Looking to spool up with braid that’ll keep your spomb hitting the clip every time? Let’s check out the best spod braid you should have on your spod/spombing setup this year.
Spod braids have improved massively in recent years. Gone are the days of making use of some dodgy sea fishing braid on your spod reel.
We now have access to lots of different spod rods, reels and braid to accompany them.
Thin braid, thicker braid, floating or sinking. You name it and you’ll be able to find it on the tackle shop shelves from the leading manufacturers.
But what’s the best spod braid on the market right now?
Let’s check them out.
Table of Contents
What to look for in a good spod braid
Over 15 years ago, there was only one or two braids on the market. Everybody seemed to use Berkley Whiplash which isn’t even a dedicated spod braid!
It’s fair to say that the market for spod braid has grown significantly.
However, whilst choice is always good, it can bring a layer of confusion when it comes to purchasing a new spod braid.
So, let’s talk about what you should be looking for in your next spod/spomb braid:
Diameter
When it comes to finding a spod braid that can cast well, diameter is everything.
Luckily, braid is naturally thin and most spod braids on the market are significantly thinner in diameter than traditional carp mainline.
You’ll certainly notice the casting distance in comparison to your carp rods that’s for sure.
This one’s simple; thinner diameter braid will always cast further. You’ll notice that it knots down a little tighter helped reduced friction on the cast too.
Knot Strength
Knot strength is vital and luckily braid as a material knots very well.
Either way, spods can be very heavy when loaded, so you need to make sure any braid you use has some strength to it.
Most carp anglers opt to use a shockleader when spodding, so make sure that any braid you use is recommended for use with a leader if that’s what you want to use.
Buoyancy
A dedicated spod braid will typically float to make it easy to retrieve after casting.
However, some braids that you will find online don’t float, often those that can be used for marker rods too.
It’s not the end of the world if you are to use a sinking braid for spodding. However, you may begin to notice the spomb being harder to retrieve after casting.
Not only that, but it may begin to pick up debris and weed floating on the surface.
Berkley Whiplash 8
Berkley Whiplash is the original spod braid in the eyes of many anglers.
This stuff has been around for years, and experienced carp anglers will have no doubt used this braid on their first spod set up.
Interestingly, despite much advancement in this sector, Berkley Whiplash 8 has pretty much remained the same.
Perhaps that’s due to it not being designed specifically as a spod braid? Who knows!
Either way, it still performs well to this day for both spod and marker work.
Like most of the top braids on the market, it’s manufactured from Dyneema. For those who want to get technical, this is basically a microfibre material that’s woven together to produce a braid which is strong, yet thin in diameter.
As a result, Whiplash casts like a dream and is pretty decent when it comes to preventing frap ups and crack offs.
Those who are still putting this braid to good use will typically use it without a shockleader. The 50lb version can be fished straight through, just remember to use a finger stall when casting!
RidgeMonkey Transmit Spod Braid
RidgeMonkey are known for their innovative products, so it was only a matter of time before they released a braided spod line.
Transmit is a spod and marker braid to be specific, designed for those who like to double up on their spod/marker rods.
According to RidgeMonkey, it’s main USP is how strong it is. In some way this can be attributed to it’s diameter which is quite thick in comparison to other braids on this list.
Transmit comes it at around 0.28mm in the 25lb breaking strain. This is much thicker than both Berkley Whiplash 8 or ESP Spod Braid.
That being said, having used this for six months, the different in diameter didn’t limit my casts at all.
I was still able to achieve great distances. It knots well, floats and is easy to retrieve a big spomb.
My only gripe with this braid is that it probably knotted too well! I experienced multiple frap ups with Transmit, and was unable to untie the never-ending birds nest.
It certainly wasn’t as easy to untie as my old Wychwood braid which served me a few seasons.
After about 6 months it began to fray too which was a little bit annoying considering the price.
Whether I just got a bad batch, I’m not sure. Many have raved about this braid and if you’re a RidgeMonkey fan it might be worth making your on conclusions on it.
AVID Extremity Spod Braid
AVID have certainly impressed in recent years with the launches of their distance casting gear.
Extremity braid certainly fits into that category, being a spod braid specifically designed for extreme range.
It’s super thin in diameter, coming in at around 0.23mm in a standard 25lb breaking strain.
In my experience it knots well alongside a shockleader such as Korda Armakord. The thin diameter really helps you achieve a tight leader knot which passes through the rod rings easily.
