best cord type for marline?

[toomanyquestions]

Having a tough time finding an adequate source of tarred marline here on the east coast, so I am thinking i'll be stuck making my own soon. What do you guys feel is the best stuff to use? Can't find Manila here except in inch-thick rope. I've been eyeing the seine twine and the jute. Will it work better if I tar it first, or should I just wrap it on and slush it up afterwards?
I'm serving 1/4" galvanized cable.

Thanks,

-JB