How to Select Fishing Line Weight

Fishing line weight needs to be matched to your rod and reel. Depending on the type of fishing you are doing, lures and bait you are using, and line type you choose, you may want a heavier or lighter line weight. The weakest link between you and landing a fish is the line. The line you choose needs to be both reliable and strong. Make sure your line can handle the load placed on it without snapping. This is essential to a successful day on the water.

Things You'll Need

• Rod
• Reel
• Fishing Line
• Lures, bait or flies

Instructions

1. Check what weight line your rod and reel can handle. It is sometimes possible to use line a pound above or below the recommended limit.

2. Know the type of fish you will be going after. The bigger and heavier the fish, the heavier the weight line you will want.

3. Choose your proper type of line for the style of fishing you will be doing. Mono-filament, the most popular line, can weigh more or less than other types of line such as braided line, wire line and leader Line.

4. Pick your lures, bait or flies. If you are using heavy-duty weather-resistant lures or heavier bait or flies, you will want to go up in weight for your line.

5. Choose the correct line weight.

References

• "The Fishing Handbook;" Rob Beattie; 2007
• "The New Encyclopedia of Fishing;" John Bailey; 2001.