For the past several months, I’ve been hearing a lot about the benefits of using hi-vis braided line when finesse fishing. My struggles with spinning reel line selection have been well documented and to be honest, it took a while for me to warm up to the idea of using such bright-colored line. I consider myself an old-school angler (some may just say I’m stubborn), but I finally broke down and tried it when the bite was tough.
Vicious makes some of my favorite braid, so I decided to start my experimentation with their new Vicious Hi-Vis Braided Line. After weeks of tinkering, I’ve actually become a pretty big fan of this new line. I think my experiences can help anglers who might be considering making the switch.
Superior bite detection
Many of your bites will occur on the fall whenever you’re finesse fishing, which makes them difficult to detect at times. The wacky rig is probably my favorite finesse technique and I’d be willing to bet that 95 percent of my bites happen when the worm is falling on a completely slack line. You have to be a careful line-watcher to maximize your hookup ratio.
While using the Vicious Hi-Vis Braided Line, each and every bite has stuck out like a sore thumb. I don’t have to get in a feeling contest with them and risk the bass spitting the hook before my hookset. Of course, this is due to the very bright yellow color of the line.
As the bait falls to the bottom, you’ll easily see the line jump or tighten every time a bass nips at it. This is especially helpful in windy conditions when your sensitivity is drastically reduced due to a big bow in your line. Whether I’m fishing in lowlight or sunny conditions, with or without sunglasses, there is absolutely zero doubt when I get a bite.
Resists digging
I’ve personally tested just about every braided line on the market and this is probably the most common problem I’ve encountered. After a hard hookset and a lively fight, you’ll start to make another cast and it goes about 10 yards; this is because the line digs into itself on the spool. I’ve even had this happen with a light drag on spinning reels as well.
I’m happy to report that I haven’t had this issue one time while testing Vicious Hi-Vis Braided Line. The line comes off the spool smoothly every cast and evenly fills the spool throughout each and every retrieve.
Knot strength
Every angler ties a different leader knot, but I prefer the Two Join Uni Knot when connecting a fluorocarbon leader to my braided main line. It’s small, it’s tough and it comes through the guides easily.
I’ve honestly been more than impressed by the knot strength of this line. I can make a long skip under a dock, get a bite and quickly take control of the fight and wrench the fish away from any hazards. I’ve caught several fish while using Vicious Hi-Vis Braided Line and haven’t experienced a knot failure. Heck, I’ve even been snagged on big limbs while bank fishing and purposely tried to break the knot without any success. My 6 or 8-pound fluorocarbon leader will break before my leader knot fails.
Abrasion resistance
Much like the knot strength, the abrasion resistance of this line is outstanding. It’s one of the main reasons I’ve used the original Vicious Braided Line for so long; I can’t recall ever witnessing this line break. After my recent testing of the Hi-Vis Braided Line, I can confidently say that the streak continues. I am much more worried about my leader when I’m around heavy cover.
I’ve fished it around wood and grass with excellent results. Rock is not your friend when you’re fishing braided line, but if this line happens to scrape across a rock or two while you’re fighting a bass, you should still be able to get the fish in the boat.
Inexpensive
Some of the fishing line prices I’ve seen in the past few years are pretty ridiculous. I’m a very frugal guy and I have always appreciated quality fishing gear at a reasonable price.
It’s almost impossible to beat the price of this line. The 150-yard spools are priced at $12.99 and the 300-yard spools are priced at $22.99. This stuff lasts a long time on your reel, but if you ever need to replace it, it’s nice knowing that it’s not going to cost your first-born child.
Available at Tackle Warehouse
This is some seriously good braided line that will help you detect those finicky bites when the fishing gets tough. I’m now considering putting it on a few more of my spinning reels because it has really simplified my finesse fishing approach. When you combine the toughness and great price point, it’s going to be tough to beat.
Vicious Hi-Vis Braided Line is available at TackleWarehouse.com.
