The Outdoor Line Forum

Starting to get the new boat outfitted and I ordered a couple plug rods and have started picking up some steelhead plugs. Would like some advice on whether to spool my plug reels up with braid and run a mono leader or just run straight mono? I've read some conflicting reports on this topic so I'm hoping to hear from some of you experienced plug pullers that can steer me in the right direction.
Thanks hope to see some of you out on the river!

Opinions seem to be split about 50/50 on this topic. I've used 30 pound braid for the last ten years and have had great luck with it pulling plugs. I uni-knot about 5 feet of 20 pound mono as a leader and double up the braid before you tie the knot. I fished the Skagit a lot and the I felt like the thin diameter of the braid allowed my plugs to dive deeper in the big water. The 30/20 combo also allowed us to put the screws to fish that might be headed for the timber and it helped get plenty of my plugs back.

Mono has a couple of advantages though. It stretches and let's the plugs run a little more freely and that stretch also might let the fish turn before it feels any tension and can spit the plug out. I didn't notice any difference in hookups when I went to braid and I've left it on all my plug reels ever since.

Not a decisive answer, but at least you know it's worked for me for this long. Keep us posted on what you decide. Interesting stuff...at least to me

I agree Rob! But I do favor braid for some unknown reason? I also do not run a shocker leader as I feel that since I have a drag on all my reels I should use them I do not think that the fish see or care that I run staright braid to the plugs ?? Use whatever you like and feel better using. Like Rob said those plugs will run a tad deeper most of the time with the smaller diameter of the braid.

My experience is a combination of Rob and Phil's advice...if you have a faster action plug rod (i.e., graphite, for the most part), I'd go with mono...you'll need the slight stretchiness and bow in the line to give the plugs some good action...if you are using fiberglass plug rods (my preference), then I'd go with 30# braid...and I always tied the braid straight to the plug, no shock leader, like Phil said...I think if you could get a plug to run well while attached to your anchor rope, I think a steelhead would still hit it.

Fish on...

Todd

Braid straight to the plug in most conditions for me and then when the river turns ultra summer clear I go with straight mono. I've never been a braid fan in most situations, even float fishing. I just can't stand the stuff. If I need to mend my line I'll apply mucelin to my mono. Oh yeah....bottom fishing in the salt is nice with braid too I guess.

I'd 2nd using braid on glass rods and mono on graphite rods. Watch the tip pulsing for glass/braid and watch the line bouncing on graphite/mono to check for action.

Thanks for the help guys I'm thinking spoolin up with some high vis power pro is the way to go. I ordered a couple "classic glass" fiberglass lamiglas rods rated 8-20 lb so it sounds like the braid will work fine, I also really like the idea of having a good chance of getting my 5 dollar plug back Does anyone know if K-11 's and X-4 flatfish need any modifications out of the package? I picked up a couple and havent been able to find any info on riggings?

k11x's no, X-4's....... more than you'd ever imagine

Put a quality reel on your new Lamis, spool em' up with some hi-vis 30 lb. Power Pro and watch your success go up. I use the same Uni-Knot as Robbo to 5 feet of Seaguar 20 lb. flouro. Good luck out there and congrats on the new boat!

Do you guys evere have a problem with the braid knoting up in your reel? I was using power pro,but I could'nt keep it from getting all knoted up.