Line

[buc69]

Could someone please tell me the ideal breaking strain to use where the carp are reported to be 30lb+ but mainly catching 15-25lb.I have 12lb line on at the moment but need to change line as it is quite old line.Thank You

[Peter Sharpe]

12 lb line should be fine, especially if it is a tough one such as Daiwa Sensor (there are obviously plenty of other choices, although much more expensive)

[Leon Roskilly]

Conditons, rather than weight of fish likely to be encountered are equally important in determining not only the bs but other line qualities also.

 

If fishing at long distance, then perhaps a low stretch line will give more control.

 

If there are gravel bars, then a high abrasion resistance is needed (and possibly a thicker, higher bs line that can cope with the likely damage)

 

If there are large banks of weed, you need something that can drag in a fair weight of weed as well as the weeded fish.

 

If weed is relatively thin, then perhaps a lower diameter line that will cut through the weed, rather than gathering it up.

 

etc

[noodle996]

two spools one with 12lb and a heavier one 15-18lb when its needed

[Gerald]

  buc69 said:

Could someone please tell me the ideal breaking strain to use where the carp are reported to be 30lb+ but mainly catching 15-25lb.I have 12lb line on at the moment but need to change line as it is quite old line.Thank You

 

If its main line you are talking about why not try a braid...with say a 20-30lb breaking strain. You will feel a lot more fight-wise and it will be safer as long as your drag is tuned.

 

Please note...im not a carper and there maybe a good reason why this wasnt suggested earlier.

[noodle996]

Braid isnt that good for carp It floats for one admittedly this can work for you but carp have relativly soft mouths and the lack of stretch can cause damage

[Guest tigger]

  noodle996 said:

Braid isnt that good for carp It floats for one admittedly this can work for you but carp have relativly soft mouths and the lack of stretch can cause damage

 

 

I've never had a fish damaged in any way through using braid. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that I've never had it happen to me. I've just started Barbel fishing and have been using a braid hooklength with no probs/ damage to the fish whatsoever.

[Newt]

  noodle996 said:

carp have relativly soft mouths and the lack of stretch can cause damage

 

Carp from silty ponds have a relatively soft mouth. Carp from rocky ponds really don't.

 

In either case, I think the lack of stretch and heavier B/S is only a problem if you try to winch the fish in. I use 40 or 50 lb braid for my mainline and hooklength both and as with tigger, I haven't noticed mouth damage with any species I've caught.

[lutra]

Maybe its the snagy rocky rivers i fish a lot but i just can not get on with braid as main line. I find it just gets trashed by the rocks and becomes unreliable. Great as hook lengths though.

[Guest tigger]

  lutra said:

Maybe its the snagy rocky rivers i fish a lot but i just can not get on with braid as main line. I find it just gets trashed by the rocks and becomes unreliable. Great as hook lengths though.

 

 

Hello m8, what set up mainline/bottom are you using on the river for your Barbs?

 

Went down the river last night, I blanked but my m8 got a Barb around 10/ 11 lb in mint nick, fought like a trooper.

 

I might have a trundle down the bank tomorrow n wet a line.