So I was able to pick up a couple of 50 wide internationals genently used for a really good price. I bought these specifically to set up for some high-speed wahoo trolling. I already has some 50-80 pound class standup rods for them. If I find I’m doing this style fishing on a semi regular basis I will probably try to pick up some low-cost bent buts. Reels are currently set up with what looks new 50 pound mamoi mono. I was considering stripping about 300 yards off and topping the remaining mono with some 80 pound braid. I figured the braid would cut the water significantly better than mono giving me the ability to get my baits to run subsurface better? In conjunction with the braid I would tie 30 feet of wind on 200 pound mono to the terminal end of the braid with a double Albright to work as a shock leader. Attached to the shock leader with a spro swivel would be 2-feet of single strand wire to protect against teeth. I see a lot of people top shotting the braid with as much 150-feet of heavy mono but wouldn’t that take away from the main purpose of using the braid to cut through the water when trolling? Is there indeed a major advantage of using braid here or should I just stick with the 50 pound mono? Is 30-feet long enough to absorb some of the initial hit of the Wahoo since the braid does not give? Thoughts? suggestions?
I would use braid backing to a couple hubdred yards of 80 lb mono to your trolling weight to your shock leader to your lure. With a trolling well get, you shouldn’t have too hard of a time getting subsurface. Plus I want the elasticity of the mono for the big bite. Straight mono to the lead would be tough. I could easily see that breaking.
I think mine are set up with 130 braid to ~100 yards of 100 and 130 mono (two dedicated rigs). I wouldn’t go with 80, IMO.
I probably need to better define my idea of “high speed” I know a lot of guys are trolling upwards of 20-knots, I am fishing a 23-center console so if I am running 20-knots that is most likely because I am headed to the hill, it would have to be pretty slick for me to be trolling that speed. I am thinking more along the lines of 10 to 12-knots trolling unless I am hitching a ride on a larger boat. Even at 12-knots I can see the need to step up to 130lb braid just due to the need to have the drag so tight on the reel to carry the resistance of the trolling weight and lure, I understand the need for an adequate amount of shock leader, but isn’t the braid also being used for its ability to cut the water ahead of the trolling weight? Too much mono leader here and you loose that advantage. Rap good point about mono to weight attachment, what are others using here? Is a SS thimble enough to protect it from chaffing?
10-12 knots just go with mono…
That pic above is at 22 knots, but it was just on the way out and what the boat cruises at. Pulling a big cowbell and no issues keeping it in the water with my length of mono.