The Microbraid Revolution

AS FEATURED IN THE WINTER 2004 ISSUE OF SOUTH FLORIDA SPORT FISHING MAGAZINE

By Jan Stephen Maizler

Thanks to modern day technology, fishing line has taken on a whole new feel.You’ve just finished stocking your brand new tackle bag. You’re pleased because you’ve chosen its contents governed by the principle, “every thing for every situation.” Likewise, every rod and reel combo you own is chosen for maximum effectiveness for each species under any given condition. You’re content because you know every piece of your gear has its purpose.

Curiously, my survey of many South Florida anglers indicates that most don’t apply the same strategic thinking to their fishing line, and spool up every reel they own with monofilament. If one of those anglers is you, you need to know more about the advances in microbraid technology that have occurred over the last five years.Ultra-thin line made of spectra fiber has begun, and will continue to be a permanent part of every angler’s armament. These new super-lines can, and should replace monofilament in a number of saltwater applications. As a recreational angler, you’ll want to know the basis for the most effective executions.

I have been experimenting with different brands of microbraid line for the past few years, and I’ve been most satisfied with PowerPro. Let’s find out why:
*In comparison to monofilament, PowerPro matches the breaking strength, but in a vastly thinner diameter. This allows for greater line capacity on reels and longer casting potential. *PowerPro has practically no stretch, getting you to the bottom faster with less weight and current drift, and you'll feel your lure perfectly the whole way down.
*With PowerPro, you'll feel strikes impossible to detect before. The lack of stretch provides much better sensitivity and more effective hook-sets.
*PowerPro is limper and has substantially less memory than monofilament, again resulting in longer casts.
*Where PowerPro shines the brightest is with it’s substantially enhanced abrasion resistance. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t break this stuff!There are a number of angling situations in South Florida where you may find that switching from monofilament to PowerPro may benefit you, as it certainly has for me.

Please keep in mind that microbraid is not recommended for every saltwater application, though utilized effectively in the correct applications, will undoubtedly help you land more trophy fish.

Mangroves, docks, bridges, & heavy cover fishing:When you’re throwing artificial baits against dense structure for snook, trout and redfish, you’ll find that PowerPro exceeds your old choice in the following ways. With the increased sensitivity you’ll feel strikes better, and also sink that hook deeper due to the lack of stretch. Most importantly, you’ll be able to pull your fish out of encrusted pilings and jagged mangrove roots with the strength and momentum not possible before.

Flats fishing:As a shallow water angler, you know you must make your presentation to the fish before it realizes your presence and ‘blows-out.’ You want to avoid close proximity casts, particularly with extremely wary bonefish and permit. In addition, you may need to shoot a cast upwind at a cruising fish. Clearly, you want your spinning outfit spooled with line that provides the furthest casting potential. Which would you choose: 12 lb. monofilament, or ultra-thin PowerPro of the same breaking strength with about a 4 lb. test diameter? When you’re fishing patchy flats or shallow rocky ledges you’ll want to have the highest abrasion resistance to diameter ratio possible: PowerPro is unsurpassed in these harsh conditions. Permit are commonly found on the reefy flats of Florida and the Bahamas. Your presentation to these gamesters may be close to some crusty bottom structure and once hooked up, they’ll be sure to give your line an in-depth tour of every single cutoff point. It’s in situations like this where PowerPro reigns supreme.

Surf fishing:The ability to cast long distances is absolutely crucial in this angling specialty. You’ll want to be able to reach that attractive slough or break situated way outside the breakers that you know holds schools of pompano. In your surf and beach experience you know that gamesters like snook and jacks can also be taken at surf’s edge. However, it’s the schools of mackerel, bluefish and tarpon, that often seem just out of reach…just ask a handful of Sanibel fishermen! Imagine having your surf reel loaded with a 30 lb. test microbraid that has the diameter of 8 lb. monofilament. No trouble flinging your spoon, plug, or sand flea over the horizon now. The no-stretch property of PowerPro will keep your striking ability effective, even though there will be more line out between you and the fish.

