Rockfishing is a type of sea fishing, often delicate, which involves stalking fish on rocky bottoms, in ports or other areas with hiding places. Rich in emotions and thrills, it’s a multifaceted hobby that novice and experienced anglers can discover or improve. To guarantee success during these fishing sessions, the choice of the braid plays a central role in the fisherman's equipment.
In this article, we will analyze the different aspects related to the choice of a good braid for rockfishing, favoring the essential characteristics taking into account noise, casting distances and even price and alternatives. So, which braid to choose to indulge in the practice of rockfishing?
The advantages of a braid suitable for rockfishing
A high-quality braid must meet a certain number of criteria to be considered appropriate for the practice of rockfishing. This is a concept that we will find on other techniques, notably the fine fishing of predators in freshwater. These are:
- Resistance: The braid must be resistant both structurally and mechanically. It must be able to withstand significant constraints without breaking, especially when it comes to subduing a combative fish. This will be the case frequently, possibly coming across a variety of fish species and sometimes larger than one might think. Regular obstacles also require opting for braids with more abrasion-resistant fibers, increasingly common in manufacturers' offerings.
- Flexibility: A braid that is too stiff or too thick makes handling difficult, especially when it comes to tying knots and other complex assemblies. The goal is to remain discreet, so opt for the most pushed resistance diameter coherence possible.
- Sensitivity: It is essential that the braid is sensitive enough to detect the slightest touches or vibrations of the fish and allow the angler to quickly react accordingly. We will thus prefer tighter fused braids, offering a better feedback.
- Visibility: The color and visibility of the braid are also important, as they facilitate the tracking of movements in turbid water and allow better line control. And night fishing is common in rockfishing, requiring good visibility of your line. Hence, Power pro offers you a braid that glows in the night, ultra effective.
The types of braids to consider for rockfishing
Among the different types of braids available on the market, we are going to list three categories that are particularly well suited to the practice of rockfishing:
1. Classic totality braids
These braids are available in a variety of diameters and resistances, depending on how you want to use them and the size of the fish you target. They are the most popular and widely used. Generally made from synthetic fibers such as Dyneema or Spectra, they have excellent resistance to abrasion and tearing while maintaining good flexibility. It’s a safe bet.
It is also possible to use graded multicolored braids, which allow to more easily evaluate the distance of your assembly or your lure from the bottom, thereby improving your precision and effectiveness during rockfishing. Your drifts are better controlled and obstacles avoided more easily.
Our current selection:
- Braid Favorite X1 PE 4X Light Green 150m
- Braid Westin W6 8 Braid Lime Punch 135m
- Braid Spiderwire Durabraid 275m Moss Green
2. Sheathed braids
With a thin plastic sheath around the braid, these braids offer even more resistance to abrasion and better longevity. They are particularly suitable for very rocky seabeds where the risks of snagging are high. Thus, less risk of breaking when striking.
3. Fluorocarbons
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This is the queen alternative to the braid. These body lines have the advantage of being almost invisible underwater, as they have the same refractive index as water. Moreover, they are less affected by UV rays than polyethylene braids (Dyneema, Spectra) and therefore offer better resistance to aging. Their flexibility is also appreciated in rockfishing, although you need to be attentive to the quality. Without elasticity, you lose no sensations, unlike nylon.
Our current selection:
See all our lines for rockfishing
Making the right choice according to your experience and preferences
The choice of the ideal braid for rockfishing can depend on several personal parameters:
- Your level of experience: if you are a beginner or are not used to the specific techniques of rockfishing, you can start with a classic totality braid, easy to handle and already with good performance. It will ensure that you do not quickly lose your first fish and your first lures. Afterwards, it would be wise to explore the other types of braids to find the one that best suits your fishing style and the challenges encountered in the field. Also, remember to renew your braid regularly. The vagaries of time, salt, and sun are continuous aggressors of the quality of the slip and resistance.
- Your preferences in terms of color and visibility: some people will prefer discreet braids almost invisible under water, while others will opt for multicolored, flashy or even fluorescent braids that are more easily noticeable in shadowy areas or in low light.
- The size of the target fish and the fishing environment: You will need to adapt the resistance, diameter, and length of your braid according to the constraints of the terrain (rocky bottoms, algae, sand) and the size and power of the fish sought.
Finally, do not neglect the importance of properly maintaining your braid to extend its lifespan. Regular washing with clean water after each rockfishing session and proper storage (linear, without excessive twists or bends) will prevent premature degradation of its properties. Also, think about drying before storing your equipment in the garage.