What’s so super about the so-called superlines?

Take PowerPro for example.

PowerPro is a braided fishing line made from Spectra fiber.

Here’s a science lesson made simple.

Forget the conversation about Spectra being an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.

Spectra is a plastic. A very tough plastic.

The result is that PowerPro, an odorless, tasteless and nontoxic line, is especially tough.

It's thin, has zero stretch, is sensitive and resists abrasion. It has no memory and is smooth, very round and doesn't cut the rod guides. The line also absorbs extremely little moisture.

In other words, PowerPro is a superline!

The first generation of superlines, the name given to braided fishing lines, was made from somewhat abrasive material that sometimes cut rod guides, wearing them out.

Spectra has taken take care of this problem, PowerPro says. The company also says it uses a special technology to make the line incredibly round, and that helps.

The Spectra is made into fibers, and the fibers are braided, and the fishing line is created.

 Braids are especially popular for targeting bottom fish.

The thin, strong line cuts through the water better than thicker monofilament, and that combined with the lack of stretch makes the line more sensitive. So bottom fishers can feel a fish hitting down in the deep and also set the hook more directly.

Spin fishers sometimes use braid.

Surf fishing with bait is one instance, because the thin diameter and lack of memory helps cast the bait farther, helps the angler feel the fish bite, cuts through the breaking waves and so on.

There can also be disadvantages.

For example, braid isn’t so popular with anglers casting lures, often done with spinning rods and reels. Lures can exert little pressure on the line, failing to make the line wind tightly on the spool. When the line suddenly comes tight, like when a fish wallops the plug, the tightened line can bury itself in the loose wraps and get stuck.

The strength and thinness of braid also make the line difficult to break, like when the angler needs to break free from a snag. Forget about using your bare hands, and usually the angler wraps the line around something hard, like a dowel. Scissors or a knife are necessary for cutting braid, and not even nail clippers will do. And braid isn’t clear, making some fish shy away from it, though a clear, monofilament leader is often used.

But for certain uses, braid is indeed super!

The usual clinch knot won’t tie braided line, because the knot will slip, and instead other knots including the uni, Palomar and Albright will work.

PowerPro is available in 5- to 250-pound test.

Besides the company’s standard braided line used for most fishing, several types of specialty braids are available: PowerPro Ice for ice fishing; Down Rigger Cable Replacement for eliminating electrostatic hum of steel downrigger cables; and Hollow Core for splicing.

All the company’s lines come in a choice of Moss Green, Hi-Vis Yellow, White or Phantom Red.

For more info, including knots for tying braided line, and where to buy PowerPro, visit the PowerPro web site.