That being said, AVID market this as a braid that can be used ‘straight through’.
If you don’t feel comfortable tying up shockleaders for your spodding, you can simply do without. That’s testament to the strain that this braid breaks at, in AVID’s eyes at least.
Whilst it hasn’t been tested on The Tackle Box line tests, it does have some strength to it and remains a soldi contender on this list.
ESP Spod Braid
When it comes to lines, it would be hard for ESP not to make this list.
They are responsible for some of the best carp mainlines in the game, alongside some awesome braids too.
Their spod braid is much loved by ESP followers, and it gained a bit of an upgrade a couple of years ago.
It’s now available in high-visibility green, helping it to deter seagulls when spodding. Although I’m sure the gulls on my local park lake won’t care!
But it’s not just colour that’s changed.
ESP spod braid now comes in at a much finer diameter. 0.22mm in 20lb breaking strain to be precise.
This is incredibly thin for braid, enabling you to spod at extreme range.
Like whiplash it’s made from 100% Dyneema too, so it’s incredibly strong and knots well. That being said, ESP do claim that it should be used with a shockleader when spodding large loads.
We expect that’s not to do with the breaking strain, but more to do with the diameter of this braid which is one of the thinnest on this list. It pairs well with Armakord and other similar distance casting shockleaders.
Spomb Carp Fishing Braid
The pioneers of the spomb branching out into spod rods, reel and braids? Who could have guessed it!
As soon as Spomb were inducted into the Fox International Family, they began to launch a host of products to add to their baiting up range.
Spomb Braid was naturally one of the first, and it’s been a hit amongst carp anglers ever since.
Like AVID and ESP, this braid is one of the thinnest on the market, coming in at 0.18mm in 20lb breaking strain.
If you’re looking to put every percentage in your favourite when it comes to distance casting, this is the braid for you.
Whilst the ultra-thin diameter is excellent for casting, you do need to use it with a shockleader.
Luckily, Spomb have their own leader material which works perfectly with this braid to create the ultimate distance set up.
It’s not cheap though. The braid will set you back around £27 and the leader is an extra £10 so you better pray you don’t crack off!
Korda Spod Braid
Korda’s original spod braid is officially the thinnest braid on this list.
For years this has been seen as the ultimate braid for spodding. Offering distance casting abilities and abrasion resistance rolled into one.
And to be fair, it has always delivered. It gets rave reviews online and has all the hallmarks of a decent braid.
It’s high-vis, low stretch and floats well, making it easy to retrieve after you’ve just whacked the spomb out 150 yards!
For a braid of this diameter, it knots pretty well too. That being said, I wouldn’t advise using it straight through. There’s always potentially of these thinner materials slipping at the knot.
With that in mind, Korda recommend that you use this braid alongside their Armakord Shockleader. This will help to take the pressure of the cast and give you some stronger knot potential around the spod/spomb itself.
Given what we’ve just said, you’d be expecting this braid to take the top spot. However in the current financial climate, we can’t warrant spending £36 on braid that won’t even fill a reel without a shock leader.
Fair enough if you’re looking to get every ounce of of your cast, but that cost is slightly overstepping the mark in my eyes. And maybe that’s why Korda decided to beat that price themselves with their latest launch…
Korda Basix Spod/Marker Braid
The Korda Basix range has become synonymous with quality products at a reasonable price.
And considering the cost of a typical spod and marker braid going through the roof, this one just had to top take spot.
You could be fooled into thinking that there is a distinct lack of quality with this braid, but you’d be wrong.
This is a quality braid. Part of a range which we belivee Danny Fairbrass has put a lot of thought into in terms of getting people into our beloved sport.
But how does it perform?
Very well in our tests. It has virtually zero stretch, as you would expect with a combined spod/marker braid. It’s also buoyant, making it easy to retrieve a spomb and pop up a marker float.
Perhaps the only downside to more expensive braids is the lack of high-vis colouring. On waters plagued by birdlife it always helps if your braid stands out a bit. But in respect of the price, we’re probably nit-picking there.
So, how have Korda been able to make this product affordable?
Well, that would come down to the amount of braid available on the spool. This stuff comes in at 200m, whereas most brands listed above are sold on 300m spools.
The chances are you’re never going to need 200m, but Korda just recommend you use some old line to back up your spool a bit.
FAQs
How do I stop my SPOD from cracking? ›
Always use a shock leader when casting a spod or spomb, again to help reduce the chance of a crack off. ALSO don't forget to use a finger stall because braid can slip, and it cuts fingers very easily.
