I use cable ...I mean 20/20 ande for my winter stalk of large predators. Saved my butt more than once on some nice fish. It increases my margin of error if I tie a bad knot or have abrasion I didn't notice. I also use a direct drive reel so I can put as much or as little pressure as I want on fish. Another reason for the cable is you need to hook them first....land them second. I can and will cast into the nasty spots in search of mr fishie. I down size when it gets low and the fishies are smaller. Besides when I need to cross the river I just cast into the trees on the other side and secure my end and do a hand over hand....beats swimming