Trilene XL Reservations In Heavy Cover

[bob75]

I've been a user of Trilene XL (and Stren Original) for decades. For heavy cover (wood & pads) I use Stren Original and braid.

Prefer XL as it coils less compared to Stren. However, XL is less abrasion resistant and seems to have more stretch. XL is a stronger line per diameter compared to Stren.

Part of the year I fish heavy cover and am using Stren or braid. When finesse fishing lakes with light cover or fishing for smallies on Lake of the Woods I re-spool with Xl.

I would like to simplify my line requirements by sticking with XL and braid for pads (but not wood). Does anyone on this board feel comfortable in fishing Xl as their primary monofilament except in those conditions when stretch would be a problem?

[Bronzeye]

Since Berkley's marketing of this line has stressed its manageability over its abrasion resistance, I would use a line with a reputation for more abrasion resistance in situations where that attribute is required.

Two suggestions: (1) you might google "armor coated XL reviews" and see whether that toughened version of XL would meet your needs; and (2) consider buying a spare spool for your reel (can be gotten direct from most manufacturers or, sometimes, bought from a reel repair shop) so that you won't have to respool if you alternate between XL and Stren.

[Snyder Rods]

I don't see a problem with using XL as your only mono. It's Berkley's first and original line... although it's been improved/updated many times over the years.

[bradjames12]

I used Berkley XL for many years crappie fishing before I started bass fishing.
Caught many 10 pound channel catfish while fishing for crappie using 4 pound Berkley XL and it never failed.