Trolling for MACs

[dubob]

There are some fishing situations were braided line is a better choice than monofilament line.  Trolling off downriggers isn't one of them in my opinion.  Here's why.  Braided line is slicker than mono and downrigger release clips do not hold braided line as tight as they do mono.  The consequences of this is that I can't set as sharp a bend in my downrigger rods as I like.  The more bend in the rod, the better the hook set on release.

I like to set my rod holders pointing about 45 degrees up and have my rod tips pointing as close to straight down as I can mange based on rod action and and clip strength.  Braided line will not let me do that without using releases like Chamberlain where the line is twisted.  I used Chamberlain releases for 2 years and found that when I used them with mono, the line twisting caused flattening of the line with repeated line twists at the same spot (set backs at say 75 ft).  This flattening of the line induced weakening at those flat spots and eventually line breaks would occur when fighting fish causing not only the loss of the fish, but the lure tackle as well.  With dodgers and squid/spoon/swim bait gone, that can be well over $10 a pop.  Here is a short video that shows you how the Chamberlain releases work.



If you like the non-stretching braided line and don't mind the extra steps required to use releases like the Chamberlains, then go for it.  I like to use Off Shore releases with mono line and set my rods with maximum bend for better hook sets.  I do like braided line on my casting rods that I use for bass, catfish, and shore fishing for trout.  But all my trolling rods are filled with mono line tipped with a short section of fluorocarbon leader.  I use the uni-knot to attach leader to my reel line - both braided and mono.

Again, I'm not bad mouthing the use of braided line for trolling if that is what you like to use.  I tried it for two years and didn't care for the little bit of extra hassle it required.  And when I used mono line with them, I eventually lost tackle and fish from mono line breaks at clip attachment points.  Please, use what you like and are comfortable with.  Just realize that there are some trade offs with each line choice.