Why does my spomb keep cracking off? ›Under spooling can get crack offs, usually because line/braid is leaving the spool faster than its being pulled off, but slack retrieve wont help. For retrieve you could trap the line above the reel on the rod rather than rely on the weight of the spomb. Ime the spomb skipping on the surface leads to uneven tension.
Which braid is best for Spodding? ›A 50lb braided leader is perfect. Your mainline for spodding can be either a dedicated floating spod braid or in more recent times a lighter mono such as 10lb which can be easier to work with for some anglers with less chance of wind knots and braided line tangles.
What line should I use for Spodding? ›I would recommend braid main line with a braid leader myself. Firstly, by having a thicker braid leader you will stand less chance of cracking-off which can easily happen when casting the heavy weight of a spod. Secondly, it will increase the life of your braid because the leader will take all the hard work.
Is mono or braid better for Spodding? ›Mono line is also a good choice for spodding and is more resistance to tangles and wind knots. Unlike braid, you can fill the spool up to the lip when using mono line and won't encounter issues.
What makes a good SPOD rod? ›A lightweight feel to the rod is also important, as you'll often be casting the rod repeatedly for lengthy spells. So a good balance between elements such as strength, weight, feel or grip, plus rod recovery and action are vitally important where the ultimate accuracy of the cast is concerned.
Why does my braid keeps snapping? ›(1) Your braided fishing line may be too light; (2) Your line might be digging in against itself on the spool; (3) There could be an issue with your line guides or other equipment; (4) Your knot might be weak; (5) Your line may be nicked from fish or abrasions; or (6) You might be overpowering your casts.
What is the difference between Spomb and Spod? ›The Spomb tends to dump a pile of bait, especially boilies, into quite a condensed patch. A spod will slowly discharge the bait and if there is some surface drift it will spread over a slightly wider area when it reaches the bottom than a Spomb.
Does Spodding scare carp? ›Like any method of baiting up, when done clumsily, spodding does have the potential to scare fish and it can be overdone on some waters.
What is the best braid for carp fishing? ›- Korda - Loop Braid. ...
- Korda - Basix Spod/Marker Braid 200m. ...
- Thinking Anglers - SBX Sinking Braided Mainline - 40lb. ...
- PB Products - Spod Braid 0.18mm 30lb 250m Fluoro Orange. ...
- Avid - Outline Camo Braided Mainline. ...
- Korda - Basix Braided Hooklink. ...
- Ridgemonkey - Descend Sinking Braid. ...
- Shimano - Kairiki 4 Mantis Green Braid - 300m.
What is the strongest braid? ›
Spiderwire Stealth Braid Fishing Line
You can be confident that Spiderwire's Stealth Braided Fishing Line won't ever break! This is because it is made from Dyneema PE, which is one of the world's strongest fiber materials. It doesn't stretch at all, making it really powerful when fishing.
J-Braid x4 is best used on baitcasting and conventional reels. J-Braid x8 - Is best used in freshwater and in-shore applications. x8 is 8 strands woven together at a less steep angle for smoothness. This softer line helps for using small baits and allowing better action in the water and movement of your baits.
How much shock leader should I use for Spodding? ›Mainline and shockleader for spodding
Most dedicated spod braid is usually around 20lb-30lb breaking strain.
But for the most part, if you're using light monofilament or braided line (less than ~25 lb test), use a shock leader. If you're using heavier mono or braid (over ~25 lb test), then you likely don't need to use a shock leader.
Do I need a shock leader with braid? ›No, you don't need a shock leader when using a strong braid line. However, braid is a poor abrasion-resistant, and therefore you still have to attach a mono or fluoro leader before your terminal tackle. Also, don't forget to use a finger glove when casting a braided line as it can easily slice your hands.
What sinks faster braid or mono? ›Braided lines are durable and more resistant to wear than mono lines. They are also better suited to deep-water fishing as they're simultaneously thinner and heavier, cutting through the water to reach the bottom faster.
What is the most invisible braided fishing line? ›Fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon line is touted by line companies as the most invisible line on the market. It is said to have the same light refraction properties as water, making it virtually invisible or as invisible as the fishing line can get.
What casts further braid or mono? ›Using braided line rather than monofilament line will dramatically increase the distance that you can cast. Typically 20lb breaking strain braided fishing line will have an average diameter of .
