Is braid bad for crankbaits?

Is Braid Bad for Crankbaits?

Crankbait fishing is a popular technique among anglers, and choosing the right fishing line is crucial for success. When it comes to selecting the appropriate line for crankbaits, there has been a long-standing debate about whether braid is a suitable option. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using braid with crankbaits and provide you with a comprehensive answer to the question: is braid bad for crankbaits?

The Benefits of Using Braid with Crankbaits

Contrary to popular belief, braid can offer several advantages when paired with crankbaits. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits:

• Longer Casts: One of the significant advantages of using braid with crankbaits is the ability to achieve longer casts. The small diameter of braid allows for reduced friction, enabling you to cover more water and reach those hard-to-reach spots.
• Higher Knot Strength: Braid is renowned for its exceptional knot strength, providing anglers with confidence and peace of mind when battling aggressive fish. This quality is particularly important when using crankbaits, as they often attract larger predatory species.
• Abrasion Resistance: Crankbaits are commonly used in areas with heavy cover, such as rocks, wood, and vegetation. Braid’s superior abrasion resistance makes it suitable for navigating these obstacles without compromising its strength or durability.
• Sensitivity: Braid’s thin diameter enhances sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest movements and interactions with the bait. This heightened sensitivity can lead to better hooksets and an increased ability to detect light touches and strikes.
• Weed Cutting: When fishing in weedy areas, braid can be advantageous as it can cut through weeds and keep the bait free from debris. This feature helps maintain the lure’s action and prevents it from getting tangled.

Drawbacks of Using Braid with Crankbaits

While braid offers several benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• High Visibility: Braid’s high visibility can be a disadvantage in clear water situations. Fish with keen eyesight may be deterred by the presence of the bright, visible line, potentially reducing the number of strikes.
• Lack of Stretch: Braid has minimal stretch compared to monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. While this can be an advantage in terms of sensitivity, it can also reduce shock absorption when setting the hook with small treble hooks. This lack of stretch may increase the chances of losing fish during the fight.
• Snagging and Cover: Braid has a tendency to wrap itself around cover, such as rocks or vegetation, making it challenging to free up. Additionally, when a hook gets snagged deep into wood, cutting the line may be necessary, resulting in lost lures.
• Higher Cost: Braid tends to be more expensive than monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. This higher cost may deter some anglers, especially those who prefer to replace their line frequently.

Exploring Different Perspectives

While there are valid arguments both for and against using braid with crankbaits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and fishing conditions. Some professional anglers, such as David Fritts, a legendary crankbait fisherman, recommend using small diameter braided line for crankbait fishing. They emphasize the benefits of braid, such as its pound test rating-to-line diameter ratio, which affects lure action, casting distance, and the ability to control big fish around cover.

On the other hand, some experts advocate for low-stretch monofilament or fluorocarbon lines when fishing with crankbaits. They argue that these lines offer qualities such as abrasion resistance, low stretch, and thinner diameter, making them ideal for crankbait fishing. Berkley Trilene Sensation Professional Grade monofilament is specifically mentioned as a top choice for crankbait fishing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, braid is not inherently bad for crankbaits. It offers several advantages, including longer casts, higher knot strength, abrasion resistance, sensitivity, and weed-cutting capabilities. However, it also has its drawbacks, such as high visibility, lack of stretch, potential for snagging, and higher cost.

Ultimately, the choice of fishing line for crankbaits depends on personal preference, fishing conditions, and the specific goals of the angler. It is essential to consider factors such as water clarity, cover type, target species, and individual fishing style when making a decision.

Related Websites:

• Wired2Fish – Why You Should Consider Braid for Cranking
• Wired2Fish – Braid vs Monofilament Fishing Lines and When to Use Each
• Tackle Village – Best Line for Crankbaits
• Atko Fishing – Can I Use Braid for Crankbaits? Hint: Stop Using Monofilament
• Tackle Lab – Best Fishing Line for Crankbait
• Bassmaster – Throw Your Crankbaits on the Right Line