When a new Trabucco line was recommended to me a couple of years ago, I was very skeptical about this recommendation. Too many different ones have already been tested for match fishing, and they all represented some kind of compromise between the three mutually exclusive characteristics necessary for match fishing - softness of the line, high breaking load, including at knots, and wear resistance. Moreover, for fishing with (that is, for most types of match fishing), one more parameter was added - good line sinkability. This means that in no more than two or three turns of the reel, the line from the float to the rod must go completely under water, otherwise it will be carried along the surface and it will be impossible to achieve good wiring. Poor grip of the fishing line forces you to cast the equipment much further from the fishing point, requiring an increase in weight and load, which ultimately negatively affects the bite. That's why this parameter is so important.
Previous ideal - Trabucco Diamond Sinking line- suited everyone except the unstable one breaking load on the nodes, and to achieve good result, a regular loop had to be tied several times. Then the knot withstood a number of fishing trips; even constantly passing through numerous match rings, it did not lose strength. The wear resistance of the fishing line was beyond praise: I managed to work with it for a couple of seasons, while I came across vaunted fishing lines that, after several fishing trips, turned into washcloths. Testing Trabucco XPS lines after the purchase, it revealed a very high breaking load, almost at the level of Hi-Tec fishing lines, excellent elasticity, good knot strength and a slight excess of its diameter, which is generally characteristic of match fishing lines.
The line is wound onto the spool very evenly, turn to turn, this prevents it from being damaged during storage and confirms its Japanese origin. After the first fishing trips, I noticed that it sank perfectly. Usually, with inexpensive fishing lines, this characteristic gradually deteriorates, and even the constant use of a line-sinking compound does not help much. With the XPS Match Sinking fishing line, the need for spray arose no more than once per fishing trip - solely for the initial degreasing of the fishing line and restoring its operating parameters. At the end of the season, when it was already possible to judge the durability of the fishing line, a control check of the breaking load showed that its decrease was very insignificant; You can try fishing with it one more season for a final check. As a rule, after the fishing season, I rewind the fishing line on the reel spool in reverse, so that the new section is working. Thus, the fishing line lasts at least a couple of seasons.
Line Trabucco XPS showed excellent characteristics, so I think that it can easily serve for two seasons in a row and only after that it should be rewound. Taking into account the unwinding of 150 m of fishing line, even with periodic trimming of the working area, it will last for at least four seasons active fishing. This is what my second season of fishing with this line proved. The main parameters - breaking load, knot strength, sinkability - remained at the proper level. I used a line with a diameter of 0.165 mm for carp fishing in commercial reservoirs and 0.148 mm for all other cases, including competitions. I would recommend the latter as a universal one. In addition, unwinding 150 m of fishing line on a reel eliminated the need to reel in backing onto standard match Shimano spools. Previously, this problem had to be solved by purchasing fishing line on large reels - 500 m each. Due to frequent competitions, the fishing line on the reel ran out in a couple of seasons, but for an ordinary angler who does not catch too much with match gear, such fishing line “hangs” for a lot years and is gradually deteriorating. If you use regular deep spools with backing, then when unwinding 150 m each there is a certain supply of XPS line for breaks and cutting it when fishing. Taking into account the excellent characteristics, it would be logical to expect an increase in the price of this fishing line. But, oddly enough, Trabucco XPS Match Sinking line turned out to be cheaper than the previous Diamond Sinking, which is a credit to the manufacturer for offering anglers an excellent product at an affordable price.
Fishermen do not always use the terminology accepted among professionals. It happens that someone has been fishing all their life and did not know that this type of fishing has its own special name. This applies to match fishing - fishing with a light plug rod with a reel over long distances, which is also designed for catching large fish.
An important component of the match equipment is the match line, which must be sinking. Such a fishing line appeared recently about 20 years ago. Well, now it is used with might and main for match fishing and
According to my observations, many fishermen use universal gear, which can be used to fish near the shore and make “long casts.” In this case, they use any fishing line, without really thinking about any special equipment. After all, in practice, you can drown any fishing line.
For real match fishing, everything must correspond to just such fishing, including the fishing line, which is described in this article. I mean that whoever reads this article understands all the nuances of match fishing.
At first glance, it may seem that such rough tackle will not bring results and will frighten the fish, but in practice this is not the case. The fish is especially shy near the coastline; at depth it feels much freer and pays less attention to gear.
Many manufacturers have a line for match fishing. The line spool is labeled Match or Sinking. But there are quite a lot of requirements for such a fishing line, so not all companies produce it.
