I can't stop thinking about the "one" that got away. I went in with 20 mono and picked up some 14xt for some backup line. When I noticed some knot issues with the 20 I opted to replace it with the 14lb test. Big mistake when coupled with a stiff rod and big lures. I deserved to lose the fish and looking back my self talk includes the phrase "big dope" and "what were you thinking"?

My thinking now runs to 65 test braid loaded on a baitcaster. I went with a little bit heavier braid than I really need to help avoid backlash problems as well as less tendancy to dig into itself. Power pro can be a nightmare to untangle and more times than not I end up cutting my way out. For knots just double the line and use a four turn uni knot. Make sure your drag is right or you might find Mr. Big pulling you over. It can happen. Have some snips handy in case you get hung. I will probably just cut the line as close as I can.

There are some big honkin pike out there and if you throw lures that get their attention be sure you are equipped properly. I'm still not sure why I went with mono while throwing muskie lures. BTW, I noticed no drop off in strikes with regular sized pike whatsoever. Be extra careful with lures like Suiks which sport 3 sets of oversized trebles. Some of the big spinnerbaits and inline spinners might be a safer yet still productive choice.

Good hunting. 

Interesting Jax that you have had some iffy results with PP. I haven't used it in lighter lb tests. But I have used 30 for backcountry snook fishing for over 20 years with great results. It is, in fact, the line of choice among the salt water crowd.

Despite rumors to the contrary it is not especially abrasion resistant and perhaps therein lies the crux of your missteps with PP. I always have a 3' section of 40 FC which is very abrasion resistant when I backcountry fish. Get that PP on a barnacle and it will blow up.

Fray a few threads on some rocks in the Q and it just might come apart. I also wonder what sort of knot you are using and if you are testing it sufficiently. Perhaps it is pulling off the lure? There would be no tell tale curly cue.

Your right about the muskie lures costing a bunch. I was quite bummed when I thought my tackle backpack was at the bottom of lake Superior. But there it was still stuffed under my seat when I rolled my boat upright. 

One last thought to those of you who might be fishing heavy braid. When you get hung the inclination is to lock your drag down to pull free. All well and good if you don't overdue it.

But remember to loosen your drag again. An easy mistake to make especially when your tired. At best it may cause you to bust off a fish at worst Mr. Big could pull you a bit harder than you are prepared to accept.