Best Fishing Line: Braid, Mono, or fluorocarbon?

When should you use mono? What about braided line or Fluorocarbon? Matt explains what each line is for, how to use it, and when to avoid it. We also discuss leader materials and how to tie connection knots. 

This video goes in depth about all 3 fishing lines. We ignored copolymer for the sake of time as its really just an "in between" between fluorocarbon and monofilament. All of these different styles of line are important. Each one has a place and will increase your success while fishing. But use the wrong line for the wrong purpose and it will drive you insane! A perfect example that we forgot to cover in the video is that fluorocarbon sinks. Use it for topwater and it will drive you insane! But use it in ultra deep water and it will make it easier to keep bottom contact. 

Below is a break down of the different lines that we use on a regular basis. 

Braided Line...
Power Pro: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b
Power Pro MaxCuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Sufix 832: http://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Monofilament...
Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9
P-Line CXX: http://bit.ly/2alLm0l

Fluorocarbon...
Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
Seaguar AbrazX: http://bit.ly/2aaBBDX
Seguar Red Label: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

Connection Knots...

 Blood Knot- This is my core knot for all connections between braid and mono or braid and fluoro. If connecting to fluorocarbon its CRITICAL that the knot is wet when cinching up or the fluoro will be burned. 

Blood Knot Video: https://youtu.be/XKn9Pgl1sYI

Nail Knot- This is an extremely strong knot but requires an extra tool or straw to tie it effectively on the water. 

My applications...
Finesse in crystal clear water: 10 lb braid (use 15 lb if on a low end reel) to 5-8 lb fluoro
Finesse in clean water: 10 lb braid to 6-10 lb mono
Texas Rigs: 40 lb braid to 12-17 lb mono
Finesse Jigs: 30 lb braid to 10-15 lb mono or 12-15 lb fluoro
Jig Fishing: 50 lb braid to 15-20 lb mono
Crankbait option 1: 12 lb fluorocarbon (Assassin)
Crankbait option 2: 20 lb Braid (Sufix 832) to 12 lb mono
Swimbait: 80 lb braid to 30 lb mono
punching: 65 lb braid (no leader)
Frogging: 50-65 lb braid (No leader)
Jerkbait option 1: 20 lb braid to 10 lb mono leader
Jerkbait option 2: 12 lb fluorocarbon
Shaky Head: 30 lb braid to 10 lb mono
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Shimano Curado 150 DC : An In-Depth Look

Shimano's new Digitally Controlled reel is a hit! The Shimano Curado DC will be on the market soon and you need to check it out. Come along as Tim tests the casting distance with both braid and fluorocarbon and puts it through the real world tests as he fishes with the reel on Clearlake. 

The Curado DC Is available for Pre-Order NOW at Tackle Warehouse. 

Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Whether you enjoy finesse fishing or serious power fishing, this reel has a place in your arsenal. We're very excited to see the DC reels return to the US market!

Tim paired the reel with two different rods...

Frog Rod- Expride 7'3" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Jig Rod- Expride 6' 10" M: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

The baits...

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Jig- Dirty Jigs 3/8 oz Football Jig: http://bit.ly/2d0iJbd
Trailer- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW
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Interpreting Modern Electronics For Beginners AND Advanced Anglers!

Its finally here! No more mystery, its time to learn what those electronics are trying to show you! Do you know what fish look like? Do you know how to interpret the picture? Its time!

Modern electronics are a mystery to most anglers. Some anglers spend a few dollars for basic electronics, others spend thousands, but few know what the picture is actually showing them. This is the beginning of a series that will last for months, possibly years, as we explore and help you develop a deeper understanding of how to operate and interpret your electronics, regardless of brand. 

Here is the unit Tim is using to capture the screen shots in this video...

Humminbird Solix 15: http://bit.ly/2pAkXr2

Below is a breakdown of great graphs from the major brands...

Inexpensive Sonar Units:

Humminbird Helix 5 G2 Sonar $199.99- http://bit.ly/2fsOu1I
Lowrance Hook2 4X Series Sonar $119.99 - http://bit.ly/2sgeL6Y
Garmin Striker Plus Sonar 5CV $229.99 - http://bit.ly/2skseug

Great Sonar, Mapping, Side/Down Imaging Units:

Humminbird Helix 9” - http://bit.ly/2dlfHyx
Lowrance Hook2 9” - http://bit.ly/2kBj3l8

Top of the Line Electronics

Humminbird Solix 15” - http://bit.ly/2pAkXr2
Lowrance HDS-16” Carbon - http://bit.ly/2sjMhsR

This video is only the beginning! We look forward to helping you learn to operate your units, interpret them properly, and begin catching more and bigger fish because of your electronics!
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Hardbaits, Softbaits, and more... Spring Gear Review!

Spring is a great time to try new lures! We try as many as we possibly can and this handful made the cut after months of testing and experimentation. 

If you're looking to try something different this Spring, these are all excellent choices. From swimbaits to finesse baits to deep cranks, you're going to like these picks! Here are our thoughts on them...

Megabass Hazedong Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2CIwgzt 
Tight Kicking swimbait for an ultra finesse presentation. Works extremely well when slow fishing. 

Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT
Action lands between the Keitech 2.8 and Hazedong. Ultra versatile and a great alternative if your fish are seeing a lot of anglers throwing the 2.8

Dredger 22.5 Deep Crank: http://bit.ly/2I8xOcA
This Berkley bait goes extremely deep for its size. If you're looking for a bait that dives into similar depths as the 10XD but with half the size, this is the one for you! It also has a unique high-pitch rattle sound that works extremely well. 

IMX Pro Crankbait 906 CBR Rod: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
This rod is great for mid to full size Crankbaits. Virtually anything diving in the 7-20 foot depth range can be thrown on this setup. 

Reaction Innovations Shiver Shot: http://bit.ly/2JCpY7S
The bait is a small swimbait profile but with a forked tail. It works great as a dropshot bait as well as a tiny fluke option. This bait is a must try!

Damiki Axe Blade: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t
The Axe Blade is an incredibly versatile tail spinner. With an extra hook in the back this bait works really well for catching those fish that are just slapping at the bait. With a willow blade instead of a small Colorado its also a different sound and vibration profile than other tail spins. 
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