crying about my vrot braid lines

[Ziggy]

on the 7th I am going tiger fishing on the Zambezi for 6 days so lots of attention is being paid (in time and money of course) to tackle prep


So I pulled out my Sustain 5000 and Stradic 4000 (each with a spare spool) that I use for surf spinning - I have not used them in a while becaue I have been focussing on light tackle in Durban harbour and flyfishing. So I was changing the leaders and found that knots kept on breaking. I then tied the lines directly on  swivel and tested the lines  - all broke at way below stated breaking strain -the lines are about 6 years old  - the original gosen, so good quality.


I fear hat the lines have deterioratd - or in plain language ....just plain vrot!


Anyone had a similar issue? I know its not my knots.


I cant see myself buying 4 newgosen  lines at about R800 each!!!

[Lofty]

never experienced that,so can't give advice,but there are cheaper option braids on the market that'll do the job...Like Sufix 832(R5??/spool) and an even cheaper option is Gatorbraid...oops,just looked at BM prices... I didn't know prices have gone up so much..!I'm sure you can find better prices...

[Ziggy]

anybody know about DAIWA J X8 braid?
http://www.basilmanning.co.za/daiwa-j-x8-300m-braid-158902.html

[Ziggy]

never experienced that,so can't give advice,but there are cheaper option braids on the market that'll do the job...Like Sufix 832(R5??/spool) and an even cheaper option is Gatorbraid...oops,just looked at BM prices... I didn't know prices have gone up so much..!I'm sure you can find better prices...

rand exchange is the problem I think

[REEFMAN]

6 Years is good value Ziggy! Were the reels stored in a bag or in open air? Need to have good circulation when stored so they can dry out properly.

What you can do is remove the line off your reel, and then reverse it. You'll probably find that it's only the top 100m or so that has deteriorated. The bottom 200 should still be good. So turn it round and you're good to go. I've done this on many of my reels with braid backing.

The Daiwa J- Braid is excellent! Been using it on my one spinning reel. Daiwa end tackle is good stuff, much like Berkley - good reputation.
Sufix 832 has served me very well. Going into it's 4th year now.

[Ziggy]

Ja, 6 yyears fir braid and a new computer every 4 years!


reels were stored in a basketin cloth bags - but spare spools were stored in sealed plastic containers - maybe a mistake!


I will try reversing - but I fear failure at a critical time


basically only need 150m (half a spool and backed with mono)


I had 15, 20lb on the 4000  and 20 and 30 lb on the 5000 - so maybe buy and divide the 20lb between the two reels (with backing) and then use half a spool for each of 15 and 30 lb and have spare for when my line goes vrot again


Maybe also an optio to put mono on two spools - but I am not sure that i know how to fish using mono! Anyway, once you have used braid, you dont want to go back to mono


Barry Wareham  - at one of his workshops said the slat dries in the braid and cuts the tiny fibres thereby degrading the line...maybe he is right. Despite always rinsing my reels well and spraying directly on to the braid - I still tasted the salt on the line when tying knots.

[Marthin]

I have had it happen in spectacular fashion on cheaper braid, without the right coatings the "rot" happens quicker.

I was casting 80lb stuff and it kept breaking middle of nowhere after about 60m out mid cast. Anycase if it happens in my experience it's not worth it, replace kla.

[Psy]

on the 7th I am going tiger fishing on the Zambezi for 6 days so lots of attention is being paid (in time and money of course) to tackle prep


So I pulled out my Sustain 5000 and Stradic 4000 (each with a spare spool) that I use for surf spinning - I have not used them in a while becaue I have been focussing on light tackle in Durban harbour and flyfishing. So I was changing the leaders and found that knots kept on breaking. I then tied the lines directly on  swivel and tested the lines  - all broke at way below stated breaking strain -the lines are about 6 years old  - the original gosen, so good quality.


I fear hat the lines have deterioratd - or in plain language ....just plain vrot!


Anyone had a similar issue? I know its not my knots.


I cant see myself buying 4 newgosen  lines at about R800 each!!!

go to: www.insideangling.co.za ~ there are "specials" on braid (suffix pro8)


:)

[Seventenths]

I know it is a lot of Tom, but I don't risk ruining a great trip with tackle failures... I would suggest replace event if you go with the shorter braid backing you contemplated ...


I got the diawa jigging braid from US and paid for a 2500m spool only a bit more than 2x600m spools in SA. Great stuff but don't know the rest of the diawa range. I use JB and suffix 832.... Nothing in fishing and boating seems reasonable no days! I go to fishing shop for a few bits and pieces and come out with a second bond on my house...


PS off topic... Where u going ? And good luck... Your timing seems good as we have first few light showers of the season in the area last week and it is super hot! The valley should be cooking now...

[Ziggy]

I know it is a lot of Tom, but I don't risk ruining a great trip with tackle failures... I would suggest replace event if you go with the shorter braid backing you contemplated ...


I got the diawa jigging braid from US and paid for a 2500m spool only a bit more than 2x600m spools in SA. Great stuff but don't know the rest of the diawa range. I use JB and suffix 832.... Nothing in fishing and boating seems reasonable no days! I go to fishing shop for a few bits and pieces and come out with a second bond on my house...


PS off topic... Where u going ? And good luck... Your timing seems good as we have first few light showers of the season in the area last week and it is super hot! The valley should be cooking now...

Changing my lines - the trip is expensive, so what is the use of having tackle issues?


I am going to Kianbi which is at the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers.


I have been to Mana Pools about 15 times in the past, my favourite spot. However, no boats are allowed there but, over the years, the Zambian lodges have been using boats  - this has chased the hippos into the Mana Pools area. Last time I was there it was not pleasant using my canoe in the channels because of so many hippos....and at my age I no longer feel confident canoeing about and avoiding the hippos......so me and my mates took the decison to go to a lodge and fish off a boat.


 The other thing is that it takes two and a half days to drive to Mana (last time it took us 23 hours driving back to Durban without stopping to sleep). Going through the terrible border post is also an issue . Last time I went it took us from 11 pm to 3 am to get through....then there were 28 road blocks upto Chirundu.


Although I enjoy camping alongside the Zambezi, somehow a lodge appeals to me (maybe an age thing again!).  Instead of packing food and camping gear, two canoes on the roof, and food for a week....then setting up and breaking camp etc - I only have to pack my clothes and tackle, Uber to the airport, fly and the get picked up by the lodge people....a half a day


However, I do envy your self drive trip........