the following all refers to jigging for Kingfish and Groper around the Top Of the South Island (TOS).

I have been wanting to set myself up with a decent jigging combo for quite some time, and have decided now is the time. I have purchased an accurate combo, good reel / OK rod (figured the best way to go with a moderate budget in mind - the rod isn't terrible, but not top-of-the-line and can be upgraded in the future). Anyway, the one thing I am stuck on is choice of braid... I have done a fair bit of googling, and asking around at tackle stores, but still can't make up my mind. The reel capacity it a hugely limiting factor, it's supposed to hold 300 m of 65lb braid, but what does that really mean when "65lb" can mean any number of line diameters (not to mention actual breaking strains).

I think that it probably refers to 0.381 mm braid, as this appears to be the most common (stated) standard among top quality 65 lb braids.

Side note: I think that 300 m is a minimum is I want to even semi-seriously consider targeting Groper. So I think I am going to have to opt for a line no bigger than 0.381 mm (Im thinking PE4-PE5).

Can anyone tell me is there an advantage in going for an 8 stranded braid over a 4 or 6 stranded braid? Also, is there any merit in going for a hollow core braid? (which will allow splicing to the leader with virtually no "knot bump" - yes I realise a PR knot is very streamlined also, which is really why I am asking because I don't know what is better?).

Also, those with experience jigging around here (TOS), how important is having rainbow braid? There are more options if not limiting myself to metered braid.

Any advice on any of these questions would be awesome, and greatly appreciated. I am keen to learn, and do things right from the out-set.

Cheers Stonefish, I'll check out the thread now. I got the BX600XNN (Xtra Narrow).

So you think if I went PE5 id get close to 400 m on it? Because that would be ideal ...Just incase!!

And cheers for the previous thread, the Gosen stuff looks good, would love if it came in a larger than 300 m spool, as I say, 400 would be great. I notice that Ebay has s#!tloads of sellers selling the YGK in connected 100 m spools, so can get any length you want (in multiples of 100 obviously).

I use YGK X 8 jigman braid in PE6 and PE8..........also i use Diawa boat braid.....that comes in 300m 600 1200 and 1800 metre spools.....I use PE6 in this which is 80 pound.......Both of the above are good.......I use 300 m on two different reels and use backing on both my 4000P and 5000P......300 metres is enough......if you get bust you can top shot or of it looks ugly........you can take it off and respool with another 300 metres spool......if you buy a 1800 metre spool... you could fill your reel 4 times and have 200 metres over for top shot.

Can you notice any difference in diameter between the two? YGK and Diawa Boat braid are two of the more common I have come across in my net surfing, Also do you have a preference between them?

And yeah, I realise that 400 m is an odd number, but I just feel that if I have 400 m, I am far less likely to get spooled when fishing in 250 m for Groper, which with any kind of current could mean 300 m + line out.

When i first started jigging i used Pauls fishing kites white braid and i caught plenty of fish with it..........but if you are using 400 gram plus jigs you can only guess what the depth is.....with the rainbow you can drop the jig 10 metres either side of where the skipper says is "Action time"...........when using heavy jigs ......you will appreciate that ! .....Just make sure you pack the braid on tight........If you plan of doing a lot of jigging diawa 1200m spool is the way to go but i have bought 300 metre spools off e bay usa and pretty reasonable price....even with rip off usa postage fees.

I like both YGK and Daiwa........I dont use anything else to jig with and have found the YGK is very strong....Its also an 8 carrier braid which is smoother and tougher than 4 or 6 carrier braid......PR knot is best for 8 carrier braid.They are both 80 pound braid......Not sure which is thinner.Both available in PE5.

PE5 or PE6?

 

Take a look at the Jig Star Katana braid which is available in 300m 500m and 1000m. A PE6 500m spool will cost about $160.  Katana is a tight, round 8-carrier multi-coloured braid.

Hey it's all good, I don't take any offence, and TBH the Groper were a bit more of an after thought. I already have 2 decent deep water sets, but not ideal for jigging... 

Think I'll probably go with ~300 m, but still deciding if PE6 or PE8 would be best... I'm thinking PE8 because it will retain a better breaking strain over time, yes? Also, will offer extra abrasion resistance... 

OR is PE8 overkill? Would PE6 allow greater flexibility in the other direction? i.e. <100 m jigging for snapper?

If I go this route, is there anyone who has tried many different braids? If so, is there an obvious choice? Otherwise I will probably go with whatever is cheapest between YGK WX8, Diawa Saltiga Boat Braid, Gosen braid, or Jigstar Katana... They all seem to get above average reviews.

If you want at least 300m on the 600XNN, you have little choice but to go with PE6 braid.   Above braids are a selection of probably the better jigging braids available so take your choice.  YGK Ultra WX8 is probably the best but also the most expensive.