Fishing Line

Fishing line comes in a variety of sizes, or strengths, called pound-test. For example, ten pound-test lines are stronger than four pound-test. You must match the pound-test line to the size of rod and reel, the bait you're using, and the fish you are fishing for. For example, small ultra light spincasting and spinning reels can use up to six pound-test lines. Larger spinning reels can use stronger line. Bait casting reels can use from 6- to 30-pound line, but 8- to 16-pound-test lines are most common. Using heavier line than necessary may reduce the number of bites or strikes you get, because heavy line is more visible in water.

To connect your line to your hook you need to learn to tie fishing knots. Although dozens of fishing knots are used you only need to learn two or three good knots for most fishing. Here's how to tie three common knots:

The palomar and improved clinch knots are used by many anglers for attaching hooks and lures. They are both very strong knots.

The loop knot is used for minnow type baits and diving lures. The loop attached to the lure allows the lure to move more freely.

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