SELECTING A LINE FOR THE NEW FISHING SEASON

     Many anglers spool new line onto their reels about this time every year. Of course there is still plenty of ice-fishing to take advantage of, but for those evenings or times when we just can’t get away to go ice-fishing, many anglers like to prepare for the upcoming open water fishing season. Some anglers are sharpening hooks; others are taking inventory of their tackle so they know what needs to be replaced. Most anglers realize the importance of fresh fishing line and choose this time of year to re-spool their reels with new line.

Many fishing tackle stores are having sales on line about this time every year, and some great bargains can be picked up at sportshows as well. Regardless of where you buy your line, there are several considerations you need to make in selecting the line most appropriate for your use.

Many anglers have at least a couple of rods that they take along when they go fishing, lots of anglers have quite a few rods for specific applications. Different fishing conditions call for different lines. Following are some ideas about choosing specific lines for specific fishing conditions.

Lets say you fish with jigs or live-bait rigs quite a bit. These presentations are worked on the bottom much of the time. If the areas you fish have rocks, weeds, or timber, your line is going to take some abuse, so a durable line is called for. Trilene XT in six-pound test would be a good choice for a situation like this.

On the other hand, maybe you work the jigs mostly over a sand or gravel bottom in clear water. In this case, Trilene XL might be better. It is a little more limp and perhaps a tad less visible than XT.

Tournament Strength line is a relatively new line that is a good all around choice for many angling situations. It’s tough but handles well on the reel.  

Now lets say you troll crankbaits quite a bit. With monofilament lines, there is some stretch, which limits how deep a bait can dive.  

Monofilament in the heavier weights is large in diameter, which also limits how deep a crankbait can dive. FireLine is a member of the superline category. It has virtually no stretch, and ten-pound test FireLine is the same diameter as four-pound test monofilament. In many cases, FireLine is the perfect line for crankbaits.

When using a line such as FireLine, you need to go to a softer action rod or set the drag on the reel looser. The lack of stretch makes this line less forgiving.

Line is a major consideration for anglers. Remember, it is the only connection between you and the fish. Now is a great time to determine which line is best for your style of fishing.

Our Team | Message Board | Links | TV Show | Contact Us | Walleye Central | Articles