Here is a spin to the polimar knot when using braid. When tying the polimar knot,just when  you are making the overhand Granny knot with the loop, run the same loop another twist again, and then bring the hook thru the open end. Be sure to wet the line when tightening, but it works great. Give it a try.

after a few days of experimenting, i have come to the conclusion that it was the knot that was failing.

i now use the palomar knot as most people suggested.

KNOT INFO:
- http://www.animatedknots.com/palomar/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=ww...

i try to retie every hour or so, if not more as i put my line through alot of torture.

since changing the line, i have yet to encounter any failures.

i will post more info as time progresses

thanks

If you are going to use braid (for its sensetivity), then you really need to use a softer rod and/or back off the drag. The superlines have no stretch, thus no shock strength. You can't whack 'em as hard as with monofil, because something's got to give. Usually, it's the knot, as you've found out. You have choices, so pick one or two, and catch fish. I'd use the Palomar knot, and back off the drag, #1. Next, I'd back off the rod power. I'm not a big fan of any of the Superlines, but trying some here and there. I see no need for it on baitcasters. Holding the line ahead of the reel is a good way to increase sensetivity without using braid, and without investing a fortune in expensive rods.

The knot that Rob and jwerner are talking about is the knot I use for my braid also.  The knot you have been using , the fishermans knot aka the improved clinch knot is not very good for braid.  The Palomar or the knot used by Rob and jwerner are the only two I have found that work well with braid.  By the way  Pat, your suggestion and analysis of the problem was right on.  It is rarely the braid that flails, but it nicking on the bend in the eye, or actually the knot slipping on itself because braid is so slick.

Mark

Yup,

Rob is right on.
Russ

He means to wrap the line through the hook another time instead of once. Like put it through, loop it around and through the eye again before tying the knot. At least thats what I think he means.

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what do you mean by 2 lenths of line.



thanks

I use braided on most of my reels and have experienced the same during hookset.  What I have done to help this is to pass two lengths of line through the eye of the hook.  Keep the line doubled up through out the knot.  Since doing that, I have not had any line snap on hookset.

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could you post up a pic, so i can get a visual of what you are talking about.

i might use your idea.

thanks

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thanks for the tip

its too thick for my spinning reel though.  do you suggest any alternatives, other than a baid casting reel?

thanks

TDOT,

If used in tight cover go to 20-25lb mono it works a lot better.
Russ

I went through this when I started using PowerPro three years ago. The line is being cut when it is pulled into the gap of the hook eye during some hook sets. This is no reason to give up on PowerPro. The trick is to prevent the line from getting into the gap. With the heavy line you are using try a double polymar. Or do what I do to completely eliminate the problem. I tie a piece of 12 or 14 lb mono on to the eye hook making sure the knot rests in the eye gap. Result, zero lost fish in three years of hook sets. Here's a couple other PowerPro tips. Beware of hard hook sets using light wire hooks. You can and will break hooks. I switched to VMC hooks. If you use conventional line on some reels and PowerPro on others you will have to learn to make a big adjustment in the strength of the hook set. Also, when you buy PowerPro open several boxes, the color varies a lot.

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im really using it for tight, and big cover.  i also use it alot for skipping.  so i like the abuse it takes.

Depending on what application you are using it for, you may consider even heavier lb test. I used 30lb for pitchin and had one failure. 1 is too many in my book. If I was flipping stained water I would double that. Knots would probably hold better on thicker line and it won't affect the fish in dirtier water.

I also use the palomar. Tighten the knot nice and slow and be sure it is wet. Unless you are fishing vegetation, mono should suit you just fine. As Russ said, be careful around wood, it will cut into it and the fish will pull off.

I have used braid on spinning rods with a 15 ft mono leader. The blood knot that holds them together has never failed me. Plus you get some shock absorbtion from the mono but a little more sensitivity.  

T-Dot,

Yep wetted palomar is one way to go on this. I have also used the double clinch (fishermans knot) as well as it works just as good, but must be wet as well when pulling tag end to tighten.

I too also switched back to mono. Mainly for flipping/Pitching in wood. Lost a Potholes tourney last year from using Power Pro in the sticks. Only use Power Pro on my skipping rod now.
Russ