How to Pick a 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>

Whether you are topwater fishing or bottom fishing, it is essential that you choose a fishing line that is rated for the type of fishing you will be doing and the fish species you want to catch. Not all fishing line is created equal and some lines are constructed specifically for certain water depths. Using a few simple tips, you can find the right fishing line for your reel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Determine which pound test you require. Pound test is the calculated weight capacity allowed for a fishing line; or in other words, the largest fish size the fishing line can withstand before breakage occurs.

Step 2

Consider the body of water you will be fishing. Fishing tackle is classed as freshwater, saltwater or combination, which means it's designed for both saltwater and freshwater fishing applications.

Step 3

Pick a braided line--which features a finer diameter--to drop your line deep with little resistance, especially while trolling. Rig your mainline or leader with fluorocarbon line when fishing in bays and rivers. With fluorocarbon, the line is invisible and most effective when fishing low currents or gentle, clear waters.

Step 4

Select super monofilament fishing line over monofilament when casting long distances. Super monofilament fishing line is constructed with a finer diameter, less stretch and greater knot strength than monofilament. Super monofilament also runs through the rod guides on a fishing reel more easily than monofilament fishing line.

Step 5

Opt for multifilament fishing line when fishing with a conventional or baitcasting reel. This fishing line is ideal for large game fish, but can be costly as compared to standard monofilament fishing line.

Tips & Warnings

Store your fishing line in a tackle box.

Overexposure to sunlight and water can diminish the efficacy of fishing 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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