What is the most powerful Spod Rod? ›If you're looking for the most powerful and precise spod rod on the market, then the Shimano Tribal TX1 Intensity Spod Rod is right up there.
What rod length is best? ›Rods can be any length from 4 to 15 feet, but bass rods generally tend to be between 6 and 8 feet. A short rod (under 6 ft.) is best for shorter accurate casts, but a long rod (over 7 feet) is best in situations where accuracy isn't as critical.
What is the best length carp rod? ›
We prefer 12 foot rods with a test curve of 3lb+. Where a Bait Boat is to be used, then minimum rod length is 11 feet. In other words if you want to fish with shorter rods then you can only cast. It is difficult enough for experienced anglers to control 30lb+ Carp at 140 yards on 12 foot 3lb+ test curved rods.
What is the best way to keep your braid hair from frizzing up? ›Oludele recommends boiling a pot of hot water, then dipping a towel into it. Using tongs, remove the towel from the pot and let it cool enough so that it's still very warm, but not too hot to touch. Then, lay the towel on top of your braided hair. The hot water will tamp down the frizz and freshen your braids.
Why do my braids have so many flyaways? ›"If your parts aren't perfect and your hairs are crossing between braids, you are more susceptible to those pieces becoming frizzy," she says. The solution? A thin, metal-tipped comb is important to separate your hair accurately.
What is an impact SPOD? ›The Impact Spod from Fox features a unique 'scoop' body shape which allows for rapid, single-handed loading as well as a tapered bait release should you wish to create a wider spread of free offerings, as opposed to tightly grouped patches. This is feature can be particularly handy when fishing a boilie-only approach.
What gear ratio is Spod reel? ›The XR Spod/Marker is almost without parallel when it comes to the speed of its retrieve. With a beefy 5.7-to-one gear ratio, this reel can haul in 1.38m of line with every turn of the handle.
What do carp love the most? ›Carp eat a variety of foods. They favor insects, aquatic worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, but also consume algae and other plant matter. Due to this diverse diet, a variety of carp baits trip their triggers, from natural offerings to homemade doughbaits and mass-produced softbaits, dips, boilies, and such.
What are carp most attracted to? ›Boilies are the go-to bait for most carp anglers. The scent of the fishmeal in the boilies drives carp wild. However, carp in frequently fished areas may associate boilies with danger and avoid that bait. Fortunately, there is a cheaper and easier bait that carp always strike at: sweet corn.
How do you stop carp flapping? ›By using either your hands or a wet sling/mat, gently place something dark over the fish's eyes. The darkness will calm the fish down and stop it from flapping. Make sure you consistently keep the fish wet whilst it's on the mat, this will also help to stop the carp from misbehaving.
What pound line is best for carp? ›Choose 15lbs to 20lbs line (0.28 – 0.45) for general carp fishing. For many years now, 15lbs has been the accepted norm for carp fishing mainline for the majority of situations. Fishing 15lbs line straight through at 100 yards is commonplace.
What Colour line is best for carp fishing? ›Clear, Grey tinge, and Green Tinge are recomended, these types of line will blend in with the lake or river bed offering the most camouflage.
What is the best Colour braid for fishing? ›
Green or dark grey colored braided line will match the environment you are fishing in and still give you the visual reference needed to know where your line is. The truth is, if your line gets close to the fish, the fish will feel it in the water before they see it.
Which braid lasts the longest? ›Thin braids can last up to three months, which out of all the braid sizes, is the longest time without having to go back to the salon––a gift in and of itself. Because of the smaller parting sections, you have more access to your scalp, allowing you to wash and moisturize your hair more thoroughly.
What is the thinnest strongest braided fishing line? ›From SEAHAWK's popular best-selling SOL 8x braid comes the new range of UltraLight braid with the THINNEST diameter in the market at only 0.05mm! This ultrathin-ness – specifically made for finesse fishing – allows anglers to fit more line into the spool for an even FURTHER cast.
What is the best braid? ›Best Overall: PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
The line's braided Spectra fiber construction is strong and durable, earning praise from many customers. This fish braid is treated with Enhanced Body Technology, making it rounder, smoother, and more sensitive than your standard line.
Recently, more and more anglers have opted to use braid in finesse fishing situations. Braid is incredibly sensitive and has virtually no stretch, which makes it ideal for fishing small lures in even windy conditions. 10lb to 15 lb braid has an incredibly thin diameter, which makes it perfect for finesse tactics.
