I can certainly recommend it. The model and link is in the description👍👍. It says REEL I DUNKED. 😂

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Thank you Mike,love the video, I 100% use braid to leader, I get LESS backlash using braid to leader ,maybe a video on in coming and out going tide,I’m learning and value your experience ❤️👊

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome. That’s a good one. Keep the ideas coming 👍👍👍😁😁. Thanks 🙏

[@scottjolly8983]

I would think rod tip sensitivity is equally or even more important. The mono can't stretch until under tension and at that point the fish feels the rod. I highly recommend a bait runner when fishing liveys in a rod holder. Or very light drag. Thanx mike!

[@adventureswiththehat2096]

Oh my!

[@Mike-xh5hu]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🙏🙏🙏