Fishing line question (Fireline)

[Doug]

I been using a good quality mono film my whole life mostly Ande and Momoi. I would like to try Berkley's fireline on a few of my spinners.
I am thinking of using 30 lb test on a 710z and 10 or 14 lb test on a 722z or 714z. Does anyone have any experience with this line. Any opinions appreciated .   Doug

[johndtuttle]

I haven't used it myself, Doug. But it is very popular on older reels that do not have their line lay perfected for thinner lines (braid). Fireline is a "fused" line and so a little stiffer. Given the "hourglass" line lay some get on the older reels they have reported stiffer lines developing less wind knots.

If you go to a site called 'Paulusjustfishing' you will find however that the fireline is quite thick for it's rated strength and consequently very, very strong so I would be more inclined to go with 20lb myself.

That site has the actual dimensions of the line and it is closer to 40lb+ braid from most vendors and breaks at near 50lbs if I recall correctly. The 20lb stuff is much closer to other 20lb lines.

[Mudguts]

I used it a few times and didn't think that highly of it Doug. I'd personally stick with a good quality mono.

Scott

[TomT]

I also used it years ago and had problems with line breaking on approx 5-10# fish.  I 2nd the use mono instead.
TomT

[Capt Ahab]

All depends on the type of fishing you do - fireline is fine for use from boats or in situations where you are not casting lures (ie bait and wait applications)


As was said above it is stiff and thick

I prefer Suffix or Kanzen others like their Power Pro - these lines are far more supple and cast long distances extremely well


Fireline is way down my list of brands of braid but still will work far better then mono 

[Tiddlerbasher]

I have used Firline Tracer for several years. The latest generation of Fireline is now much more round. Knot strength is very good. Abrasion resistance is very good.
I use it on my larger spinners and conventionals. It casts very well for lure or bait fishing. I tend to use a short fluorocarbon top shot attached to the braid by hollow core with serves.
The 90kg cat fish in my avatar was caught on 50lb Tracer  and that was before I learnt about knotless joints!

[Doug]

Thanks to all who responded  I thought this was a more popular line. I guess I'll stick with what I know works well Doug

[SacFly]

I've used both the FL30 and 20 on old penn spinfishers (704z,710,712z).  I had decent experiences with both, but have moved on to lighter braids.  The 30FL is extremely thick.  You could pull up a volkswagen from the depths with it, but it's not so great for casting.  Both tests get a little fuzzy once they break in.

If you're new to braid, thicker will be more forgiving when you have issues.  I have either 30lb or 40lb suffix on all my old penns now and couldn't be happier. 

30FL is probably about the thickness of 65lb suffix.

[johndtuttle]

Thanks to all who responded  I thought this was a more popular line. I guess I'll stick with what I know works well Doug

It is popular stuff on the east coast and gulf and among freshwater guys.

[whalebreath]

I've used Fireline for all kinds of application on all kinds of gear and never had any significant issues-except downrigging-I don't like any Spectra anything for downrigging.

[smnaguwa]

I use Fireline in all different strengths with good results. My only complaint is the cost. I landed a salmon on a charter boat outside SF bay even though the fish ran to the other side of the boat and I could feel the line rubbing against the hull. The deckhand was surprised.

[Doug]

Yes very expensive that's why I just thought I would ask before I waste $35 on a spool of 300 yards. I think I will give it try for fresh water first maybe on one reel and see how it goes. When I do fish party boats in the fall and winter  salt water of course they don't allow braid but will permit fireline if the boat is not crowded Doug

[bluefish69]

Doug

You have to come up by me. The Captains use Braided Line

Mike

[Doug]

Hi Mike I fish West of you the Atlantic Highlands and harbor area. The boats on the Jersey side can get crowed and the captins are strict. They want everyone to have a good experience  even all the  newbees. The farthest I get to your neck of the ocean is off Coney Island ,back in the day this area less than a mile off the beach used to be called Tin Can Alley. A get place during slack and in coming tide for seabass and progysl  Doug

[FatTuna]

Doug, I have done a lot of experimenting with different types of braided/fused line. In my opinion, fireline is as good as it gets in regards to durability and strength. It is actually a fused line meaning that it's a braid that is heat treated. The stuff is expensive but worth every cent. Keep in mind that the breaking strength of the line is higher then other brands (eg. 30lb breaks closer to 40lb, possibly more). Castabilty is really where it falls short. The line is a little bit wiry and stiff. That's not to say you can't cast it but if distance is a major concern you might want to opt for something else.

Braid in general, is not a good choice for areas with rocks, reefs, or sharp stuff that can abrade the line. However, fireline is more abrasion resistant. I've had the same spool of it on one of my surf casting setups for years and I have not managed to break the line ever. I use this setup multiple days per week in the summer. Pretty amazing actually. I used to break off with powerpro constantly, it was like fishing with thread.

I use fireline on all of my conventional boat setups. I have yet to find a more reliable line. I'd rather buy something once at a higher cost then have to keep replacing it.