How to Choose Fishing Line

Of all the fishing gear in your tackle box, fishing line is perhaps the most important. Inferior fishing line may cause casting difficulties, lost fish due to line breakage, poor knot retention or it may scare off your potential catch, among other mishaps. These tips will help you choose fishing line that both promotes more bites and lands more catches.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fishing rod and reel
• One to two spools of fishing line
• Full tacklebox

1. Look to your fishing rod for a general idea, assuming the rod is suitable for the type of fishing planned. While this will only serve as a general weight test guide, heavier fishing line may be more difficult to cast, and it is known to damage equipment. Fishing line that is too light is difficult to cast with and may not support the lure or bait properly.

2. Decide in advance which type of fish your are after such as pan fish, trout, bottom-feeders or bass. From here consider the type of bait and/or lures you will use. Some lines are designed to sink faster and cast further, such as fluorocarbon, braided or superlines. Monofilament is a lighter line though, absorbing some water, it is prone to stretch. Monofilament is the most commonly used fishing line but for serious fishing and challenging environments it may be inadequate.

3. Check out the water clarity, environmental conditions and preferred habitat of the fish prior to choosing fishing line for your trip. Clear water with few shrubs, rocks and weeds, requires either less conspicuous fluorocarbon or good monofilament, unless you want the strength and expense of a superline. Alternatively, you can opt for the line of your choice and use a fluorocarbon leader.

4. Consider your prior fishing experience, besides technique. Does the line tend to break consistently? Try fluorocarbon or superlines such as Fireline or Spiderwire, the latter is a great choice for novices and kids who get bored with losing fish, tangles and breakage. Is casting distance a problem? Check the weight of the line and its stiffness. Getting bites but failing to set the hook? Know that the slack in a monofilament line may be a problem.

5. Write down the name of your rod and reel or bring it with you to a bait and tackle store. Preferably, consult with a local merchant or at least a fishing equipment chain that hosts experts. Refrain from a simple variety store with a sporting goods section. Ask questions and most of the time you can rely on their expert advice for how to choose fishing line.

6. Opt for name brand quality fishing line rather than generic or discount brands. More often than not the brand name fishing lines will perform better when casting, last longer, knot better, resist premature breakage, and are slower at degrading from exposure to elements.

Tips & Warnings

• You will often need more than one type of fishing line and at least two rod and reels, even on the same trip, for optimal results.
• Have your reel machine spooled if you are unsure of how to do it yourself, some places charge and some do not.
• Choose a fishing line that works will with your fishing experience and goals.
• Ensure that you learn the proper knot technique for the fishing line you plan to use.
• Dispose properly any loose fishing line or knotted messes you create or come across. Many lines are not biodegradable and can cause other fishing frustrations for yourself and others.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[jcorn]

on 5/12/2008 Excellent tutorial, seems so easy as described by this excellent writer!