What's the recommended sinker size for 20lb braids

[stickbom!]

Hi guys, let's say I'm not going to use a shock leader and intend to fish 20lb braids. What is the largest sinker I can use for surf fishing without risking bust offs? Anyone fished straight braids without leaders in the surf before? Thanks in advance!

[Jacktrevally]

Straight braid is not recommended when powercasting. However the carp fisherman use 65lb braided shock leader to cast 100g.

I once broke 16lb braid on a 13g spoon. If I were going to powercast I would not go more than 1-1.25oz!

[stickbom!]

powercast?? Errr... I'm using a simple outfit for surf fishing... Pioneer Platinum 10'er with some junk reel... Not exactly swinging my sinker 360 lar If I dun do those staydee poon pi pi cast you think can use bigger sinker? Problem with mono ah... my bell doesn't ring when fish nibble. With braid small fish nibble bell will ring also

[Jacktrevally]

If you try to load the tip very quickly you will be amazed that a 2oz will break 20lb braid. You can use 30lb braid and go for 4 oz sinker... I used this set up before but only gentle chuck!

But why don't you use a mono shockleader with the braid? I'm sure your bell will ring with even a crab nibbling!!!

[Jacktrevally]

Altenatively if you want braided all the way for bell ringing... you could go for a 65-100lb braided leader and use heavier sinkers!

[stickbom!]

If you try to load the tip very quickly you will be amazed that a 2oz will break 20lb braid. You can use 30lb braid and go for 4 oz sinker... I used this set up before but only gentle chuck!

But why don't you use a mono shockleader with the braid? I'm sure your bell will ring with even a crab nibbling!!!

Hahaha... I like the way you phrased that man. Okay think I'll tie on a shock leader. 30lb should be enough right? I was casting 20lb mono with a 30lb shock leader on saturday night but my line got cut off mysteriously... was too lazy to tie on another shock leader and ended up using 20lb straight mono. This is why I'm asking if braids will work without a shock leader. I'm a real lazy bugger when it comes to re-tying rigs/leaders

Thanks again.

[Jacktrevally]

For every ounce of lead it is recommended to use 10x the line poundage.

3oz-30lb leader
4oz- 40lb leader ect...

It is wiser to use a mono leader as the problem you are liekly to come across is the braid getting damage by abrasion, this can be only 6-10 inches on the extreme end. The second problem is that if you get a tangle with any mono or braid snood (hook length) it is a pain to get specialy if you get the hook tangle together with the sinker as well.

[stickbom!]

Roger! Thanks a whole bunch for the useful tips

[cobbler]

Its not recommended to cast braided line without a shockleader and the twenty pound shockleader would suffice if you are casting with a 2 ounce lead.

Do remember to use a finger guard whenever possible and check the drag of your reel before casting.

Cheers

[physlo]

Mikey,

With your casting style...almost can reach Batam, you definately need a shock leader as a safety percaution. But since the rod you mentioned comes with a parabolic action , you can make do without any shockleader but try not to exceed 3oz. I did the same with mine and so far, have not encounter any problems.

Regards
physlo2

[stickbom!]

Thanks for all the helpful hints guys. Aiyoh... dun anyhow say lar... simi cast to Batam Make me malu only.

Edros thanks for recommending the Pioneer rod... now I have a pair of them and like them so much that I'm actually considering having them rebuilt with low-riders Think it's worth the hassle?

[physlo]

Mike,

Definately a good idea to have the guides change to sic low riders... but that will cost another 100 bucks.

Regards
Edros

[stickbom!]

hmmm... then again ah... if I spent $100 to change guides... surf fishing wouldn't be such a cheap alternative after all Better dun itchy backside and leave the guides alone