Power Pro Super 8 Slick: First Impressions

I have been lure fishing for years and until now I have only tried and used a bunch of braids. My first choice has been the TUF Line XP. A braid that I used with good success for years. A regular 4 strand braid with good castability and abrasion resistance. I had friends who used the regular Power Pro saying that it was the best braid out there. In all these years I have tried it only once on my friend's reel and I didn't see much of a difference compared to the TUF line. It was good but in my opinion not any better than the Tuf XP.
Last year, after extensive reading on the net, I decided to switch to a 8 strand braid made by Varivas (Super PE) and I was quite pleased with the smoothness and the overall small diameter of the braid. I quickly felt  the  the difference of four strands vs eight strands.The advantage of 8 strands was so clear that I decided to stick with it for my future purchases. Just when I was about to ditch the TUF line and the Power Pro, I read about the new Power Pro Super 8 Slick braid. My first thought was "If Power Pro is good, a 8 strand version must be even better". I finally placed an order over the net and this week I received my Power Pro Super 8 Slick from Cabelas. 

10 lb test 150 yards

It is still on the box and I haven't spooled it yet. For now I will just give my first impressions and later do a proper test on the water. I got a 10lb aqua green color spool.

Aqua Green color looks much better than the previous green.

At first look, the aqua green color is an improvement over the "old classic" dark green. It looks fresh and the color is bright enough to be seen in the water. Not as flashy as the yellow but still easy to spot in the water without scaring fishes.
The braid looks tight woven, round and neat. There isn't anything sloppy or presence of frayed fibers.

The braid is smooth.

Time to spool it on my Elf 2500.

At the  touch, I can easily tell the difference with a regular Power Pro. This things is smooth as silk. The 8 strands do really feel great. Compared to the Varivas I couldn't tell much of a difference. It is just smooth. Maybe it is a little larger in diameter than the Super PE at a similar breaking strength but still feels light and silky.

The question is how it casts and how it resists abrasion. Also wind knots are a big question. These are details that need to be checked on the field. Details coming soon...

Info:


8 yarn Spectra Fiber.
Available sizes: 10,15,20,30,40,50,65,80lb
Available colors: Hi-Vis Yellow, Aqua Green, Timber Brown and Marine Blue)
Price:   $19.99 for 150 yd (135 mt)

DUO Lures Painting Process

I like to see how my favorite fishing tackle are made. I have already posted some nice links on how Maria lures (see here) and fishing rods are made (see here). This time I have found a very interesting post on DUO's facebook page that shows how these amazing lures are painted. After reading about the painting process I understood why those lures looks so great. There is an incredible craftsmanship behind it. Many hours and skilled hands that transform a transparent plastic item in a real looking minnow.

The lures are painted with an airbrush. No wonder they look so great.

Hand made airbrushing, 5-6 coats of paints, paint masks and curing time. A DUO lures takes almost 25 minutes to get through all the painting process. Everything is done with the utmost care and dedication. About 5000 lures are painted every day. Check the whole painting process at DUO's official blog. Worth a reading.

One coat is done. Time for the paint to cure and start the second coat.

Rapala By The Numbers

Very creative video that shows some amazing statistics about the Rapala brand in the world. Impressive.

Lady vs GT

Who says that GT fishing is only for men?

Check this video from Shimano.

G Loomis Factory Tour

Ever wondered how a modern fishing rod is made? Check this nice factory video of famous rod maker G Loomis.

New trout rod from Major Craft

If you love trout fishing and you like Major Craft rods, here is some news for you.
According to the official blog of Major Craft (see here) they are ready to introduce a new trout rod named "Nextino" (a next-troutino?) that will come equipped with Fuji K guides. This is something still under development and info is scarce (and in Japanese too!). For now enjoy the pictures available and wait for something to be introduced soon.

Source: Major Craft Official Blog (Japanese)
Maker: Major Craft Official Website (Japanese)