If you fish offshore, jig deep water or chase big game, you've probably heard anglers talk about hollow core braid. It looks like regular braid on the spool, but it has a secret: the center is empty. That opening lets you splice lines together without a single knot.
What Is Hollow Core Braid?
Hollow core braid is woven around an empty center, like a tiny tube or a finger trap. Reaction Tackle Hollow Core braid is a 16-strand line made from UHMWPE fibers, available in:
- Strengths: 50, 65, 80, 100, 130, 150 and 200 lb test
- Lengths: 600, 1,200 and 2,500 yards (1,000 yards in select sizes)
- Colors: Blue Camo (metered, changes color every 10 yards), Hi-Vis Yellow and White
Why Anglers Use Hollow Core
- Knotless connections: Splice in a leader, wind-on leader, top shot or loop with no bulky knot.
- Slim connections: A splice passes smoothly through guides and level winds, which matters when a big fish runs the leader onto the reel.
- Strength: A properly done splice keeps much more of the line's strength than many knots, which is why big game anglers rely on them.
- Smooth handling: The 16-strand construction gives a thin, round, smooth line for good casting and jigging.
- Depth tracking: Metered Blue Camo shows how much line is out, great for vertical jigging and deep drops.
Who Is It For?
- Offshore anglers fishing for tuna and other big pelagic fish
- Deep drop and vertical jig anglers
- Anglers who want to join braid to braid, like a hollow core top section over solid braid backing
- Anyone who wants the strongest, slimmest connection possible
How Splicing Works (The Basics)
There are several splice styles, and the right one depends on the connection you're making and the line sizes. In general:
- Use a splicing needle (a long, thin hollow needle or wire loop tool) sized to the line.
- Open the hollow core and insert the line you're joining, such as a mono leader or a section of solid braid, so it runs inside the hollow core for a long distance, often several inches or more.
- Exit the needle, pull it through and smooth the hollow braid back over the inserted line.
- Many splices are finished with a short serving or a light wrap of waxed thread to lock the end in place.
Under load, the hollow braid tightens around the inserted line, like a finger trap, and holds it. Splicing has a learning curve, so practice at home and test each splice with steady pressure before you fish it. Follow a detailed tutorial or a local tackle shop's guidance for the specific splice you need.
Hollow Core vs Regular Braid
- Need knotless connections or wind-on leaders? Hollow core.
- Casting and general fishing with knots? Standard 8-strand or 4-strand braid is easier and more affordable.
Learn more about strand counts in The World of Braided Fishing Lines.
Gear That Pairs Well
- 100% fluorocarbon in heavy sizes for leaders.
- Braid scissors and pliers for clean cuts on heavy line.
Shop Reaction Tackle Hollow Core Braid in 50 to 200 lb test.
