Mono or Braid??

I am going to be fishing the Gulf Shore pier and the Little Lagoon. I have reels with each (Mono and Braid). Given I can only bring one, which one should I choose? Thanks in Advance -- Mike

I’ve always fished with mono. My son’s been encouraging me to try braid, so I spooled one rod & reel. Haven’t had too much opportunity to try it. Will be down on the coast in a couple of weeks & intend to try it then for sure. I’m curious what others have to say as well.

If you’re planning to do some bottom fishing around structure I’d say braid..


imo, braid is good for line capacity and the ability to run higher lb line (can’t find the right expression) on smaller reels. Only reason I hate running straight braid pier fishing is can become an absolute nightmare if a blitz happens or you get tangled into someone’s line or crossing, accidentally crossing someone’s line. But to be fair that can also happen just as easily sometimes with mono,. Just easier to get mono out of a bind.

Really no right or wrong answer. Many guys run a setup with braid backing and top it with mono. The braid backing allows for more line on the spool when fighting a fish that takes a long run.

Thanks folks - I have been fishing for most of my78 years - but also mostly freshwater. I get a week every 2 - 3 years in some saltwater and appreciate any and allinformation provided. I am really trying to not get to ansi - but I am going to be with 4 generations and going to take 3 generations fishing. So lookin forward to the week in May. -- Mike

The tangle issue may matter not only with other nearby adults but also with young anglers tangling themselves. Mono for kids also won't cut their hands like braid can.

Just cut YOUR braid in case of a tangle, re-tie, and get back in the water. Yes braid is more expensive but in the spectrum of all vacation costs it is tiny. Time is money, or in this case, spend a little money to buy more fishing time. When your vacation is measured in weeks or days, spend them fishing and not cursing the parents of the person who invented braid.

I like braid for sensitivity but a low-stretch co-polimer like Yozuri or a fluorocarbon is a good compromise for the easier handling characteristics. If you do go braid, set your drag accurately because the stretch of mono gives a little cushion braid doesn't.

I strongly agree with using mono with kids. It's much easier to get the tangles out of mono. When there's a chance of hooking up with fish that make long runs, I am a member of the club that uses braid backing with a mono topshot.

Good fishing to you and the kids.