How to Cut Braided Fishing Line

Girl holding a fish caught on a fishing line with clouds image by Andris Daugovich from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

When fishing with braided fishing line, it's best to always choose superior lines. Braided fishing line is a multi-strand fishing line that offers strength, durability and flexibility, making it an effective choice when angling for large game fish and bottom dwellers.

It is important to properly cut braided fishing line when cutting off a hook set-up or discarding an especially worn section along the bottom, which will ensure the edges do not fray or the anti-breakage treatment, or coating, chip at the cut point and spread up the line.

Braided fishing line coatings are added to improve the overall condition of the spectra material from which the line is constructed and prevent damage during especially rough cast-and-retrieval patterns, which are common in choppy waters or along a weedy bottom.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

6-1/2 inch braided line cutting pliers

Step 1

Grip the braided line for a strong hold. Pass the braided line between your index finger and thumb, and hold it there. Create tension by pulling against the spooled line that is already tied to the reel. Pull the braided line until all visible slack along the braided line has completely diminished; the braided line will feel taut to the touch.

Step 2

Cut the braided line. Two to four strands of spectra material are built into braided line, making it necessary to cut the line with one continuous slice using 6-1/2 inch braided line cutting pliers.

Step 3

Prevent fraying and general damage to the longer edger of the cut line by ensuring that a straight cut is made. Avoid cutting at an angle altogether.

Step 4

Seal frayed strands with a contained heat source such as a flame from a match or lighter. Hold the frayed edge briskly for no more than several seconds over the small flame. You want to melt the loose end, not burn it.

Tips & Warnings

Braided fishing line is available at fishing tackle stores.

Proceed with caution when handling scissors.

Youth anglers should not use scissors while outside the view of a parent or guardian.

Resources

Stiper Space: Advantages and Disadvantages of Braided Line

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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