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Which braided mainline for rolling meat?

John Parker

Senior Member
I'm planning on giving rolling meat a go, using a Ray Walton rolling pin.

What are the recommended braided lines for this please?
 
I'd avoid braid mainline personally . You can , without intention really damage fish when using it . That's my opinion after a mate who is a very competent angler told me what happened when he used it .
He swore never to use it again 🥹
 
How about trying something like drennan double strength in 10/12Ib, it’s pre-stretched and should transmit knocks and plucks etc…it does when touch ledgering for chub, you just need to be light handed with playing them. Only problem I see is the potential for twist if using a rolling pin??
 
There was a recent article in Angling Times, where an angler rolling meat was using Sufix Tritanium line in bright red. The line was easier to track on the eye and made no difference to his catch rates.

Sufix Tritanium is a cheap bulk spool sea fishing line.
 
The main reason for using braid is because of the line twist you get from the pin not having a bale arm as when you turn it sideways to cast it puts the twist in it you still get line twist with braid but it’s less noticeable than it is with mono I use power pro slick 8 in 30lb I’ve tried 20lb but it’s too thin in my opinion
 
I think Ray used 30lb Spiderwire which wouldn’t harm the fish and was a similar diameter to 10lb Maxima. I used it for a while but switched to standard 12lb mono as I didn’t feel a massive difference in terms of sensitivity. You need some thickness to the line to create the drag in the bow in the line move the bait down the swim.
 
Ray used Spider wire, at least that was what was on his reels when I serviced them back in the day.

I'm really into my lure fishing also for perch and I find it's night and day difference in feel and sensitivity between mono and braid. If you're feeling for bites then I couldn't imagine using anything but braid, but i bet it's not very nice trying to play barbel on braid, only used it as a mainline for perch and pike.
 
Would Ray use braid if this really happens? If it’s a common occurrence? I’m sure he would have had it happen to himself and would have therefore ceased to use braid? 🤔
 
Ray used Spider wire, at least that was what was on his reels when I serviced them back in the day.

I'm really into my lure fishing also for perch and I find it's night and day difference in feel and sensitivity between mono and braid. If you're feeling for bites then I couldn't imagine using anything but braid, but i bet it's not very nice trying to play barbel on braid, only used it as a mainline for perch and pike.
That's when it comes down to the rod and reel you're using. Rolling Pins are made precisely for the job, and there's no better rod (IMO) to match up with an R/P than a Torrix 11ft/1.75lb. That's the 'Dream Team' I reckon.
 
I'm planning on giving rolling meat a go, using a Ray Walton rolling pin.

What are the recommended braided lines for this please?
Spiderwire is what I and I believe Ray Walton uses, doesn't twist and kink up like mono, although you can still get a ' frap ' up if you don't guide it in on rewinds.
 
One of the reasons I don't use braid on a centrepin.... if casting with a decent pull it will slice the fk out of your fingers/hands, it's even worse if casting a lead. That I know through my own experience when I have used it !
I realise if you use a rolling pin then the line cutting your hands will be unlikely in comparison to using a usual centrepin ree.

I have no doubt that braid could do some serious damage to any fish unfortunate enough to get the line wrapped round it, especially if being wound in against a flow.
So if I was to use braid, then I would use quite a long length of mono or fluro to my hook.....jmo on the subject.
 
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My opinion is this.

I have been fishing with c'pins for barbel for nearly 50 years, and with braid only for the last (at a guess) 20 years. Although Ray and I discussed braids, I preferred PowerPro 20lb over Spiderwire - don't know why it was just a "feel" thing.

I use a 12" hooklength of Sufix coated braid, and can say that I have never ever damaged a barbel or chub.

Damaged fingers once or twice but that was pulling against a snag without using (stupidly) a metal rod or whatever.

I only fish using a max 2oz lead and whether off the side or Wallis, never had a problem.

I have the odd (mainly social) carp session, and hating baitrunners and Buzzers I opt for c'pins (the club water does allow braid mainlines) I cast up to 40-50 yards using Wallis.

The only time there is ever a slight issue is when it's raining and hands are wet, line does not slip so easily over hands.

I don't think braid is bad, but everyone has an opinion, so be it.
 
My opinion is this.

I have been fishing with c'pins for barbel for nearly 50 years, and with braid only for the last (at a guess) 20 years. Although Ray and I discussed braids, I preferred PowerPro 20lb over Spiderwire - don't know why it was just a "feel" thing.

I use a 12" hooklength of Sufix coated braid, and can say that I have never ever damaged a barbel or chub.

Damaged fingers once or twice but that was pulling against a snag without using (stupidly) a metal rod or whatever.

I only fish using a max 2oz lead and whether off the side or Wallis, never had a problem.

I have the odd (mainly social) carp session, and hating baitrunners and Buzzers I opt for c'pins (the club water does allow braid mainlines) I cast up to 40-50 yards using Wallis.

The only time there is ever a slight issue is when it's raining and hands are wet, line does not slip so easily over hands.

I don't think braid is bad, but everyone has an opinion, so be it.
I use a karabiner clip to cast off the side
 
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