Well, I’ve tried so many lines over the years I thought I’d share with you all some of the info gleaned.
Mono Running lines are just better 90% of the time. That’s my opinion of course, but I think I’ve spent enough time casting many brands of integrated lines to form for a valid argument that they just aren’t as efficient to cast big flies all day, and they don’t last as long. They do have times when they shine and that’s on really cold days so long as it’s a cold weather line.
My three favorite Mono Running lines
1. Berkeley Big Game 30 or 40 Pound in chartreuse (I like to see my running line) The cool thing about this is you can get a 5 year supply for less than $10.
2. Suffix Elite 25 Pound
3. Ande Tournament (green) 50 pound (if you just have to have a thicker running line)
I use bulk T14 and a kitchen scale to get my sink tips weighed out to where I want them. 23 Grams runs about 350 grains, 26 Grams runs about 400 grains. They average 25’ to 30’ in length which I feel is perfect for 9’ rods and my casting style. I want the mono to T14 loops out of my guides when I’m double hauling, and that length balances perfect while not pulling the loops in and out. Once I get them weighted right, I attach a high end swivel to the leader end and weld the loop with the swivel inside the loop. This is a feature you can’t find on factory shooting lines and it works wonders at reducing twist in your line. The other end I just weld a loop to attach the mono running loop to. I’ve been fishing these lines for a few years now and I’ve only had one or two of my welded loops break under extreme force, ie, hung up. It’s really nice to be able to control everything about your lines. I build floating and intermediate heads too. I just love the ease of the cast with this style of line and the depth and line control it adds. Of course, your mileage may vary.