The Best Ways to Test a Fishing Line

Fishing line strength is measured in pounds, with the term "pound test" used to indicate how strong the line is designed to be. For example, 12-pound test is made to hold up to the fight of a 12-pound fish. This does not mean that this line will snap automatically when a heavier fish is being played on it but under normal circumstances this line is designed for a 12-pound limit. Before going fishing, there are ways to test the strength of your line, especially if it has been on your reel for a prolonged period of time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing pole with line
Fishing pole with line

Step 1

Attach a small weight on the line and cast the line out to check for frayed areas that will break when any pressure is applied. Tie a pair of large washers to the end of the line and cast the line out in an open field or in your back yard. Before the washers hit the ground pull back on the line. This test will quickly reveal if there is a weak spot in the line, since it will snap there. In this case, the entire line should be replaced.

Step 2

Tie the end of your line to something and walk backward, pulling on the line every few feet. A tree branch in your yard or a chain link fence at a playground can be used for this test. Let the line come off the reel and then set the drag. Pull against the line but not with so much force that it will simply snap. This test does not have to be done for the entire length of line on your reel; just test the first 50 feet or so. Try to move the fishing rod back and forth to imitate the fight a fish may put up.

Step 3

While wearing a pair of gloves, take the line off the reel a yard at a time, pulling it in opposite directions. This test will reveal weak spots that may cost you a fish. Again it is not necessary to go through the entire length of line. Don't pull with a large amount of force but do try to keep the force the same for each test of the line.

Step 4

Hook your line to a small weighted object and try to reel it in. Use an object that can be easily reeled in over grass or asphalt. Take the object and the fishing pole and place it on the ground. Then walk away from it, letting line come off the reel. From a distance of about 100 feet begin to reel the object in. Reel at different rates of speed, which emulates how a fish is reeled in. If the line holds up to this test it should be good to go. Objects such as a 5-gallon plastic bucket can be used for this line test.

Step 5

Employ a visual test of your line to look for any nicks in the line. Attach the line to a fence or tree branch and let the line come off for at least 100 feet as you walk away. Lay the pole down and go back to the end of the line where it is tied. Run the line slowly through your fingers, looking and feeling for any abnormalities. If you find one, test that area by pulling on it from both sides.

Resources

Fishing line tips website

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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