[Bill in SC]

for fishin' the Big Pee Dee? I've used 20 to 30 through the years, but was just wondering what you guys like most. Y'all use steel leaders? I do.
BB in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Reason I asked about the steel leaders is because with the cat's abrasive teeth, it seems like they could cut fishin' line. I see folks fishin' with and without. Just wondering which is actually best. Though I have been fishin' for over 50 years, that still doesn't mean I do things the right way. Glad I found this place so I can get expert advice, which I WILL follow.
BB in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Ahhhh, now I remember! I'm too lazy to keep checkin' and changin' leaders! Maybe I will just change that practice and start using monofilament leaders. One thing is for sure, whenever I do hook into a nice one, I never worry about leader failure. 'Course, fishin' the snag piles in the Big Pee Dee, you lose a lot of rigs anyhow so you stay pretty busy. I guess I will rig my two new 6000s with 30# test.
BB in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

I'm going to have to hunt down some of that 80lb powerpro braid. Reckon Wal-Mart carries it? I certainly value your opinion Rivercat!
Bill in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Good points Wyliecat. I guess I just may stick to my plan that I have been using for years with the 20 to 30# test mono. I may make the change to the mono leaders though. As with all rivers, the debris in the Pee Dee makes you get hung up a LOT. I imagine that 80# braided stuff would be hard to break when you get hung. I can't ever remember any big cats breaking my line with the 20 to 30# test. First time for everything though.
BB in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Been thinkin' a little since I made my post. With the 20 to 30# mono, the drag must be set correctly to avoid a big 'un breaking the line. Lots of times when a big cat makes a run and starts stripping out line, it allows the fish to head for cover and get the line tangled around a snag, thus losing the fish. I can see where the 80# braided line might be advantageous in not having to have the drag set so tightly, thus being able to winch him out of the structure quicker, with less chance of him getting fouled.. Just something to consider. I may indeed go with the braided just for that reason. Does that make sense to anyone?
BB in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Well, I went and got some 25# Berkley Big Game mono. Then, after getting home I thought, heck I'm going to take this back and find some braided 80#. Now, after reading Riverrats post, just as my suspicions are, the braided would be hell to get loose from a snag. I'm going to go ahead and proceed with the mono. I guess there is a catch 22 here. Like Rivercat said, "you give a big cat an inch, and you're hung". All this being said, I have heard no mention of anyone using 30# braided. Wonder if that would be a happy medium?
BB in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Once again, I guess I will continue, at least this year with what has worked for years for me with the mono. However, we all should have sense enough to realize that there is good, better and best for all situations in life. If I ever discover an "edge", I will certainly jump on it. I see valid points for both types of line. Still a catch 22 any way you look at it! I LOVE this site and all the great and informative replies! Thanks for all you folks!
Bill in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Rivercatsc: thought you were going to Winyah Bay today. Too windy?

I just had a brainstorm. Perhaps I will get some braided line and just spool up ONE reel with it to see how I like it. I remember dad used a black braided line for bass fishin' back in the late '50s and '60s. That was some stout line!
BB in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

Is there anything anyone has AGAINST steel leaders other than the higher cost?
Bill in SC

 

[Bill in SC]

If you ever need a crew member to go, just holler. I am very flexible and will fish any weather that's humanly tolerable! I've never fished Winyah Bay, and would love to see it sometime.
BB