Questions for the experienced members

[kayakkurtz]

I'm new to throwing large swimbaits, just bought a deps 250 and have seen more big fish come look at this thing then I've ever seen before. Was fortunate enough to get an opportunity see Butch Brown at the Fred Hall Show, was impressed/inspired to try and give this a huge swimbait thing a shot as well. This website and forum have been super informative. My current issue is with this lure breaking off. I've never invested as much in a lure in my life, I've gone swimming/wading for this thing 3 times in 3 days.

 

1) Snagged on a marker Buoy chain, dove down to get it.

2) Snapped my fluro leader, luckily in shallow/clear water

3) Upgraded my leader to 20 Lbs Fluro, snapped at the knot and went deep into tullies, I waded in after it and thank god found it.

 

I had my leader tied to 80 Lbs Krazen braid, am now only confident in tying it straight to my braid but assume big fish see my line? 

 

I'm now less focused on fishing well and more nervous about losing $150-$175 lure. 

 

All my breaks have occurred on Fluro, it's all new, used seguar 12 Lbs and pline 20 lbs?

knots are palomar and this other one I found on the internet, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE3OXADeadw.  

 

Any advice would be great, thank you for your time.

 

 

[MA Frog Man]

I'd try straight 20 lb flouro/mono if you're reel has the capacity. San Diego jam knot. If you're going to stick with the braid to flouro I'd try a crazy Alberto knot with 25 lb test seaguar.

[aikenyounggun]

I throw it on either straight 25lb mono (big game) or straight 20 lb fluoro.  20 lb is about the smallest I would go (12 lb is crazy talk).  

 

I tie a palomar and have yet to have issues.  There are guys on here with a lot more time on the bait than me, and I'm sure they will chime in.

 

You also need to check your line often.  

[jakevlastnik]

i fish izorline XXX in 25 lb for all my 250 sized baits. The line is soft enough with low memory and its all i fish, freshwater and saltwater.

[bassbass]

12lb test is way to low for a 250

[Nateraz]

Throw straight 20-25lb florocarbon or mono on the 250 sized baits, i personally use 22lb Sunline shooter florocarbon for my deps

[luckycraft]

25lb big game and I top shot it after a long day of casting. Control the controlables, the rest is up to the fish gods! Good luck and welcome to the big bait club!

[kayakkurtz]

thanks for the advice gentlemen.

[ATFISHING1234]

I use 25# for Hudds (4oz). I can't see using anything less than 25# for a 250 ss at 6.5oz.

[bassfiend72]

I have been using #25 Big Game. Mono. No issues yet.

[Top Ramen]

Go to #20 to #25 copoly or mono. They have the most streatch, which is key in preventing cast-offs. Once you get used to throwing the bait, switch to #20 flouro. Flouro has more give than braid, but not as much as mono or coploy.

 

Good luck, you're going to love that bait if you get the hang of it.

[Jace D]

I know a lot of guys use heavy mono but my brother and I both casted off 250's with 30# P-line PF. We switched to 25# Seaguar Invisx (or Abrazx is also good) and haven't had any problems. We've even had time where the line looped around the tip of the rod and it still didn't break. We took Butch's advise and just started using the 25# fluoro and everything has been good. Every time we try something other than fluoro we just have problems so we pretty much use Invisx for everything except top water. We use 25# for the big stuff (250's or bigger) and 20# for Hudds and pretty much everything else.

[scoopdaloop]

^ this. 25# seaguar invisx.

[bigpoppabass]

Remember if u r tying a leader to braid give it some length or go higher in lb test. Reason is it is a shock leader tha takes alot of that braid force caused by no stretch character. When i crank slammmers i use a short 40lb fluoro leader to braid cuz i dont like leader knot touching my guides....white braid i am convinced is pretty much invisible near the top, lots of options there, spiderwire invisibraid is a good one if u want to go all braid...also check out matt allens vids on swavers, he spends alot of time talking gear options...with braid go down a rod size if u r breaking leader, rod could be overpowering line.

Edited April 8, 2016 by bigpoppabass

[Chaozu]

How the hell are you guys casting baits off? This has only happened to me a few times using braid, then I stopped and have never had that problem again. Make sure the settings on your real are where they should be for that particular bait and control the spool with your thumb.