New fisherman, barely wet behind the ears. New reels, rods and so forth ready for more yellowtail off socal this season. Question: Cost not being a factor, I would like to use spectra with a topshot of 50 yrds of flourocarbon. Reasoning: spectra lasts years, most local yellowtails do not run to far past my feeble casting range of 50 yards and if my casting improves I can shorten the spectra and add more flourocarbon later. I know mono is the standard. has anyone tried a setup like this and what was their experience. Thank you.
The one problem with a flouro top shot is that it is very stiff and hard to cast. However, if you are just bottom fishing or trolling, flouro is great.
Hope that you get a really good connection. Getting at least , well I'd start with 100yards of mono topshot. It will only get shorter and the stretch factor is better when fighting for yellowtails and allowing the 8foot cut off after a long heavy fighting fish (ABRASIONS) is removed . The top shot becomes shorter really fast and re-tying a bimini to albright isn't performed in an instant, it takes a few minutes and if you can't do one yourself, then it will only be longer and can take up some patience in getting it done, so avoid any lost fishing time and go with a reasonable length top-shot, 100yards ; remember that it will get shorter fast. We could put some flouro on the last 5-6 feet, so the connecting knot stays out of your fishing poles guides and you can cast out as far as ever. The knot is usually bulky and besides, 6feet is plenty long enough to work for the invisibilty which is the main reason for using flouro. Pray that the big fish and the drag is set unequivicably in that order, Or pull on the rod and wind in all that line so we can get a real jackpot fish !!!!BOOYAH!!!
If you are getting a new set-up remember to think about a 30lb mono 100yard top sgot on 65lb spectra. (generally always go up in the spectra,significantly, cost saving as well as more powerful in case you want to put on 50lb top shot ?/ not the same as the mono. ) The flouro should go a wee bit bigger, I guess because the flouro is usually thinner and invivible, so if you can get away with tougher line that is near the fishes mouth, fins, etc. and tying the hook knot go ahead and put 35lb. flouro (40 at most)mono. I would do the same for myself and I don't loose fish unless they are cut off by another angler's line that is peeling off while I am getting a tight line at color. That happens every year and it's really about time to let it go and grab another rod quick and go-get another one !
Thank you all for your input and advice. Its been extremely helpful. Since improving my casting is a goal this year the best bet sounds like leaving 100 yards of mono topshot. fluoro has many great articles about its properties but they are in the business to sell. I just want to improve and catch fish. Again I thank you. Forums like this are incredibly beneficial to those of us who have limited experience.
Fluoro has its place but not as a top shot for heaving iron. Get a quality mono and put a solid connection to the spectra.
Remember on an open party you will have to cast off the bow and fight your fish there if they get into the spectra. Most captains hate spectra cause it cuts every one off and is a bitch in tangles.