Peculiarities
Since fishing with a match rod takes place in still water or in the presence of a very weak current, the line will be submerged in the water. This is a feature of this kind of fishing.
The second difference between this type of fishing is the distance; casting can occur at a distance of 70-100 meters, which is quite far.
Since the line is in calm water, it does not sail or move under the influence of the current.
Browning Cenex Sinking Match Lin
Characteristics
Match line is made of dense material, which is heavier in specific gravity than water and therefore sinks faster. The monofilament from which the fishing line is made is thin. The diameter of the main line is 0.14-0.20 mm. Match line is less durable than monofilament of the same diameter.
Together with the main fishing line, a leash is used, which is even smaller in diameter - 0.1-0.12 mm. When match fishing, the breaking load of the fishing line is not very important; it is mainly the leader that breaks.
Basic Requirements
The fishing line for match fishing must meet certain requirements:
The line should sink easily
Regular monofilament lies on the water after casting and does not sink. The packaging of match fishing line should have the designation “sinking line”, which means sinking. In order to increase the sinkability, manufacturers cover monofilament with special coatings in two or three layers. Thus, its specific gravity relative to water increases.
But the fishing line shouldn’t be very heavy either. Otherwise, it will sink to the bottom and hooking will become more difficult. And when casting long distances, a sharp hook is very important.
How to make a fishing line sink
You can make the fishing line sink yourself. To do this, wipe it with liquid soap or “Fary”. It is necessary to completely degrease the fishing line. Fatty deposits help keep it floating on the water. Instead of liquid soap, use a special match spray. The effectiveness of the spray is much higher than that of household products.
Degreasing spray Softness and elasticity
This allows for a freer release of the spool and also allows for better winding onto the reel.
Abrasion resistance
The match fishing technique consists of numerous casts. Consequently, the fishing line will constantly experience friction against the reel and guide rings. Therefore, it is very important that the fishing line does not wear out or fray.
Low extensibility
Low stretch will ensure a tight hook.
Lack of "memory"
It should not only be unconscious, but also straighten out in a straight line after casting. Do not curl into rings, but lie flat on the water. If it was twisted, straighten it out. For the same purpose, manufacturers have come up with a special parallel one that prevents curling.
Many people ask the question: how to straighten the fishing line? It turns out that this can be done at home. For example, hang a weight and heat the line with a hairdryer, the rings will go away. Another way to straighten a fishing line is to run it across the hot surface of an iron, kettle or pan. In any case, the heating process promotes straightening.
Dark color
The line should be dark.
Firstly, so that you can use a marker to mark on it the distance to which the cast was made. Usually black, dark blue or dark brown. The use of markers is prerequisite for match fishing. The price of the marker is not important, they are all about the same. Both expensive and cheap markers draw well.
Secondly, the dark color is similar to the color of the bottom, which means the fishing line is hardly noticeable.
How to drown
In order for the fishing line to sink, it must be submerged. Sink the line with jerking movements. First you need to lower the tip of the rod into the water, take up the slack and lift it sharply. Those fishing lines that sink worse are sunk in two approaches.
Not all lines sink the same way. They are divided into two subgroups:
- Sinking quickly.
- Conditionally drowning.
Of course, it is preferable to purchase fishing lines that sink quickly and are labeled Full Sinking Line, but their price is higher.
The best manufacturers
The leaders in the production of such fishing lines are Japanese and German companies. Using their raw materials, Italians and Poles produce good fishing lines.
Trabucco fishing line was designed specifically for fishing with a match rod, as well as for feeder fishing. Color: black. The Trabucco T-Force line has a high weight, which helps it sink in a short period of time. Trabucco T-Force has ceramic added to its structure, which adds strength to the monofilament. Trabucco line is parallel wound.
Trabucco T Force XPS Match Sinking Maver Smart Dual Band – Japanese fishing line, which is made from two threads using the compression method. Quite soft, blue-gray color. Maver Smart Dual Band is used for match fishing, as well as for feeder fishing, float fishing rods and spinning rods. Treated with resins that protect it from abrasion. Since the fishing line is made of two monofilaments of different colors, its diameter is not round, which worries those who buy it for the first time. But it's not fake. Works very well when fishing for carp. For small fish unacceptable - drags on.
Maver Smart Dual Band Line is easier to break than Trabucco Line
Another fishing line from Maver is Smart SLR, the reviews are very positive. The Maver SLR is called a legend. Smart SLR is used not only for match fishing, but also for winter fishing. Maver SLR - soft and elastic with almost no memory, the diameter corresponds to the declared one. A significant disadvantage of the Maver SLR is the price. But Maver SLR is often counterfeited. Of course, a fake will not have the characteristics of the original.
