Fishing Guides

P-Line CXX X-Tra Strong

Data for Review

Date – October 2003 to November, 2004
Manufacturer – P-Gucci & Sons
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas
 

Reviewed Line

I first began using P-Line on almost all of my reels at the very end of my 2003 fishing season. Throughout 2004, this is the line that I have trusted and have had confidence in. I have only used CXX X-Tra Strong on spinning equipment and unfortunately have not had the chance to try it out on my casting gear.

I love this line in every way possible. The casting distance is great, abraision resistance is awesome and I like the fact that I can horse many good-size fish into the boat with this line.

Today, P-line is becoming very popular on the B.A.S.S. trail and on the PWT Walleye Trail. Not only have B.A.S.S anglers have appreciated its high abraision resistance, but Salmon and Steelhead fishermen have also come to appreciate the qualities that this line has to offer.

About P-Line (P-Gucci & Sons)

P-line was introduced into the North American fishing market in 1982. P-Line quickly caught the attention of both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Its copolymer based technology delivered a thin diameter, soft and limp fishing line that brought many advantages into one line. It improved casting distances, gave a more natural presentation to lures and baits and allowed for increased line capacity on reels.

Combining their experiences in copolymer and fluorocarbon technologies, P-line is on the leading edge of quality, high-performance fishing lines. P-line keeps a promise on what anglers are asking for, new applications, baits, and techniques fishermen are encountering as they search fish.

There are a few competitors with P-Line today. They are Maxima and Sufix. Both of which are also based in California.


Out on the Water (Casting, Durability & Presentation)

Casting & Durability

During my 2004 fishing season, the CXX line performed very well according to my standards. Most of my presentations were for the type of power fishing that I enjoy doing on rivers. For power fishing, you need long and accurate casts, which were shown on the reviewed line. No matter what size reel, or spool you have, you will get great casts.

The durability on CXX is good. Since January 1, 2004, none of my reels have been respooled with new P-Line. They all hold the original line from the very first day when I spooled them up. Compared with Trilene XT, CXX is much tougher, has little-to-no memory, and like the box says, it does outperform every major competitor by 40% due to the slightly-beefed up diameter.

Presentation

On lakes, I mainly used the 8lb line with the combo in photo #2. On this combo, I mainly used jerkbaits, small spinnerbaits, 4” Yamamoto Senkos, 4” YUM Dingers, and assorted plastics for Bass fishing. The rod and reel in photo#4 was used primarily as a finesse-type of tool. The Symetre reel was spooled with 6lb line and worked well for jigging, live-bait fishing, walleye fishing, and drop-shotting for Bass. Finally the combo in photo #1 was mainly for jigging and fishing with small plastics. This was also spooled with 6lb line.

For rivers, my main combo was photo #3. This was my main river rig for the season. This is the main rod and reel that I do my power fishing on. A better term for power fishing is aggressive fishing. This was first spooled with 6lb Trilene XT. After a few months, I grew tired of all the memory it had and the casting distances were too poor for using smaller lures. With 6lb CXX spooled up, I really like throwing Mepps spinners (sizes 2 and 3), small crankbaits and larger sized twisters.

Special Features (Knot Strength & Visibility)

Knot Strength

While out on lakes and rivers with 6 and 8lb CXX, mainly fishing for Bass, knot strength of this somewhat “tough” line wasn't a problem even with the simplest knots like the Palomar knot that I always use. Pulling fish through heavy weed beds and brush was a pleasure to deal with. Based on my observations and write-ups in my seasonal log-book, no fish were broken off in heavy cover, and none were broken off due to knots.

Visibility

The low-visibility moss green line that was used is very comparable to fluorocarbon line. The moss green is invisible in almost all waters. (very invisible in moderately-clear, stained and murky water). What also helps is that the line is very soft and supple, which allows the angler to make longer casts and fish in stealth-mode as well.

P-Line CXX X-Tra Strong - 6 and 8lb Ratings (0/5)

Construction & Quality – Good construction made up of copolymer with and extra abrasion-resistant coating. Line has a high breaking strength as well. 5

On The Water Uses – Good for power fishing and hauling fish from heavy cover. Not enough sensitivity for successful Walleye fishing. 4.5

Design (ergonomics) – For a copolymer line, CXX has smooth and great casting, very low memory compared with other copolymer lines (Stren Magnaflex & Trilene XT) and is very limp and soft. 5

Presentation – Great line to use for jerkbaits and minnowbaits. Great line to use while fishing abrasive conditions as well. 5

Price – At a modest $8.00 for a spool of 6lb line that holds 300 yards, what else can you ask for? 5
 

Total Score - - - 4.9

Positive and Negative Thoughts

Positive
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Very strong & high breaking strength
Tight knots
Virtually invisible
Very soft for a copolymer
Decently priced


Negative
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Poor sensitivity for finnesse fishing
Anti-abrasion lines tend to be stiffer