SELECTING A NEW FISHING LINE 
By Bob Jensen

This is the time of year when anglers are spooling new line onto fishing reels in preparation for a new fishing season. Each fishing season should start with new line, and most anglers like to add some new line as the season progresses. Remember, your line is the only connection to that fish: You want good fresh line to increase your odds of landing that lunker.

You don't need to change all the line on your reel. Many anglers simply tie new line to existing line on the reel with a blood knot and add forty or fifty yards of line. By doing so, you can be sure you have fresh line all the time.

Now, how do we decide which line to use? There are a lot of choices out there, and most lines have different characteristics, which make them more appropriate for different uses. Here's how you decide which line to spool onto your reel.

It is important to consider how the line will be used. Generally, light line works best with light baits. For jigs that weigh less than a quarter ounce, six-pound test line is a good place to start. For jigs that are less than an eighth ounce, consider four-pound test line. Light baits cast better and can be worked more effectively with light line. Trilene XL and XT lines are great choices.

Let's say you're going to be pulling crankbaits for walleyes a lot. Maybe you'll be pulling over rocks or around deep weeds, or using planer boards. This is tough use and can create abrasion on a line that isn't intended for this type of use. Now is when you want a durable line that is still easy to control. Something like IronSilk or XT in eight, ten, or twelve-pound test would be a good choice.

Remember that the heavier the pound test, the larger the diameter of the line will be. This is especially important with crankbaits. If you want the bait to run deeper, a line with smaller diameter will be better. Smaller diameter lines have less water resistance, which enables the baits to run deeper.

If you want the bait to run at it's maximum depth, you should consider a superline like FireLine. This type of line is super strong and of very small diameter. For instance, ten-pound test FireLine has the same diameter as four-pound test monofilament. Unlike monofilament line, FireLine has no stretch. This means a lighter action rod might be more appropriate. You will also need to back off on the drag a little to prevent hooks from tearing loose.

The no-stretch feature of superlines provides for better hook-setting capabilities and super-sensitivity: Monofilament lines are more forgiving. Superlines and monofilament will both perform very well: There are just some situations when one might be a little better than the other.

Consider how you will be fishing and let that determine your choice of line. There are a lot of choices, so you should be able to use a line that best fits your needs. Don't cut corners on line, it's the only thing between you and the fish. Make a wise line choice and watch your fish catches and fishing enjoyment go up.