When it comes to fishing, using the right equipment can make all the difference. One essential tool that every angler should consider is braided fishing line. This type of line is known for its strength, durability, and sensitivity, making it a popular choice among experienced fishermen. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of using braided fishing line and provide some tips on how to fish with it effectively, and the further advantages of using the multi-colored braid known as Cheater Line.
In-Depth Strategy of Cheater Line
Learn how to effectively use Cheater Line not only when you're on the boat, but when at home too:
- Light tackle snapper fishing: When fishing light tackle jigs and slowly dropping through the water column offshore take a look at your depth finder. If you're fishing in 70-feet of water and see fish marking at 60-feet, that is about two color changes of line. If you start to get fish on the drop, take note of what color the bite is occurring at and be ready to repeat this process over and over. It's extremely effective in know where bites are happening and how cheater line got its name!
- Know the bottom: If you reach the bottom with a bait remember what color this is at. This will let you know how much play you can give a fish such as a grouper that may eat your bait and will look to make its home in structure below. Is blue where your bait stops the bottom? Then know that when blue is exposed you might need to put a little more pressure on a fish. Get it above there and you can play it a little more. Knowing this has saved me so often from horsing fish up when finesse is necessary as there is a little room to spare!
- How much line you've spooled: Every color change is 10-meters. There are 5-colors. When spooling line if you start on blue and return to blue that is 50-meters spooled. Get to blue twice, 100-meters. There is a spot to write how much line is still available after spooling! There is no more guess work in knowing how much line you've put on a reel, know exactly!
Other Advantages of Cheater Line
Cheater Line is made up of 8-strands of synthetic fibers, woven together to create a strong and thin line. Here are some of the advantages of using braided fishing line:
- Strength: Cheater Line is incredibly strong, allowing you to reel in larger fish without worrying about the line breaking. Its high tensile strength makes it ideal for targeting big game species.
- Sensitivity: The lack of stretch in Cheater Line provides excellent sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble. This makes it easier to detect bites and improve your hook-setting accuracy.
- Durability: Cheater Line is highly resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for fishing in areas with rocks, reefs, or other rough surfaces. It can withstand the wear and tear of constant casting and reeling.
- Color changing: The big advantage with Cheater Line is knowing where your line is in the water column or away from the boat. The colors change every 10-meters or about 33-feet, meaning an angler should be able to see where they are getting bit in the water column and where the bottom is.
Tips for Fishing with Braided Fishing Line
Now that you understand the advantages of using Cheater Line, here are some tips to help you make the most of this powerful tool:
- Use a Leader: To prevent fish from seeing the line, it is recommended to attach a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. This will provide a more stealthy presentation and increase your chances of getting a bite. I like to use 15- to 20-pound when snapper fishing, 30- to 40-when bottom fishing on spinning rods or higher when grouper fishing.
- Adjust Your Drag: Cheater Line has little to no stretch, so it's important to adjust your drag accordingly. Set it slightly looser than you would with monofilament line to prevent the line from breaking under sudden tension.
- Practice Knot Tying: Braided fishing line can be slippery, so it's essential to learn and practice knots that work well with this type of line. I've tied the Uni-to-Uni knot my entire life without issues.
- Inspect for Wear: Regularly check your braided fishing line for signs of wear or fraying. Replace it if you notice any damage to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected line breaks. This also includes checking your guides which may "hang" your line. You can run a Q-Tip along the inside of guides to see if one gets caught up.
By following these tips and taking advantage of the benefits of braided fishing line, you can enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of landing that trophy fish. Remember to always check your local fishing regulations and practice responsible angling. Happy fishing!