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Fluoro Mainline B.S.

Martin Stevens

Martin Stevens

Senior Member
Hi all

Gearing up to my first proper stint on the river in four seasons and I'm trying to buy some new line. In the past I have used Fox Illusion 10lb and loved it to bits. However it looks like to get some delivered in time for my trip I'm going to have to go with the new Illusion XS in 12lb as nowhere seems to have the 10lb in stock.

I tend not to like going too heavy with the line especially as I am not fishing a rocky river (the Kennet), the fish do go quite big in the stretches in question though. Just wondering if anyone else fishes 12lb on river that aren't too hard on tackle and if anyone has experience of the XS version of Illusion.

Cheers in advance
Martin
 
Thanks for the overwhelming level of feedback! :)

Seriously though, as someone who has to all intents and purposes been away from the sport for 3 or 4 seasons any feedback you guys can give to my posts, no matter how small, would be appreciated.

I think I've only read angling mags 2 or 3 times since I was last out seriously, so have been unprepared for some of what has happened in the meantime. Otter kills at Adam's Mill, completely new tackle companies and some of my favourite bits of kit almost doubling in price. Sometimes I feel like I've never fished before. And yes, before anyone suggests it I have visited the beginners/kids forum!

I know people are often wary of new posters but really, I am a very nice chap and used to post alot in the past under a sudonym.

To anyone who's interested I have plumped for the 12lb due to a lack of alternatives and it has just arrived with the post. Have to say it looks thinner than I remember and does seem more supple. Hopefully it does the business.

Cheers
Martin
 
Remain sceptical about fluorocarbons but have used standard Illusion in 15 and 18lb. In my opinion one of the better ones, although knot strengths are lower than the stated breaking strain - as I recall a few pounds below.
Big Game or GR60 are great monos, along with quite a few others and when I'm not using braid would go this way.
Cheers
Bob
 
I use the Gamma stuff (which I think is sold in the BFW shop?). Its superb and never had a problem with it. Had also used Big Game which is fine, but I've got more confidence in the Gamma line. I also use Powerpro 30lb for some fishing too.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I've heard quite alot of good things about the gamma fluoro, maybe if the illusion xs doesn't work out I'll give it a try. I had a lot of confidence in the old illusion after having my first double on it as well as it standing up to a couple of snagged fish without breaking, but this'll be my first time on the new xs.

I've used a few monos in the past, maxima, gt80 and gr60 and whatever that grey shimano stuff is called. What I like about fluoro is it's resistence to tangles and kinks. I always test my knots and touch wood have always spotted duds before casting.

My main issue was the bs. I don't like going over the top but at the same time don't want to leave tackle trailing from a fish. If memory serves the old illusion was quite thick and didn't really want to go thicker. The xs seems thinner at first look, though it's been a while so I could be wrong.

Cheers again
martin
 
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