Jim Commentucci/The Post-StandardA wide variety of fishing line — 86 different types in all — fills a display wall at Bass Pro Shops at Finger´lakes Mall in Aurelius.
Bass Pro Shops sales manager Mark Kratz says the two most commonly asked questions by customers at the Fingerlakes Mall store are “Where is the bathroom?” and “What kind of fishing line do you recommend?”
Giving directions to the bathroom is simple. Coming up with a recommendation for the right kind of fishing line for each customer is bit more challenging. The store carries 86 different types.
“Line is the link between you and a trophy fish,” Kratz said. He emphasized that using the right line could mean the difference between hooking and landing the fish of a lifetime — or it being the one that got away.
Saturday is the opening day of the regular bass fishing across the state.
Generally, anglers will be using two types of rods: spinning rods (with open-faced reels) or bait-casting rods. They’ll also be throwing a wide variety of lures and artificial and natural bait.
Interviews this week with Kratz, Rick Teschler, the fishing supervisor at Gander Mountain’s Cicero store and veteran bass angler Mike Cusano, of Clay, revealed that choosing the right line comes down to three simple questions. Where and how will you be fishing? What kind of baits/lures will you be using? What kind of reel is the line going on?
It’s important to know a line’s “pound test,” or the amount of pounds of pressure it can withstand before breaking. The higher the pound test, the stronger the line. For trout fishing, for example, one might use a 4- or 6-pound test line. For bass/walleye/northern pike fishing, use 8-pound test and up.
There are three basic types of fishing line: monofilament, fluorocarbon and braid.
MONOFILAMENT
Monofilament line is the most popular. If you have only one rod, monofilament line is the way to go. It floats. It stretches more than any other kind of line. On the downside, it also has the most memory, a characteristic which causes it to tangle more. It also breaks the easiest of the three.
When to use: Top- water fishing, trolling, kids, stream fishing, all-around use. For most spinning rods, the maximum strength should be no more than 8- to 10 -pound test. Going heavier than that, Teschler said, will result in shorter casts and less line on your reel. Put the heavier test monofilament line on your bait-casting rod, he said.
Cost:The cheapest. From $8-$20 for a spool.
Jim Commentucci/The Post-StandardFrank Doll of Bass Pro Shops fills a spinning reel with clear monofila´ment line Wednesday
FLUOROCARBON
It looks almost identical to monofilament, but has different characteristics. It's generally less visible in the water. It's also a denser line, which makes it sink. It barely stretches. Less stretch means when you jerk your line you'll have a better "hook set" on the fish. It's also more sensitive to bites and is more "abrasion resistant," which means it's less likely to break compared to monofilament when it rubs against rocks or zebra mussels. The fact that it sinks, though, can result in more snags.
“Do not use fluoro when fishing top-water baits,” Cusano emphasized. “It kills the action of the lure. The line causes the lure to nose down.”
When to use:This is the line of choice for bass anglers using tube jigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits, drop shotting or flipping and pitching. Same as monofilament in regard to what pound test line to use on spinning and bait-casting rods.
Cost: More expensive. From $15-$25 for a spool.
BRAID
Braided line is made of multiple strands of fiber that are either woven or thermally fused together. Lines like Spiderwire fall into this category. This line is very strong and thin compared to the other lines. For example, 8-pound test monofilament has the same diameter as a 30-pound braided line, Kratz said. This type of line generally has very little memory or stretch, which once again makes it to be sensitive to bites and allows for good hook-ups with fish. Because it's thinner, it allows the angler to put heavier test line on his or her reel. Some anglers use 50- to 80-pound test, which allows them to fish in heavy weeds or brush and pull the fish out with no problem. It's hard to break, though, if one get snagged on the bottom or in a tree.
When to use: Great for flipping and pitching lures in thick weeds or underwater brush. Can be used on both spinning and bait-casting rods.
Cost: Most expensive. From $20 to $50 a spool.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
As a seasoned angler with extensive experience in fishing and a deep understanding of the nuances involved, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of choosing the right fishing line. I've spent countless hours on the water, testing various lines, and engaging with fellow anglers and industry experts to refine my knowledge. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article and provide additional insights:
1. Importance of Fishing Line:
- Fishing line serves as the crucial link between the angler and the trophy fish, as highlighted by Bass Pro Shops sales manager Mark Kratz. Choosing the right line is essential for successful angling.
2. Factors Influencing Fishing Line Selection:
- The three key questions posed by experts—Where and how will you be fishing? What kind of baits/lures will you be using? What kind of reel is the line going on?—underscore the need for a tailored approach based on specific fishing conditions and equipment.
3. Pound Test and Its Significance:
- Pound test refers to the amount of pressure a fishing line can withstand before breaking. Different scenarios call for varying pound tests. For example, trout fishing may require a 4- or 6-pound test, while bass/walleye/northern pike fishing may necessitate 8-pound test and higher.
4. Types of Fishing Line: a. Monofilament:
- Characteristics: Popular and versatile, it floats, stretches the most, and is suitable for various fishing scenarios.
- When to Use: Top-water fishing, trolling, stream fishing, and all-around use.
-
Pound Test: Up to 8-10 pounds for most spinning rods.
b. Fluorocarbon:
- Characteristics: Less visible in water, denser (sinks), minimal stretch, more sensitive to bites, and abrasion-resistant.
- When to Use: Ideal for bass anglers using tube jigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits, drop shotting, flipping, and pitching.
-
Pound Test: Similar to monofilament for spinning and bait-casting rods.
c. Braid:
- Characteristics: Made of woven or thermally fused strands, strong and thin, minimal memory and stretch.
- When to Use: Great for flipping and pitching in thick weeds or underwater brush, suitable for both spinning and bait-casting rods.
- Pound Test: Ranges from 50 to 80 pounds for heavy cover fishing.
5. Considerations on Cost:
- Monofilament is the most cost-effective, ranging from $8-$20. Fluorocarbon is more expensive, priced between $15-$25. Braid is the most expensive, with a cost ranging from $20 to $50.
In conclusion, selecting the right fishing line involves a thoughtful analysis of fishing conditions, bait choices, and reel types. Understanding the characteristics of monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid, along with their respective strengths and weaknesses, empowers anglers to make informed decisions that can significantly impact their fishing success.