The German company Browning produces excellent match fishing lines:
- Browning Cenex Sinking Match Line – sinks quickly and has low memory.
- Browning Cenex Sinking Line NEW – transparent, very easy to melt.
Colmic Arwen Inglese Super Competition Sinking Line - replaced the popular RACE Sinking Line. RACE Sinking is currently out of production. Colmic Arwen is marsh-colored, has low extensibility and poor memory. Arwen Sinking has the following diameter: 0.148 mm; 0.168 mm; 0.185 mm; 0.205 mm; 0.230 mm. User reviews say that the diameter is slightly lower than it actually is.
Folk sign: As soon as the bite begins, you should under no circumstances look back or look around, the bite will stop immediately!
What does the average fisherman usually look at when buying fishing line? To the breaking load indicated on the label. The greater the load, the more attractive the line looks.
Not to mention the fact that not everything written can be trusted; this is, in fact, the wrong approach. Breaking load is far from the only factor that should be kept in mind. There are many factors, and in different ways fishing, even in different situations within the same fishing method, one or another of them can receive main role, while others fade into the background.
When fishing with a match rod, that is, a special light float rod with a reel, fairly thin monofilaments are used (no thicker than 0.20 mm). The so-called linear breaking load of the main reel line (the load at which the line breaks without a knot) is not very important here. Fishing mainly takes place with a leash that is thinner and weaker than the main line, and if something happens, it is the leash that usually breaks anyway. At the same time, the equipment elements located on the main line are preserved: sinkers, swivels, expensive floats, etc.
In addition, with modern match fishing lines, except perhaps cheap ones, the real breaking load for a fishing line of the same actual diameter is approximately the same, and only the data on the labels differs: some overestimate, some write the truth, some modestly underestimate.
What is important? First of all, resistance to abrasion and other mechanical damage, and indeed durability in a broader sense. A match fishing rod involves frequent re-casting of the tackle, pulling out prey, and the fishing line constantly moves back and forth along the rings, experiencing stress when the fish jerks. Accordingly, it must be tenacious. What is the use of the strongest fishing line if during the first day of fishing it loses half of its strength and becomes weaker than a cheaper and initially weaker, but more stable fishing line? Many people probably remember how popular it was in the 70s and 80s. German fishing line “Platil Strong”. It was very good for fly rods and reel rod leaders. But as soon as you wound it on a reel, trouble began. The slightest roughness of the reel roller or rod ring caused irreparable consequences. Sometimes the scuffs were so great that a section of the fishing line resembled a string of half-peeled bananas.
Advertising for modern monofilaments often emphasizes the so-called “lack of memory.” This refers to the ability of the fishing line to easily straighten after deformation. For thin match lines this is not as important as for thick ones, say carp, but still... The line should not curl into rings, but, on the contrary, should straighten and lie flat on the water. “Lack of memory,” however, should not be understood as a state similar to the noodle state. Excessively soft thin fishing lines become very tangled and behave worse when casting from a reel.
After casting, the match line is either left floating on the surface or submerged. When fishing with a wire, the line must float so that you can control the movement of the float, throw the line upstream and prevent the formation of an arc downstream.
When fishing in still water using a float with one lower attachment point (waggler), the line is usually submerged so that it does not blow away in the wind. But the weight of the fishing line does not sink equally well (or equally poorly).
Why ordinary polyamide monofilament after casting float equipment does not sink, but floats on the surface? The specific density of the material is low, about 1.14, that is, although the fishing line is heavier than water, it is not much heavier. And she still needs to overcome surface tension. If there is fat on the line (for example, from your fingers), it is very difficult for it to do this.
To help the line, the angler usually cranks the reel quickly or jerks the rod down and to the side. To make it easier to sink the fishing line, it can be pre-treated with liquid soap or a special composition in the form of an aerosol.
Over time, many companies began to offer special “sinking” fishing lines for match fishing rods. On their label there are the words “s inking line”, that is, “sinking line”, but this is very conditional. Theoretically, any polyamide fishing line will sink in water, but in practice, many “drowning” ones do not want to drown.
At first glance, the manufacturer can make it easier to sink the fishing line in two ways. Firstly, by changing the surface properties of the fishing line (as fishermen do, lubricating the fishing line with grease or, conversely, wiping it with soap). Secondly, by changing its specific gravity. Specific gravity different types polyamides usually ranges from 1.14-1.15, but today manufacturers have learned to make all sorts of combined fishing lines, two- and three-layer, with different coatings...
