Braid choice for hooklinks

[Mark Evans 2]

Hi all,

What's everyone's choice for braid when it comes to hooklinks?

I've tried the following: Korda Supernatural in 25lb (18lb was out of stock) Korda Basix, Drennan Gravel braid, Korum micro braid.

The Supernatural seemed quite thick? And when cut it frays quite easy, the Gravel braid and Basix feel like that have a much tighter weave or some sort of a waxy coating? They cut really clean. Korum stuff I barely used.

What's your opinion on these if you have used them? What braids so you find sink the best but are still supple?

Would you consider a Tungsten coated braid even in clear water?

I like the idea of a mono hooklink for camouflage in clear water but I don't like the way a hook kicks off when used with a knot less kno, braid seems better.

 

[Barry Peck]

I use Drennan gravel Braid and never had a problem with it personally

 

[Tim Marks]

According to Darryl Peck (carp angler extraordinaire and Korda employee) the best braid for his combi-rig is called ‘slip d braid’. It is a newish Korda product; read into that what you will.

Allegedly it is stiffer than ‘supernatural’.

I tie my (occasional) combi rigs with 25lb supernatural and it works just fine in very short (an inch or less) sections. But I don’t cast mine up to 150 yards (like DP) so maybe I don’t need the added stiffness.

Just for balance these days I usually use a coated braid. But then I only fish in coloured water conditions on my rivers (Severn/Thames).

As far as knots for mono/Fluoro go; if you don’t like the way a knotless knot sits here are 2 suggestions: either use a hook with an upturned eye eg a chod hook (then the mono sits straight) or try a different knot eg a grinner/uni.

 

[Carl Massey]

Another one for the Drennan gravel braid. The Fox Camotex coated braid is good so just strip off a few inches above the hook for suppleness. Drennan Supplex Fluorocarbon is good and quite supple.

I do have some old hooklink material from yester year (Kryston Merlin and Drennan Dacron) which I'm tempted to bin but it's not seen the light of day for 20 years. Something for the bin I think.

 

[Barry Peck]

I only use coated braid or complete braid hooklengths In flood or coloured water conditions personally . Especially on the Warks Avon when it's clear it's Fluoro combi rigs or Fluoro on its own .

 

[Simon Archer]

I use 18lbs Supernatural, and get on with it alright. I also use Drennan Gravel braid, but find it a little think in comparison.

 

[Carl Massey]

I've not tried any of the tungsten coated/loaded braid yet as that sounds an option. As normal loads of choices but any suggestions there?

 

[Mark Evans 2]

Forgot to point out I don't use combi rigs with regards a mix of fluoro and braid, my hook lengths are always straight braid (coated or uncoated)

Will have to try some 18lb Supernatural. I quite like Korda stuff. I'm guessing the Slip D braid might feel like the Basix and Drennan Gravel braid.

Hooks I'm using Korda wide gapes and Guru ones (the ones in the black packets smwg?)

 

[Paul Richardson]

I don’t want to sound flippant but honestly I don’t think barbel give two hoots about the hook kicking off when using the knotless knot on mono
If it does bother you you can tie a supple braid hair using say 10lb Gardner trickster , whip it on with a moles knot and then tie the hook + braid hair onto mono using a palomar
Bit of a faff but works
I did use it on fluoro hooklinks but honestly I only use mono nowadays
I have used just about every braid available and combi rigs and hook kickers and Krank style hooks - you name it I’ve used it but catch just as many on boring old Dave Harell Pro Rig 13.8lb

 

[Paul Richardson]

Knotless - god knows where moles knot came from?

 

[Mark Evans 2]

Thanks guys,

Not sure why I worry so much, I can't even catch a Barbel out the W.Avon so there nothing wrong with a plain mono hooklink but it gives me something to play around with while I'm blanking

 

[Steve Kenchington]

Knotless - god knows where moles knot came from?

That had me intrigued. Thought I was missing the latest trick !

 

[Terry Simner]

Knotless - god knows where moles knot came from?

............well that's an hour of my life wasted, looking for details of how to tie a "moles" knot

 

[Barry Peck]

Thanks guys,

Not sure why I worry so much, I can't even catch a Barbel out the W.Avon so there nothing wrong with a plain mono hooklink but it gives me something to play around with while I'm blanking

............well that's an hour of my life wasted, looking for details of how to tie a "moles" knot

The 'moles knot' ... it's been kept 'underground'

 

[Mark Evans 2]

Even people with terrible eyesight can tie the moles knot

 

[Terry Harman]

I've not tried any of the tungsten coated/loaded braid yet as that sounds an option. As normal loads of choices but any suggestions there?

Thinking anglers tungskin very very supple

 

[Mark Evans 2]

The only Tungsten coated braid I've tried so far is the semi stiff ESP stuff. I really like it but find I can't straighten it by hand and need to steam it, so not ideal on the bank for me fishing shorter sessions. Would be ok if I used it in carp rig lengths that would fit onto the rig board in the Korda Basix box.