Skunked.... but it was awesome!

[Pinoyfisher]

Hit the bay at the mid point of the in-coming tide armed with squid. Excited to try out my new spinning set-up. First spot yielded one solid pick up and drop and numerous bait stealer bites. Off to my second spot.

First cast was doozy, as it hit the channel without a backlash or losing my bait. I love my conventional gear, but it is nice to not deal with backlashes. Set rod in the holder and went to set up my other rod. Second rod is sent out. Begin thinking to myself, "I wonder if it was a good idea to top off the spinner with braid and only have a 2' mono leader?" I normally will put on at least 100yds of 40# mono on top of the braid. The spinner gets absolutely rocked! It hit so hard the rod holder almost fell over even though I have a free-spool option on my reel that I tested prior to casting.

The fight is magnificent, a blistering run straight away from me. The spinner has a beautiful voice. Then my worst fear becomes a reality, it turns right and heads to the buoy. Then the rubbing ensues... braid is terrible for abrasion resistance. I put it in free-spool hoping the lack of pressure will possibly get it turn back... nope. It keeps running. Half way down the spool and put it back in gear. Not an easy thing to do on a spinning reel. Another 50yds later, my line goes limp.  Not surprised, but I was hoping for a miracle. I lose half my braid, my rig, and my bat. BUT, it was so awesome to see it happen! Would have rather been spooled, then maybe I would've had time to get my phone and record some of the carnage.

[sasquatch]

I hate the buoys. But it feels like a victory to get a fish out of them. Even if you lose it later.

I have braid on my go to reel. I went with 100# because it was close to the same diameter as the 40# mono. I have beaten a buoy, and been beaten by buoy and rock.

[j.rasta]

sucks to get beat but it happens. I use 65# braid its not super thick but it's pretty damn strong and casts a mile. Bouys will bust u or help the fish get away no matter what # test you got... chain beats mono, floro, and braid. From my experience any way...

Good job scouting. their around in almost full force right now. Hopefully their wfo on 3/7 B)

[WheresMyBeer]

Sorry to hear Mike ... but glad you found them... 

[Pinoyfisher]

It wasn't too bad. Landing it would've been nice, but that fight keeps me coming back for more. The tug is the drug!!

[sasquatch]

It wasn't too bad. Landing it would've been nice, but that fight keeps me coming back for me. The tug is the drug!!

Yep, but it still is better to land them.

[vdisney]

The tug is the drug!!

Never heard it put that way but..........................so true 

[Tim524]

That got my heart pumping, hope you land it next time.

[WheresMyBeer]

"The tug is the drug" ... I like that ...

TOM ... need to add that to the stickers LOL ...

[BackBayMan]

At least you got the pickup. Just sucks to lose the fish, but it happens. Buoys

I'm about 50/50 with large rays and buoys using #65 braid