I know it's probably been covered million times I have looked but can't find is so what size line do y'all recommend fishing off the pier and any other ideas on leaders etc thanks a lot in advance pier bound June 9 see y'all there
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I know it's probably been covered million times I have looked but can't find is so what size line do y'all recommend fishing off the pier and any other ideas on leaders etc thanks a lot in advance pier bound June 9 see y'all there
All I have are bass rods n bait casters but I'm borrowing a couple from a friend and he says his are surf rods
6-10# for smaller species. Kings 14-16#
5# - 10# of a quality line is all you need on the pier, and about 5-10 yards of12# - 16# top shot can help when handling larger fish at the pylons.
300 yards or greater will give you plenty for any fish worth catching there.
Thank you all for the responses but I'm wondering what y'all mean when y'all say top shot line
Javery, if it hasn't been said, WELCOME TO THE FORUM!
Most pier regs use mono on their reels and want at least 300 yards of line for king fishing. Many of us use reels that won't hold that much mono so 200 or so yards of braid is put on the spool first and then a top shot of 100 or so yards of 14# to 16# mono is spliced on so the casting is done with mono. The braid is much thinner and really can add line capacity to a smaller reel. If a big fish peels off line into the braid backing, you still have plenty of line left and the shock absorbing stretch of the mono.
If you want to go this route I suggest stopping by J & M Tackle and have them do it for you.
Hope this helps.
Top shot is simply a line used between your main line and your leader.
A fresh reel will typically be set up as follows:
1) mono backing. About 10 to 50 yards of monofilament used to keep bare braid from spinning, and to alert you that the fish is about to cost you $50 worth of spool.
2) next is your main line. Typically this is where line capacity comes into play. You want thin diameter, non memory line, which braid typically fits this bill. I recommend using high visibility, such as yellow braid. Put on at least 300 yards of this if the reel will take it.
3) Next is top shot. Top shot can be fluorocarbon or monofilament depending what you need. It needs to be slightly stronger than main line if fishing structures. At the pier, you want enough to manage big fish at the pylons, but not so much that you cannot benefit from your high visibility main line once your bait is cast out. Top shot will also assist with initial hook set in fast running fish by providing some shock absorption.
4 ) last is your leader. This can be mono, fluorocarbon or wire depending on your target fish and can be anywhere from 6" to 36" on the pier depending.
All of these are connected using double uni knots, except a wire leader which is connected by a tiny swivel.
If you need help spooling a reel and are in the area, feel free to contact me. I don't mind showing you how it is done and setting you up properly.
Thank you guys so much for the help I hope some of y'all will be at pier on June 9 thru 13 I'd like to meet some of y'all again thanks for the help again
What brand of line does everyone use and recommend or would suggest on pier
I'm a fan of Power Pro with a good, long topshot of Momoi mono.
I have used Trilene Big Game for DIY spooling a while with no complaints, but Momoi or whatever they recommend when J & M does it.
Just be forewarned that momoi diamond has memory and sucks even worse in cold weather.
If you get momoi, get the regular version.
If you go with a fluorocarbon, get Vicious--really nice.
As for braids, power pro spectra does great, and super slick 8 is smoother--but doesn't last as long.
Nanofil is amazing strong but will not tie to other braids or itself and can only be connected to thicker mono/fluorocarbon.
So, VG, have you done any good with florocarbon on spinning reels? Everything I've tried seemed too stiff for spinning tackle. Anyone else, feel free to chime in too.
I have used Vanish for several years and have not had a problem . I use 12 # for Spanish and 8 or 10 # for flounder ,whiting ,pomps ,etc.
Rich, only one I like is vicious, and I've tried a good dozen brands or better. Their website has different styles to choose from.
It conditions well with Kevin van Dam spray.
I've tried vanish as suggested above, and while I love the color concepts in bright sun, it is one of the most finicky fluorocarbon I've ever used. Typically snapping in simple casts due to becoming brittle after a days use in the heat of the sun.
However, Yozuri makes a hybrid version that is even better than vicious and really soft.
I highly suggest trying it also.
Yozuri hybrid is my favorite line when it comes to light weight spinning non braided setups.
+1 on the yozuri hybrid. I have a big spool in 4#. I'll give the vicious a try in the 8# range.