Downrigger Rod/Line Question - Braid

[Jethro]

as I do not like the no stretch even with light drags and soft rods. YMMV

So you'd rather have a little stretch?

[JDK]

So you'd rather have a little stretch?

I would for 2 reasons- maybe more if I can think of them.

LL salmon and brookies tend to be fast and flippy.  I believe that the little bit of stretch helps keep the hooks in them better.  I don't beleive that you get that from 6-12 feet of leader.

When I take those that don't fish very much, they tend to want to pump fish.  Again, I think the stretch is more forgiving and helps keep fish buttoned.

[Jethro]

Hmmm, now you got me undecided again. Might just stick with the mono I have in the rigger rods for now.

[JDK]

Please don't take my comment as being anti-braid as that certainly isn't the case.  I think for the type of fishing we do and at the depths we do it, braid may not be the best choice.  We aren't trying to drive big hooks into tough mouths at 90-125 feet most of the time.  Others may chime in and say they have never had an issue or the very reason I like mono is why you should use braid.  As I said, YMMV