In practice, the first method is of primary importance. The fact is that just increasing the specific gravity is of little use: the fishing line will still not begin to sink automatically after casting, unless it is a metal string. On the other hand, heavy, quickly sinking fishing line, for example pure fluorocarbon with a density of 1.78, is also not a gift for a floater. It can be suitable for high-speed fishing, when the sinking is soon followed by a hook or a new cast. If you wait a long time for a large fish to bite, it can sink to the bottom, and if the depth is great, a large arc is formed. Hooking in the presence of such an arc, of course, is not very pleasant.
The “sinking fishing lines” present on the market today are usually divided into sinking and conditionally sinking, that is, those that sink well and those that do not sink so well. The former are usually more expensive. Most “sinking lines” are manufactured in Japan by large companies (“Toray” and others), but are sold under the brands of large wholesalers specializing in equipment for float sports. These are mainly Italian, English, French, and German companies. In Russia, unfortunately, “sinking fishing lines” are poorly represented and are quite rare on sale. Let's take a brief look at those that are most often found in stores, and then we'll take a closer look at the especially interesting ones.
MAXIMA
The ancestor of “sinking fishing lines” is considered to be the German “Maxima” (“Maxima Chameleon”). The popularity of this monofilament both in Europe and the USA is largely explained by the colossal work done by the owner of the company to promote it on the market. Initially, this dark brown monofilament with a reddish tint was advertised as a universal fishing line, capable, thanks to a special coating, of adapting to different conditions light and be almost invisible to fish. In the 70s-80s, however, it became very popular in England as the main line for bottom and float rods.
"Maxima" has high elongation and an average breaking load. On spools, the diameter is usually reduced by one step: buying a 0.16, you get a 0.18, etc. But the breaking load is also underestimated. For example, you buy 0.16 with a breaking load of 1.6 kg, but you actually get 0.18/1.9 kg. The fishing line is not very cheap and, so to speak, old-fashioned, but is still used as a match line. In Moscow you can (with difficulty) find it both in a hundred-meter unwinding (about 100 rubles) and on large spools.
TRIANA
Under the brand name of this Italian “sports” company, several good monofilaments have become famous in Russia, including two “sinking” ones.
1) “Triana Red Sinking” - a bright red shiny line, inexpensive, pleasant to use, although not very good at sinking. It is characteristic that the nominal diameter, as a rule, does not differ much from the actual one, and the breaking load coincides exactly - exactly. For example, 0.185/2.4 kg is actually 0.19/2.4 kg. Reels of 300 meters.
2) “Triana Balaton” - matte brown fishing line, quite stiff, sinks better than “Red Sinking”, but is also noticeably more expensive. The nominal diameter is usually noticeably smaller than the actual diameter. On reels of 150 meters.
MAVER
Under the name “Smart”, both lead and reel fishing lines have become widespread in Russia. "Smart UK Sinking Line" - matte red-brown monofilament. It's a good match line, but it doesn't sink very well. The diameter in the output data is greatly underestimated, up to two steps (0.195 instead of the stated 0.16, etc.). The breaking load is average. The price is relatively low (about 100 rubles for a 150-meter reel).
MILO
For many years, the dark brown line with a green tint “Milo Professional Royale - Special English Sinking Line” was quite popular among athletes. Its characteristic features are: rigidity and a significant discrepancy between the actual and nominal diameters. Unwinding: reels (typical of French lines) of 150 and 500 meters.
Now in Moscow you can find “Milo Classic Match Line Sinking” - a matte gray Japanese monofilament, usually characterized as “conditionally sinking”. What is interesting: the actual diameter here sometimes coincides with the nominal one, and sometimes even less: for example, on the label it is 0.175, and according to the micrometer - 0.165. Apparently, this circumstance, along with sometimes underestimated data on the breaking load (the real 0.165 holds 2 kg, and not 1.8, as written) did not contribute to strengthening the reputation of this fishing line (weak, etc.). In fact, it is quite good, behaves well on knots and has a fairly high resistance to mechanical damage, although it does not sink very well and is not cheap (about 200 rubles for a 150-meter reel).
TRABUCCO
In addition to the popular, but very expensive “Diamond Sinking”, which we will talk about in more detail below, there is also Trabukkov’s “Aqualine Match” (the actual diameter is 0.12-0.20 mm, the real one is much larger: 0.19 instead of 0.16, etc.). etc.; the breaking load on the labels is greatly overestimated), smoky, and in practical unwinding of 500 meters (in Moscow, less than 300 rubles per reel, i.e. each meter is more than 5 times cheaper than “Diamond”). She can be classified as conditionally drowning. The actual breaking load is not bad (2.4 kg for 0.19).
