Fixed spools and braid

[Donagh]

I'm planning on getting a fixed spool and braid set up as an alternative to my multiplier. Are the more expensive fixed spools any better for cranking in fish than their cheaper equivalents? I know they cast farther due to coned spools and line lay.

Anyone have any comments on using braid. I'm planning on using 50lb straight through. I know it snaps easily when rubbing off rocks and tangles but is thinner and has better bite detection.

Donagh

Last edited by Donagh on Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:44 am, edited 1 time in total.

Ive used braid with a fixed spool outfit for spinning - never again. It knots, tangles and beds in on the spool. In my humble opinion mono is far superior for any form of casting

I find tangles much more common with spinning than beach casting from my experience with mono. Most anglers in the club I'm in use it on fixed spools with no such problems.

Donagh

Hello Donagh
I would definitely reccomend the more expensive fixed spools not only for casting distance but also reliability. Cheaper reels ie. those for around 50 - 80 euro have a tendancy for the bail arm to come back over when hitting big casts in my experience. I know that its possible to remedy this by cutting off the bail arm but id be afraid of ruining the reel. I have an Okuma Axeon as my main fixed spool and an Okuma Oryx as a secondary reel and I would be happy with both. The Oryx is cheaper by the way

I have a cheap fixed spool reel and know about the issues. My main worry with FS reels is cranking and was wondering are the more expensive ones any better if not I'll just buy another multiplier . I end up putting my shoulder out cranking the cheap one.

Donagh

Donagh

Can't help much on reels, but one thing about braid is that when you put a lot of pressure on it, it can bite through the line you still have left on the reel and then you really are in trouble because it never wants to come back out. I speak with some experience on this one!

On the braid box, it recommends filling half the reel with mono and now I've done this I've not had the same trouble. The braid I was using was 25lb so maybe you might get away with it using 50lb.

Tim

[/quote] I have a cheap fixed spool reel and know about the issues. My main worry with FS reels is cranking and was wondering are the more expensive ones any better if not I'll just buy another multiplier . I end up putting my shoulder out cranking the cheap one.


I bought a cheap 'Okuma Impact' FS reel in England about two years ago. I got it for 15 sterling. I use it on rock marks to save my more expensive FS reels getting the envitable knocks and bumps on the rock marks. The reel has taken a hammering but has never failed. I have pulled up conger to 20lb and numerous wrasse without any hassle.

Tim thanks for the advise on adding the mono then braid. I didn't realise that much mono is recommend as backing.

Mick I agree I've never had problems pulling conger out from deep water rock marks with the FS though I do find a multiplier easier. I find the problem is when pulling a fish over weedy shallow mixed ground that we have in the shannon estuary on marks such as glin.

Donagh