Yes, a few times. Haven't made up my mind. Obviously better bite detection and casting distance. Downside is less abrasion resistance and grip lead setups are more like to move due to less elasticity, but even the latter has to be balanced against the lower diameter of braid meaning less water resistance. To get the best of both worlds, I'd use a heavy, long mono leader.

Dunno, I am a terrible surfcaster but my thoughts: a decent shock leader. abrasion resistance not a biggie off the beach.

Kandrew wrote: Thanks Smudge, just got to make do with what you got to get out of the house. I can see dozens lined up along Manly beach.

should be perfect for those big manly stingrays you'll catch Kerry!

Stingrays can be fun! About all I catch from the beach before you pay too much attention to my words. If you're getting a lot of them, I would recommend a single, de-barbed circle hook or a hook that will rust quickly (anything by Black Magic should do!) and cut them off close to the hook.

A bit of insulation tape on your casting finger of even better a surf casting finger glove is important. make sure your drag is done up tight as possible on the cast. Only time I've had an issue was when I forgot to tighten the drag. Cut straight through the casting glove and almost to the bone. Then remember to loosen your drag after the cast. Seen a few rods disappear into the surf when mates forgot to loosen the drag back off. You don't even need a shock leader, especially with braid that heavy. My leader is so short the join knot sits outside the rod tip. I only use one because I don't trust braid knotted straight to a swivel.

Using a mono/fluro leader isn't only for the cast it gives a bit more invisibility at the business end. I used to tie traces direct to braid and found I have much more action with a shock leader. Also adds a bit of stretch in the swell to keep things in place.

My mate makes 2 prong sand rod holders. They never fall over. Even in 1 metre of water. Best design ever conceived