Q: I fish the Baja Peninsula, and I recently purchased my own Penn rods and reels. I'm wondering if you can use Spectra line without a top shot?
-Mark Wentland
Unalaska, Alaska
A: You can, but Spectra is not great for anything except for use when bottomfishing or as backing on your reel. Spectra tests inconsistently and does not come in IGFA-class breaking strains. Also, the almost total lack of stretch in Spectra is not a great feature when a big fish starts shaking its head. You will pull hooks or break line.
Dacron and mono make much better top shots.
