Fishing

Has anyone ever tried Berkly Iron Silk? I believe it is new this year. I went out looking for the silver thread that tube dude sugested without accually remebering what I was looking for (I'm one of those "remember when I see it" guys) and ended up walking out with Iron Silk. Interested in hearing what you guys think about it.

Al

The best keepers are the ones that are allowed to swim away. Keep the memories, write the story and retain a photograph as irrefutable evidence that the encounter did exist; but let the noble adversary go. Let him swim away back into the life and the place he was before your challenge. Know in your heart that he swims on and hold the memories of that grand encounter as the true trophy of the day.

-- Gundy Gunderson

I picked up 2 spools of Iron Silk the year at the Outdoor Show. I put it on my vertical jigging rod and really like the no strech quilites of the line,but the other day when I was on the lake we had a problem about the first 20 feet of the line went bad. I woiuld try to tie a knot and it would break setting it up. This happened 6 times!!!!!! when I peeled of 20 ft and retied no problems. I keep my gear store in a special storage closet inside of the house when not in use so I am concerned with the long term durabilty of the line.

As for a favorite it depends on what I am fishing for? All purpose line Berkley Sensation.

The fish with the bigger brain

As an old fan of Berkeley products, I had to give Iron Silk a try too. I liked their Trimax, before I discovered the Excalibur. I found the Iron Silk to possess most of the same properties as Trimax. It was good diameter, good casting, low memory and minimal stretch. The abrasion resistance was still not as good as my Excalibur.

Like others, I was dismayed by the degradation of the working portion of the line after only one or two trips. I tie good knots and rarely break off due to knot failure...except with the Iron Silk. I need to have a higher level of confidence in my line before I can fish it right. The remainder of my first spool is now backing for Excalibur.

I have had reports from some salt water guys who also say it is "one trip line". When you fish for big nasties, with teeth, sharp gill covers and rough scales, you need something that will hold up better. And, the problem with degradation seems to be more the exposure to water and ultraviolet light, rather than improper storage. When you rinse your tackle in fresh water and store it in a cool dry environment, you should not have those problems.

But, that's just one dude's observations.