Is 8 strand braid better than 4 strand? ›The increased number of fibers in the 8-strand makes it stronger. And Daiwa J-Braid 8 Grand is made with the 'super fiber' IZANAS. The molecular structure of this fiber is known for being 4 times more abrasion resistant than the traditional 4-strand fibers of PowerPro.
How many strand braid is best? ›“Eight-strand braid creates a smoother, quieter and rounder surface that casts farther,” says Dan Quinn, field promotions manager at Sufix's parent company, Rapala, “plus it still retains abrasion resistance, knot strength and tensile strength.
Why does my epoxy keep cracking? ›The resulting massive build-up of heat can cause the cured epoxy to crack because of the temperature differential between the top and bottom of the container. This uncontrolled heat build-up is called uncontrolled exotherm.
How do you keep wood blanks from cracking? ›The best way on how to stop wood from cracking is to seal the blanks as soon as you cut them. A commercially made product such as Anchorseal is the perfect answer for this problem. It'll completely seal the blank and keep it wet until you're ready to work with it.
How do I keep my plastic dash from cracking? ›Prevent cracks in a dashboard by protecting it from ultraviolet light and extreme heat. Park the car inside a garage or in a shady location. Use a windshield screen or a car cover year-round to block sunlight and prevent damage. Apply a moisturizing treatment to the dashboard to prevent the PVC from drying out.
Why does my silicone crack? ›
This can be due to a number of reasons such as the age of the caulking, poor surface preparation, or even an imbalance in the bathroom surfaces. In order to fix this problem, you may need to use a different type of caulk or even just apply a wider bead of caulk.
Does epoxy prevent cracks? ›Epoxy is usually considered highly durable; hence, there are fewer chances that it will develop cracks or chips in the future.
Can epoxy seal cracks? ›Epoxy is a waterproof sealant that can be used to seal thin cracks in concrete. Read the manufacturer's instructions before applying epoxy to a crack, to ensure that the epoxy is applied to the right-sized crack.
Does epoxy fix cracks? ›Epoxy Concrete Repair Crack Treatment and Concrete Crack Filler – SCT-EP™ SCT-EP™ Epoxy Crack Repair is a two-part concrete product – a traditional epoxy system to effectively treat static cracks in concrete or minimize their return inactive, structural cracks and patching concrete.
Will linseed oil stop wood from cracking? ›Wooden boards and logs can be treated with linseed oil to prevent them from splitting or cracking. Linseed oil is a natural product that easily penetrates deep into the wood, forming a strong seal on the surface and reducing the loss of moisture.
Is it better to turn green or dry wood? ›Green wood turns much more easily than kiln dried wood. Green wood cuts very well, sending off large shavings and relatively little sawdust. The moisture within the wood also lubricates the turning tool, keeping it cool and easy to handle.
Does staining wood prevent cracking? ›Staining or sealing wooden features every so often is essential for protecting them from damage. Wood stain or sealer seeps into the pores of wood, preventing moisture from entering and expanding or contracting. This expansion and contraction is the most common cause of cracking.
Does armor all cause cracking? ›Armor All® Protectant products are safe to use on your car's dashboard, and will not cause cracking. In fact, Armor All® Protectant products are specially formulated to guard against UV damage (like cracking and discoloration).
Do dash mats prevent cracking? ›Dash Mats are made of durable, color fast, non-shrinking needle-punch carpet. The sun's damaging rays can crack your dashboard. With the simple protection of a Dash Mat you can keep your interior looking better longer.
Can I melt plastic to fix a crack? ›In various industries, welding is the route to take when fixing plastic. Plastic welding is a great approach to take if the plastic has a crack or if two separate plastic pieces need to be joined together. As you would expect with welding, heat is essential, and it's applied to the plastic's edges.
What is the best caulk that won't crack? ›
Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 100% Silicone Sealant
This durable silicone caulk remains flexible after curing and won't yellow, shrink, or crack over time. Keep in mind that this caulk is not paintable, so choose the clear or white Gorilla product best suited to your home's exterior.
Silicone Sealants
Silicone is very flexible and acts as a water and moisture repellant, making it among the best caulks for both windows and bathrooms. It is more expensive than latex caulk, but it is highly durable.
WD-40 is very good at removing silicone sealant but just make sure to completely remove it from the surface before applying any new silicone sealant as they can react. All you need for cleaning up the WD-40 is a clean dry cloth and mineral spirit.