Your fishing
line often spells the difference between the satisfaction of landing that lunker
or the disappointment of seeing it swim away when your line breaks. Of course,
the line is only as good as the knot you tie, but selecting the most appropriate
line may improve your chances and enjoyment on the water.
Manufacturers
have invested heavily in improving fishing line by designing various characteristics
to meet the demands of both the fish you are trying to catch and the conditions
of the water
Lines
also take into account your tackle--rod and reel--and your casting techniques
Limper
lines may offer a little more sensitivity, a big plus when trying to catch smaller
fish. But on the downside, they may have too much stretch, they pull too easy
when a fish strikes, which may cause the line to break.
Today's
line tries to combine a balance of sensitivity--to allow
the user to feel the fish on his/her line, shock strength--to
absorb the initial strike of a fish, controlled stretch--
to keep the fish on your line without it breaking easily, and the proper stiffness--to
improve casting and retrieving
This
number simply means the line's strength or pound-test is designed to hold the
indicated weight before it breaks. For example, two-pound test has been rated
to hold a two-pound fish before it breaks.
Novice
anglers should buy the line that meets the size of the fish they want to catch.
Choose a heavier line if you are unsure.
More
advanced anglers may choose to use the lightest line possible to increase the
challenge of landing a fish
Some
of the new premium lines use thinner diameters with incredible strength and durability
This
is because the thinner the line, the more sensitive the line. Sensitivity helps
you feel the fish nibbling on your bait or lure.
Diameter
can also play a role in the type of reel that you are using
Smaller diameter
lines and lower pound test lines are better suited for spincasting
--or spinning--reels
Baitcasting
reels work better with 10-pound test lines and heavier for saltwater fishing
Most
manufacturers rate their line for fishing conditions, such as "ultra-light" for
small fish such as perch and "big game" for larger fish like muskie or tuna
There
are even specialized lines for cold weather and ice fishing
Abrasion
resistance
Fishing
lines are subjected to harsh conditions--rocks, tree stumps and the weather. That's
why fishing lines are made to be abrasion-resistant.
Look
for line that can withstand scuffing, nicks and the normal wear-and-tear from
repeated casting
Most
premium lines offer good abrasion resistance. Even monofilaments
now come in special designs to improve abrasion resistance in extreme fishing
conditions.
Color
Sometimes
you need to see your line; other times you don't want the fish to see the line.
Consequently, you can buy line that accomplishes one of these objectives.
Clear/blue fluorescent
Sunlight illuminates
the line above the surface so it's easier to see when casting, retrieving or trolling
Under
the surface, the line stays clear so it's nearly invisible to a fish
Low-visibility
This blends into
most underwater environments so it's good in situations where the fishing is tougher
either because they don't seem to want to bite or heavy fishing has made the fish
a little smarter
Low-visibility
clear
In
clear streams or even in some lakes, the water runs clear. This color works well
in ultra-clear water or when you know the fishing hole you have selected tends
to have fish that seem unwilling to bite.
High-visibility
gold
This
bright color makes it easier to see when a fish strikes or to watch your line
position when you troll several lines or go fishing in a current
You
may also prefer this color for low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk and night
Coffee
If you are going
fishing in muddy, stained waters, this color blends in with the water conditions
Moss
green
This
color works well in waters with heavy vegetation or algae
Stiffness
or limpness
Typically,
the stronger lines are also stiffer lines
Many
of the limper lines are designed for certain types of reels to make casting easier
and for open waters where few structures such as trees and rocks are a problem
Generally,
the larger the diameter, the stiffer the line. Stiffness also normally adds strength
to a line.
You
can buy fishing lines in different materials and manufacturing processes that
have been refined or added to give you better lines to get the job done.
Monofilament/Cofilament
Monofilament
lines are the most popular, primarily because of their lower price tag
They
use nylon to form the line in single sheath so they are more prone to abrasion
Cofilament
line adds more resistance while still providing sensitivity and stretch
This
basically uses an inner and outer sheath of nylon to improve the line's ability
to withstand wear and tear
Braided
These small diameter
lines improve strength and still maintain sensitivity
For
example, a 15-pound test braided line still has the same diameter of a 6 pound
test monofilament fishing line
The
nylon is woven in a braided line to add strength while still keeping the line
thin. Many manufacturers add a coating to hold the braid together, increasing
its durability and strength.
Three
problems exist with braided lines but these can be easily overcome
One, you must
use the type of knot recommended by the manufacturer to keep your line on the
hook
Two,
many of these are limp so they can be tougher to cast, especially on spinning
reels
A
third area but one that's shared by all lines is watching for nicks. Braided lines,
in particular though, become much weaker so you need to watch for broken braid
strands.
Fusion
A variant of braided
lines is a new fusion process
Micro-fiber
nylon is fused together to maintain sensitivity, strength and a small line diameter
while keeping the line limp for easier casting and distance
Some
experts caution that the new super braided and fusion lines have limited stretch,
a big plus in setting the hook
Fluorocarbons
The
latest advance in fishing lines is fluorocarbons--made
from a polymer of fluorine boned to carbon. This super-premium line offers several
advantages.
Invisibility
This is a very
big benefit, especially in clear water or finesse fishing
Fluorocarbon
line comes closest to the refractive index of water,
so it becomes virtually invisible under water but is visible above the surface
Durability
The sun's ultraviolet
rays don't affect the line so it last longer
Strength
Fluorocarbon line
doesn't absorb water so it keeps its strength. Some manufacturers say monofilament
lines lose between 10-20 percent of their strength because of water absorption.
Stiffness
This line also
has low stretch to help with sensitivity in hooking fish
Its
stiffness also means the line doesn't float, so it allows lures to go down deeper
and jigs to fall faster
MyOAN! Welcome Tour
How
To Buy Fresh/Salt Water Fishing Line