BAYER
In addition to aspirin, the famous German concern also produces fishing line, often sold under other brands, and sometimes under its own - “Bayer Perlon”. Some of Bayer's lines are presented as sinking. There are especially many of them in England, but they can also be found in the countries of the former Warsaw Pact. They are generally of medium strength, brown in color and do not sink very well. Classification: conditionally sinking fishing lines. The price is usually moderate.
OTHER
Special “sinking” fishing lines for “English”; fishing rods (i.e. for match fishing rods) are usually present in the assortment of such French companies as “Water Queen”, “Sensas”... However, in Russia they appear, it seems, only sporadically. Sinking fishing lines under the “Browning” brand are not widely used in our country, although they can be found on sale.
TRABUCCO DIAMOND SINKING
Despite the high price, this Japanese monofilament has been popular among many match fishing rod lovers lately. In the Trabucca range it is part of the “Diamond” family, which also includes other fishing lines.
"Diamond Sinking" is offered as a "special line for English reel fishing" (that is, for a match rod), sinking quickly in any water, with a complete lack of "memory", outstanding breaking strength and precise calibration.
The fact that she has minimal “memory” can be seen even in the store. You can also check the diameter there if you have a micrometer with you. The micrometer will usually read higher than what the "Diamond" label says, such as 0.145 instead of 0.12. It is better to check the remaining qualities in another place - in the laboratory and while fishing.
The average value of the breaking load obtained when testing our sample (0.145 mm) on a tensile testing machine coincided with the nominal value: 1.45 kg. We did not detect significant fluctuations in the breaking load and diameter along the length of a hundred-meter spool.
The experience of using “Diamond Sinking” on match fishing rods confirms that it really sinks easily. After sinking, however, it does not sink to the bottom like a stone. True, when fishing “slowly” at great depths, it can sink down and thereby complicate fishing.
The fishing line is durable, resistant to mechanical damage, with a hard surface.
Trabucco provides unwinding into reels of 100 meters (10 in a box) and 500 meters (each in an individual cardboard box). Of course, a 500-meter unwinding is more convenient (and more profitable), but I have never seen it in Russia. In a 100-meter unwind, the fishing line seems a little expensive.
Our opinion: excellent sinking match line, good for “difficult” situations.
Facts
Firm: "Trabisso Fishing Diffusion S.r.l." (Italy)
Name: "Diamond Sinking"
Color: black-brown
Nominal diameter: 0.12 mm
Actual diameter: 0.145 mm
: 1,450 kg
: 1.45 kg
Unwinding: reels 100 m each
Approximate price: 320 rub.
COLMIC RACE SINKINCT
The dark green fishing line, distributed by the “sports” Italian company Colmic under the name “RACE Sinking Line”, became a real revelation for many Moscow floaters last season. The company, as usual, claims that it sinks quickly, has little stretch, has high abrasion resistance and minimal “memory”. Practical experience with RACE Sinking largely confirms these claims. The fishing line actually sinks in quite easily, does not twist, and is generally very pleasant to use. The surface is smooth, even and hard, retains its original appearance for a long time, and is difficult to scratch. Overall, the line is durable and reliable.
Four nominal diameters are offered: 0.14; 0.16; 0.18; 0.20. The diameter is not much overestimated: when checking various diameters, the deviation from the nominal value was about 0.005-0.01 mm (0.15 instead of 0.14, 0.165 instead of 0.16...). We did not notice any significant fluctuations in the length of the 600-meter spool. As for the breaking load, for some reason the company increased it to completely unrealistic values, although in fact the fishing line has it already high (we reached 1.65 kg for 0.15; 2.0 kg for 0.165... ). Such “tricks” only needlessly mislead the fisherman and create confusion when choosing a fishing line. Overall, RACE is roughly equivalent in strength to Trabucca's Diamond Sinking.
On nodes "RACE" behaves well.
The fishing line is unwound onto spools of 150 and 600 m (in a cardboard box). In principle, it is better to buy it at 600 m. The price for a 600-meter unwind is less than a ruble per meter, which is not much for a fishing line of this class.
Our opinion: excellent match line, sinks well.
Facts
Firm: Colmic (Italy)
Name: "RACE Sinking Line"
Nominal diameter: 0.14 mm
Actual diameter: 0.15 mm
: 2.200 kg
: 1.65 kg
Color: dark green
Unwinding: reels 600 m each
Approximate price: 570 rub.