Reef & Bottom fishing:PowerPro is an excellent option when reef fishing with bait or jigs. Consider the following characteristics. PowerPro’s ultra-thin diameter offers the fastest, most effective drops to the bottom. This is true even in high velocity currents.PowerPro’s low stretch insures the most sensitive strike detection possible: this is especially crucial when fishing for wily mutton snapper. Ditto for flag yellowtails, but add a three foot trace of 20 lb. fluorocarbon above your hook for maximum stealth. You’ll feel hits with a new sensitivity, and one quick snap of your rod is all you’ll need for a solid hookup! PowerPro’s abrasion resistance will always keep the odds in your favor as that big gag or black grouper side-slaps the rocks in its battle to escape.

Bluewater Fishing:PowerPro has found a permanent home in many anglers’ offshore trolling arsenals where long lines are a necessity. Oftentimes your best results trolling for blackfin tuna consist of fishing your baits way, way back. Solid hookups are a problem when comparatively stretchy monofilament is used, but the no-stretch qualities of PowerPro again compensate for the long line hookup challenge.The small diameter of this super-line adds two more perks while trolling South Florida’s offshore waters. You’ll appreciate the added line capacity while maintaining breaking strength- more line means less chance of your reel being dumped by that smoker king or grey-hounding sail. You’ll also appreciate the way PowerPro’s tiny diameter allows your diving plugs to get deeper, faster in your quest for that trophy wahoo.Remember that your entire angling arsenal has been chosen with the variety and versatility that make the tools perfect choices for each angling moment- you’ll want the only thing between you and the fish to follow these guidelines as well.

*PowerPro Tips:

Spooling Up-unlike monofilament, PowerPro will not stretch on the reel and cling to the barrel. This can result in line sliding around the barrel, which can seem like a problem with your drag mechanism. Rest assured, your equipment is fine. To avoid slippage, attach PowerPro to your spool using one of these methods:1) If your reel has a hole or knob on the barrel, use it.2) Leave at least 5 to 10 yards of monofilament on the reel (enough to cover the bottom of the spool) before attaching PowerPro with a Uni to Uni splice.3) Put a piece of compressible tape on the barrel before attaching PowerPro.

Setting the Hook-anglers on Saturday morning TV shows often set the hook in bass like Samurai warriors beheading the enemy. This may be a fine technique with monofilament line, but PowerPro doesn't require such a violent motion. When you get a strike, relax; a gentle snap of your wrist is all that’s required for a solid hook set.

Setting your Drag-PowerPro is so small for its strength that you may be tempted to set your drag higher than normal, but remember, your rod or reel may not be designed to handle the same unbelievable loads as your line. To make full use of PowerPro's amazing sensitivity without risking damage to your equipment, try one of the following tips:1) Set your drag to match the weakest component in your tackle system. 2) Set your drag to match the size of mono line you would normally use. 3) When using ultra-light equipment set your drag to no more than 1/3 of the line's rated strength. You can properly set the drag with a fish scale. At lower drag settings, a little extra line may pay out at the hookset, compensating for PowerPro's lack of stretch.

Cutting PowerPro-PowerPro is extremely strong. We recommend sharp scissors which are fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Look for models with blunt ends to protect your pockets.

Retie your Line-Although PowerPro is extremely strong, it isn't indestructible. If the line starts to look frayed, especially after fishing around structure, it's probably time to cut off the worn section and retie. This way your line will always perform at rated strength.

Using a Monofilament Leader-Attaching a monofilament leader to your PowerPro line may prove useful in the following situations:When bait or jig fishing requires extra finesse, especially in clear water, use a 3 ft. fluorocarbon leader to cut down on line visibility. When fishing for species that strike hard and fast, use a monofilament shock tippet. For big game applications, you may want to use a top shot of up to 100 yards.CAUTION:PowerPro is remarkably thin and strong. To avoid injury, never wrap PowerPro around your fingers or hand. If you need to bust out of a snag, wrap the line around a solid object and pull like heck!