Ask Mark

[stoneman]

Dear Mark

Could you please tell me what the diffrence between spectra and dacorn is. Do you know which of the two would be better for kite fishing. Also what pound test and how many yards would be sufficent? Is backing a necessity when kite fishing? I have looked at pre-made kite rigs with swivels and clips already rigged and it says you need to attach your backing to the last swivel. If backing is needed what size line is needed and how many yards?

Thanks Stoneman

[marksosin]

Dear Stoneman:

For years, most kite fishermen used Dacron line, while a mere handful opted for monofilament. One of the drawbacks of Dacron was that if it wound up in the water for any reason, it would get heavier and tend to drag the kite down. Today, just about all kite fishermen use Kevlar (braid) with 80-pound test to 100-pound test the standard. Kevlar barely stretches and that keeps the kite in one position without going up and down and forcing you to adjust the baits.

I can't speak for others, but I prefer straight braid without a different type of backing.

Mark Sosin