Berkley Trilene Cold Weather Ice Fishing Line

If you are going to run monofilament as your main line, you probably won't beat Berkley Trilene Big Game. First, it's cheap, and second it's stronger than its rating. Compared to the Trilene XL, it's a little thicker but much stronger. I would say the 12LB Big Game is at least the equivalent if not stronger than the 17lb or maybe even 20lb Trilene XL. It definitely is stretchier than the XL (the XL breaks instead of stretching), and it has less excessive memory than the XL (the XL seems to never lose the memory of being on the spool). I also found the 12LB Big Game, which is marginally thicker spools much better than 14lb XL and results in fewer bird's nests on a baitcaster.The XT may stretch a little less and have slightly less memory, but I can't see it as a justification for the extra price.If you are looking for monofilament line to use as a leader, use the XL as it is thinner and will break easily, allowing you to get the rest of your line back.If you want a mainline, use Big Game.

I have been using this line for nearly 30 years and there is no other monofilament line that I'd even think about using on tough fish in heavy cover. I've caught 110lb alligator gar on 20lb test line and one that weighed in at 242lbs on 50lb test. I never lost a gar to a broken line and that is catching dozens over 100lbs and many over 200lbs...and that was just me. My fishing partners soon switched if they weren't using it already and all have had similar experiences. It resists abrasion better than any mono I've tried or seen. It stretches well which helps avoid the shock of a big fish making a quick run on short line using stiff rods. Perfect for big cats. I've caught many in the 40-60lb range on 15 and 20lb test lines. IT IS NOT A FINESS LINE. Crappie and trout fisherman look for something else. I use the 50 and 80lb test line to make leaders for big cats using live bait because it wears like light wire and allows for more action from the bait.

Berkeley Big Game Clear is the only line I use for salmon fishing in my beloved Alaska. Regardless of strength rating, this line exhibits all features desired by serious fishers: accurate strength rating, low memory and resistance to abrasion. I've used this line in both fresh and saltwater, the latter needing only rinsing in freshwater after use. Also, I use Berkeley Big Game on my bait casters and spinners. This among the best fishing products I've ever bought. Highly recommended!!

I've always been happy with the Trilene mono and in this case use it to tie my own leaders. Cost is good and I will continue to purchase this brand.How I review:When I review a product said product automatically starts with four stars as I rarely will purchase anything below four stars. I then add and/subtract stars based on certain criteria as listed below.1. If an item is exactly what I expected and nothing more it will receive a four star rating2. If an item surpasses my expectations it will gain a star (5 Stars)3. If an item goes slightly below my expectations it will lose a star (3 Stars)4. If the instructions for the product (if needed) are poorly written (hard to understand due to language issues or grammar) or just too hard to follow it will lose a star no matter if the product meets or exceed my expectations5. If a product is significantly below my expectations I will deduct two stars6. It will be rare that I would give a product one star since I buy mostly items that have a 4+ rating but in rare instances there may be a good reason that even a four star product receives a one star rating from me. It could be because of customer service issues from the company but whatever the case is I will clearly explain my reason for giving a product only one star

I used this for fishing with spinning reelsPros:CheapGood for bottom fishingGood for cheap fishingCons:Lots of memoryNot great for castingTips:Soak the line in warm/lukewarm water and spool it on your reel. This reduces memory and allows the line to seat in your reel better.

I have used this fishing line for many years for everything freshwater. The strength is great, the stretch is great, and the solar collector is easy to see. My only problem with this is line is memory retention that makes it difficult with spinning gear.

This is a go to for my trolling rods. 60 lb. test is the way to go when fishing for large striped bass in the Chesapeake. I am sure there is more expensive and better quality but this stuff is tough, holds up well in harsh conditions and takes a good knot.

I'm not an expert on fishing line but I haven't had any trouble with this so far. I was able to spool my own reel fairly easily and I haven't had any trouble with this line twisting up on me while I fish which is something I've definitely dealt with when using cheaper fishing line. I wish I could tell you that I landed a 60 pound beauty on this line but, alas, I can't. Biggest thing I've caught with this is a few pound bass.