Does the line matter? Twine or Mono?

[freeflow_23]

I've been hand lining crabs as long as I could remember and I've always used regular white twine(crabbing string) with moderate results. (From a boat or shore)
Recently, my friend and I have been using thin mono and seem to be catching many more crabs.
Even to the extent that my buddy was in his boat using crabbing string and me in my boat using mono and I caught twice as many crabs as he did?!?! Any one have a theory?

I never suspected that it would make that much difference but I swear by it now and just wanted to know if any crab experts had an opinion or thought on the matter![smile]

[POLECAT]

If your results are that dramatic using mono vs. cotton twine, don't you think it's time to switch to fluorocarbon and really fool the crabs?[grin]

Please don't take this personal...... I'm just pulling your string.[angel]

[freeflow_23]

Mannnn! Never thought of that! THANKS!
I betcha I'd catch all really big jimmy crabs too! [excited]

I think it's really funny that it would make that much of a difference and I have no idea why it does but it really does seem to increase the number of crabs. Go figure.
I was hoping someone would say they knew some logical reason or had known this all along! [tongue]

[done workin]

For the little bit that it's worth, I have noticed that when running a brand new white trotline for the first couple of times, catches don't seem as good as once the line is dirty. I've noticed the same thing with bright new galvanized traps. I have starting spraying the new ones with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water (No smart comments) and leave them in the sun to help dull them out prior to use.

Like I said, for what it's worth

[Burchbeer]

Smaller diameter, less resistance, Not sure?
I always used chalk line or butchers cord.
Id think the crabs may feel the pull of the crabber quicker with mono.
Spiderwire? Braids???
Interesting post. I will experiment also and advise what happens.

[Double Haul]

Since mono stretches perhaps it cushions the pull on the line plus since the color blends in, movement of unnatural color won't spook them?

Who knows. If it works go for it.

[freeflow_23]

Thanks for the input.
Moss colored braided line? hummmm?
Nahhh. too d@mn expensive! I'll stick with the mono.
I'd be real curious to hear someone elses report if they give it a try.

[Burchbeer]

Free Flow.
Hope to report back during the season. Thanks for planting the seed about mono and other hand lining alternatives to the legacy cotton twine variety.
More to come!