Have you gone fishing before? You have probably noticed that different anglers carry several fishing rods with them when they go out fishing. The difference is not just in the fishing rods but also in the fishing lines.
If and when you go to a tackle shop, to purchase fishing line for your rod(s), you will realize that there are a variety of fishing lines. Each line has its unique attributes to the next fishing line. When you have the right fishing line, you will be able to land strikes without losing the catch.
A fishing line also plays a significant role in the presentation of your bait(s). So, what does one look for when shopping for a fishing line? In this tutorial, I will cover the different essential properties of a fishing line that will help you on How to select a fishing line.
What to look for in a Fishing Line
As you shop around for the right fishing line to use, here are the attributes you need to look for in any fishing line.
How Strong is your Line?
Each fishing line can hold a certain amount of weight before it finally breaks. You will hear avid anglers describing their fishing lines as, this or that test of a line, say 10-pound test. The test part of the spool indicates the maximum weight the fishing line can hold before it breaks.
Every line reduces in strength with time, due to changes in the environment, exposure, etc. Several factors contribute to the degradation of a fishing line, and you will, therefore, need to change your spool of line, once in awhile.
How long will it last?
The durability of a fishing line is necessary. You don’t want to spend money on a component that won’t last you. A strong line is one that can withstand the changes in the environment and abrasion.
In general, fishing lines that have small diameters are least likely to be resistant to damages from abrasion with objects in the water, as compared to ones with larger diameters.
How does it work?
How your fishing line works goes a long way into helping you determine whether that particular line is suited for a certain fishing condition. Is it flexible? A flexible fishing line has little memory, in that, as you spool and unwind your line, it doesn’t retain the curved shape.
The elasticity of your choice of a fishing line also matters. A less flexible line allows you to set the hook with ease, in addition to improving the sensitivity of the line.
Types of Fishing Lines
There are three main types of fishing line, monofilament, braided and fluorocarbon line. However, a particular kind of line may work in one or more situations and not in others. I will categorize these lines further in 5 different groups of fishing line which include:
Bait casting line
Do you enjoy baitcasting, or would you like to try out this technique? In baitcasting, one operates their tackle mechanically. It is, therefore, prudent for any bait casting angler to have a tackle combination they are comfortable using.
If you are testing out your skills, you can go for a 17-pound test monofilament line. However, other avid “bait casters” use a 10-pound test of line or more. When looking for a bait casting line, choose one that is easy to handle.
Also, a flexible line will minimize tangling of the line. You will also need a line that is durable, in that you can use it in the long term.
Braided Fishing Line For Spinning Reels And Baitcaster
Braided line is ideal for use with both a bait caster and a spinning reel. When compared to the other three main types of fishing line, it has most of the attractive properties. It has a high resistance to abrasion than the other two.
When using the pitching or flipping technique most of the time you fish, you should try using a braided line. It has no stretch. The con of using a braided is its thickness, which makes it highly visible especially when fishing in clear water.
Another advantage of using a braided line is that it makes your hook setting a breeze.
Monofilament Line
Just as the name suggests, the monofilament line is a single stretch of fine line. If you are looking for an all-season type of line, then this is the line for you. It is ideal for fishing the surface of the water as it has low visibility attributes compared to the other fishing lines.
If you are fishing on a budget, then, using a mono line will be within your means. They are relatively cheaper than fluorocarbon and braided fishing lines. The downside of using a monofilament line is its low resistance to abrasion as it cuts quickly and stretches more.
Fluorocarbon Line
When fishing in different waters or chasing a particular species of fish, you will need a fishing line that checks the properties that you are looking for. Sometimes, you may require, to use a fluorocarbon line as opposed to the other lines. What are the attributes of a fluorocarbon line, you may ask?
It is less likely to be seen under water. When fishing clear waters, this is one property you need to check, as you don’t want to spook the fish. It is also highly sensitive making it have no stretch properties. When compared to the monofilament line, it is more resistant to abrasion.
Ice Fishing Line
Are you an ice fishing enthusiast? If yes, what are the properties that you look for when choosing a proper ice fishing line? The first factor to consider is the visibility of the line. Under the ice, the fish have enough time to inspect the bait presented to them.
You want to give them a natural presentation; otherwise, you won’t get any bites. Always go for a fishing line that is less visible underwater. You should also consider the effect that the sharp ice may have on the line if you don’t want to lose your line with your catch.
Conclusion
Fishing lines come in a range of colors and varieties, and each has its unique properties. Before you purchase a spool of line, you should keep several things in mind. How is the water that you are fishing, is it clear or murky waters?
Also, you should consider the fishing rod and reel that you are using. How does your choice of fishing line operate with the other components that make your tackle? Understanding the different properties of the various fishing lines will help you make a wise decision on which fishing line to purchase.
