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Line

1. Line Types

  • Monofilament (Mono)

    • Stretchy and forgiving
    • Good for beginners
    • Easy knot tying
    • Best for topwater, spinnerbaits, and general use

  • Fluorocarbon (Fluoro)

    • Nearly invisible underwater
    • Low stretch, more sensitivity
    • Abrasion resistant
    • Great for clear water and finesse techniques

  • Braided Line (Braid)

    • No stretch, very sensitive
    • Strong for thin diameter
    • Excellent for heavy cover
    • Requires proper knots (e.g., Uni Knot)

2. Line Strength (Pound Test)

Line strength, also called pound test, indicates the maximum weight a fishing line can handle before breaking. Choosing the right line strength is crucial for both catching fish and protecting your gear.

  • Light Lines (2–6 lbs)

    • Ideal for micro fishing, tiny soft plastics, and panfish
    • Easier to cast and more subtle in clear water
    • Requires careful hooksets

  • Medium Lines (6–12 lbs)

    • Suitable for finesse bass techniques like Wacky Rig, Ned Rig, or Dropshot
    • Good balance of strength and subtlety
    • Handles moderate cover without snapping

  • Heavy Lines (12–30 lbs)

    • Used for big lures, heavy cover, and large fish like swimbaits or big bass
    • Excellent abrasion resistance
    • Less stretch, giving better hookset power

Tips:
- Always match your line strength to your rod and reel’s recommended range.
- Thicker lines are stronger but more visible in the water; thinner lines are stealthier but weaker.
- Replace worn or frayed lines immediately to avoid losing fish.

3. Line Diameter

  • Thicker lines → stronger, more abrasion resistant, but more visible
  • Thinner lines → longer casting distance, less visible, but lower strength

4. Color & Visibility

  • Clear / Fluorocarbon → stealthy, good for clear water
  • Green / Camouflage → natural in vegetation
  • Bright colors → easier to track line movement, good for beginners or deep water

How to Choose Your First Line

Technique / Rig / Lure Type Pound Test Notes
Micro Fishing, Tiny Soft Plastics Mono / Fluoro 2–6 lbs Easy to cast, forgiving
Wacky Rig, Ned Rig, Dropshot Fluoro / Mono 6–10 lbs Sensitive, good for finesse
Crankbait Mono / Fluoro 8–12 lbs Stretch absorbs shock
Texas Rig, Jig Braid / Fluoro 10–20 lbs Strong for heavy cover
Spinnerbait, Chatterbait (Bladed Jig) Braid / Mono 12–20 lbs Less stretch, better hooksets
Topwater (Frog, Walking Baits, Poppers) Braid / Mono 12–20 lbs Strong, resistant to abrasion
Swimbait (Small 1–2oz) Braid / Fluoro 14–25 lbs Sensitive, handles bigger lures
Big Swimbait (2oz+) Braid / Fluoro 20–30 lbs Heavy duty, strong hooksets

Always match your line strength to your rod and reel’s recommended range