braid

Hi Lads
im thinking about using braid for the first time on a penn 525 mag reel and i need some info
1 what b.s as i will be using reel on pier and off beach
2 how do i tie it to spool
3 how do i tie rig to braid
4 when i cast how do i stop it burning thumb

stupid questions i know but i have to ask

i only use braid on a 525 on the boat for mid water or clean ground fishing, it is best suited to fixed spools for shore work in my opinion due to the possible problems on a multiplier, ie birdsnests- expensive, plus if you snag it beds in too much on a multiplier etc
these problems dont really happen as much or at all with a fixed spool in my experience

alot of people would strongly advised against braid on a multiplier again due to the cost of replacing because once you get a birds then that it more or less gone. I have it on my fixed spool at the moment, it was really to see the difference. The main thing i found is that it makes the rod alot stiffer because there is no movement in it at all. It also helps recognising the different biting patterns of different fish

I wouldnt advise braid on a multiplier of that calibre, Ok on a small baitcaster, for lures on Bass maybe, but not for Longcasting from the shore. The braid tends to bite into itself under pressure, and if you get a birdsnest, game over.
Great on a big multiplier though.

Braid and mulitplers for casting is not a runner in my view. Stay with a good mono or go fixed spool

i might be wrong in saying this but i do remember donal domeney using braid on a multiplier off the shore before, he may be able to tell you the pros and cons of this set up.

Using braid on my mulipliers for years. Got no problems with it. If you feel confident with your casting there is nothing to worry about.

I have pier-fished with braid and mono. A big negative is the price - initially and to replace (especially since braid tangles more). Plus braid is difficult to thread through a float. You can get a bit more distance spinning, but is this significant?
Alan.

I have put braid on a fixed spool and as you all know it helps no end with bites and adds a bit of distance.

My question is how long can the braid stay on reel or does it degrade fast.

When using braid you MUST use a shockleader as braid will not absorb the shock from a cast, hence the solid bite detection. My own advice to anyone wanting to try it, go for a 30-40lb braid this is equal to 10-15lb mono and can hack the worst of conditions.
The downfall with braid is, unlike nylon which can handle been dragged over rough ground, it is easly damaged. Braid is best used on clean beaches (no rocks) and tidal estuaries.
It's 10/10, is fishing beaches with there is weed about. Using 33lb braid (0.2mm diam.) 60lb shockleader 60lb bodies and 15 snoods 99/100 times you will loose the snood only. The knack is to retreive in as much line as you can . Then put the strain on the line, with the tip of the rod held low, hold it hard until you break loose.
As for bedding in, I've pulled in weed that would have broken 15-18lb mono and never had a problem going the distance on the next cast.
What ever casting style, the golden rule is NEVER RUSH YOUR CAST.

My question is how long can the braid stay on reel or does it degrade fast.

I have braid on spinning reels for 4 years and have no problems. I normally reverse it every season. As mentioned if it is dragged accross rocks it can be frayed and damaged easily and is very expensive to replace.

Kev