How to Pick a Fishing Line
Fishing line is the most important piece of fishing equipment, as even the best fishing pole and fishing reel will be of no value if the fishing line breaks under the weight of the fish. With a seemingly limitless assortment of fishing line available today, choosing one line over another can seem like a daunting task. However, the appropriate fishing line can quickly be identified on the store shelves once the characteristics of fishing line are understood and the weight range of the fish to be pursued is determined.
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Instructions
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Determine the weight range of the fish you intend to catch. The weight range of fish in a given water source can be determined by talking with anglers and tackle shop employees who are familiar with the particular body of water. For example, lake trout can grow to a very large size, but most lake trout weigh only up to about 4 lbs.. An average bass may weight up to 6 lbs.
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Select a fishing line that matches the weight range of the fish you intend to catch. Fishing line is rated in "pound test," which represents the maximum weight, as measured in pounds, that the line can withstand before breaking. For example, if fishing for trout in a water source where the average trout is 4 lbs. or less, use 4-lb. test fishing line; 2-lb. test would not be appropriate here, as the average trout would likely break the line.
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Consider purchasing the narrowest fishing line available for the chosen weight rating. The box which contains the fishing line will include the diameter of the fishing line as well as the line’s pound test rating. Narrower line is generally better than thicker line because it is harder for fish to detect the narrower line. Note that line diameter is measured in inches. For example, a line diameter of .005 inches is narrower than a diameter of .006 inches. Therefore, 4-lb. test line with a diameter of .005 inches would be a better choice than 4-lb. test line with a diameter of .006 inches. The disadvantage of purchasing narrower fishing line is the increase in cost.
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References
- Photo Credit fishing image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
