Mind Your Line!

There are a tremendous number of lines on the market now, and it can be difficult to choose which one to use. If you have the luxury of several fishing outfits, you can spool different lines for different conditions on different outfits. If not, you need to pick a line that will meet most of the conditions you fish.

Following are some ideas that works:

• For fishing heavy cover and rough conditions like rocks, pick a monofilament designed for it, usually designated tough, extreme or extra strength. Also try braids and fusion line.

• For fishing clear water, choose a thin, clear line. Fluorocarbon lines disappear underwater. Others are usually called extra limp, extra thin and other names that designate it as small diameter.

• For fishing vegetation like lily pads, moss and grass, try a thin, tough line. It can be a braid or a fused line. Names like Fireline, Spiderwire and Power Pro are all good.

• For setting a line class record, use a line that will break at the designated test. Most lines break well above the stated test and will be considered for the record at the test they break, not what is stated. There are few lines on the market that will break at the stated test, usually under names like record line or something similar.

• For spinning and spin cast reels, choose a thin, limp line for better casting. It can be mono, fusion or braid.

• Baitcasting reels handle most any kind of line, but stiffer line works well on them, much better than on a spinning reel.

Decide what kind of line you need. Change it often. Learn to tie a good knot. Then you won't be able to blame your line on the one that got away!