I've been experimenting around with almost every possible combination
of line known to man. Mono stretches too much for good hooksets with
texas rigged plastics. Powerpro doesn't cast far enough for me and
seemed to reduce the number of hits. I just tried 6lb fireline with
6lb stren recently and thought I had reached line nirvana. I can cast
it a mile and the fluoro is almost invisible. Then I lost a few fish
from the leader breaking at the double uni knot. I tried breaking the
double uni with my hands and found it broke really easily. I tried the
double uni, J Bend, surgeon's knot and stren knot and they all break
easily compared to trying to break straight line. I even tried 20
power pro with 10 lb stren fluoro and it breaks easily also. I think
the braid saws through the fluoro. That's why I'm thinking about using
straight Fireline.

For "texas-rigged-plastics" (bass I assume) I don't think the bass
will be spooked by the line. I think it actually helps them find the
lure.

It's true if you go too thick with the braided it will hurt your
distance - it works good at first, but then it starts to get a little
fuzzy and creates friction on the guides. Use 10# and forget the
florocarbon.

I have pretty much the same setup except I use 4# fireline and 4#
floro. (trout) I put a swivel between the fireline and the floro -
since I figure I need one anyway.

Another reason may be is that I've heard that braided stuff is
stronger than advertised. The mono/flouro breaks much easier even
though it's rated the same.

I don't think any know works better than the double palomar for
braided.

Who said that fireline has memory? That's nuts! I've kept away from
mono all my fishing life - except for now - as I attempt to fly fish.
My mono knotless tapered leader looks like a child's mangled
pipe-cleaner. I need a braided leader - that's what I need.

sm