Braid For Beachcasting

Can you use braid for beach fishing?

Replies:

1. "I've been using braid off the beach now for about 3 years and I dont have a problem getting 175yds with the stuff, and it lasts forever, so long as you wash your spool off after each trip.

There are several different makes of braid around, some are only for freshwater or boat work. If you get the wrong one, it will be destroyed after one trip. Having tried a few the best one to date is from Berkley, the Fireline range.

I use 20lb line which has the same diameter as 8lb mono. But hunt around if you are looking to buy braid as the prices vary by several pounds either way. I have not found any ring wear, and the only hassle I used to have was tying a good leader knot, now its a piece of cake and I love the sensitivity of the stuff!"

2. "Be VERY careful when trying to powercast with braid. One wrong move could end in disaster.

It doesn't behave the same way as mono, even a small error could result in the loss of a thumb or a snapped rod tip.

To be honest there are no real advantages of using braid from the shore - most anglers who have tried the stuff have done just that - tried it. It's far safer to stick with mono, and if you fish anywhere with a reasonable tide flow you won't be able to hold bottom with braid - your lead will keep breaking out!

Stick to the mono and leave the braid to boat and lure fishing."