How to Consider a Combination Fishing Line
Use the strongest and toughest line possible when fishing for game fish. You never know what you are going to hook or on what the line is going to snag. Of course the stronger a line is, the less distance it will cast and the more likely it is to snarl up on the reel. When fishing in a non-motorized boat or wade fishing on a budget you need one rig that you can use under as many situations as possible.
Things You'll Need:
Fluorocarbon leader of at least 25-pound test
20-pound monofilament
25-pound test steel leader
50 yards of 20-pound test fused microfilament
Choose the right material for the first 8 to 10 inches from the lure. The best material for all-around use is a fluorocarbon leader of at least 25-pound test. Any length over 10 inches makes it harder to cast because of the knot with the casting line. The fluorocarbon leader will work equally as well in bays or the surf. Most game fish will not be able bite through it. Use a 25-pound test steel leader when small shark or mackerel are around.
Put 50 yards of 20-pound test-fused microfilament line behind the leader. Braided line is too fragile and 20-pound monofilament is prone to snarl up and restricts the range of the cast. The microfilament will cast like 10-pound monofilament. It isn't as tough as monofilament, but you've compensated for that with the leader. The microfilament registers every resistance as it has far less give than the monofilament. Use no more than 50 yards because it is expensive.
Fill the rest of the spool behind the microfilament with 20-pound monofilament. It won't snarl up because the only time it comes off the spool will be when you hook a big fish and it will be under considerable tension, both going out and being reeled in.
Test the three knots thoroughly by jerking on them. If possible, attach the leader to a swivel and nail the swivel to a tree or post. Walk out all the line and put under hard tension several times. Place the drag on lightly and walk back to the swivel, reeling everything in.
