Line questions

[TabBiser]

Going to put new line on my counter reels for trolling. Need recommendations on type and lb. I mainly troll meat and Bandits from boards. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Bankangler]

You will probably be using mono. I have had good luck with Treilene Big Game and Sufix Siege, both in 12 pound test. Whatever line you choose, make sure it is 0.014 in diameter to match the dive charts. 16 pound Sunline is 0.014 but I had breakage issues with it and quit usIng it.

[TabBiser]

Thanks. I had the same issue last year with that same line. I lost a board using it and I’m replacing the line for that reason.

[itsbob]

The concensus on line material is braid for big boards and mono for in line boards.We use the green Maxima 15lb mono for our in line and has worked well for us.Been using past 2 seasons without a break or a board coming off.Blue Dolphin recommended Maxima and the diameter of the 15lb is real close to diameter used in the dive charts.

[Mrwiggler]

You will probably be using mono. I have had good luck with Treilene Big Game and Sufix Siege, both in 12 pound test. Whatever line you choose, make sure it is 0.014 in diameter to match the dive charts. 16 pound Sunline is 0.014 but I had breakage issues with it and quit usIng it.

Man...just my luck ! Seen a couple posts where they we're using #16 Sunline, and loved it. So what do i do, buy a 3300 yard spool, to re-spool 6 board rods....now i'm in question.

[forefathers]

I'm a power pro guy. 30lb test red or yellow. Never breaks. Cheap . Dive chart friendly

[Bankangler]

I know Captain Juls uses Sunline and has good luck with it. I may have gotten a bad lot but I switched

[Mrwiggler]

I know Captain Juls uses Sunline and has good luck with it. I may have gotten a bad lot but I switched

Very possible...i seen hers, and a few more , with some positive input. I found it on sale, at a great price, and decided what the heck i'd try it. I run power pro on my dipsey rods.

[itsbob]

In response to Captain Eric about marking at one depth and catching at another depth.There currently is a discussion regarding the reasoning of that statement on Ohio Game and Fish website under Lake Erie general discussions Jim Stedke midwinter thread.Without going into the detail he does, is when fish stacked near bottom,those fish are not feeding.The fish that are feeding are away from the school,often higher in water column and may not show up on sonar.Those active fish could be at depth of bait if bait showing on sonar.I know pooh bear also marks depth of each rod with dry eraser on a tag attached to each rod.I have been using masking tape to record leads on each rod.I will also mark color of spinner and number of fish caught on the rods.This will help in the first hour or two to help zone in on depth and color fish biting that day.Initially, we try and cover entire water column to see what depth fish biting.But will be sure to put line or two in depth you or pooh bear caught the day before.

[Capt Eric]

In response to Captain Eric about marking at one depth and catching at another depth.There currently is a discussion regarding the reasoning of that statement on Ohio Game and Fish website under Lake Erie general discussions Jim Stedke midwinter thread.Without going into the detail he does, is when fish stacked near bottom,those fish are not feeding.The fish that are feeding are away from the school,often higher in water column and may not show up on sonar.Those active fish could be at depth of bait if bait showing on sonar.I know pooh bear also marks depth of each rod with dry eraser on a tag attached to each rod.I have been using masking tape to record leads on each rod.I will also mark color of spinner and number of fish caught on the rods.This will help in the first hour or two to help zone in on depth and color fish biting that day.Initially, we try and cover entire water column to see what depth fish biting.But will be sure to put line or two in depth you or pooh bear caught the day before.

My basic rule of thumb.... if there are deep fish (on the bottom), and higher fish... the higher fish are the ones to target - they are the biters.
If all you've got are bottom fish, just fish low and slow....