Types of Lines:

• Monofilament

Monofilament is a thin string made from a single "Fiber". Most fishing lines are made from monofilament because of its strength, availability in all pound-test kinds, and low cost. It also comes in many different colors such as white, green, blue, clear, and fluorescent. Monofilament is made by melting and mixing polymers and then extruding through tiny holes, forming strands, which are then spun into spools of various thicknesses. The extrusion process controls not only the thickness but also the pound test.

Monofilament is not advisable for deepwater fishing since it can absorb water resulting in loose knots, and its sensitivity can decrease when it is wet. Monofilament degrades with time and can weaken when exposed to heat and sunlight. When stored on a spool for a long time, it may come off the fishing reel in coils or loops. Monofilaments should be changed at regular intervals to prevent degradation.

• Braided

Braided lines are some of the strongest types of fishing lines in relation to diameter. Braids are made by braiding or weaving fibers of a man-made material like Spectra or micro-dyneema into a strand. Braided fishing lines are abrasion resistant. These lines are so strong that they are very difficult to break when snagged. A fish is also unlikely to break it.

• Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon is made by combining a carbon base and other materials to form a line that is almost invisible underwater. Therefore it is very useful in clear water. Many fluorocarbon lines are stiff and keep the shape of the spool, especially when cold. This can cause casting problems, especially on spinning reels. The lighter versions show these problems less than heavier test lines but can still be a problem.

Consider the following properties when buying fishing line:

• Strength - This is measured in pounds of force required to break the line. Most lines break at a much higher "pound test" than their labels state. "World-record" lines are deigned to break at or just below the labeled pound test
• Abrasion Resistance - For fishing around cover such as rocks or brush, will not break easily when it is rubbed against the cover.
• Diameter - diameter affects castability, running depth of your baits, stretch and visibility. Thinner diameters are harder for fish to see, and they impart a more lifelike action to certain baits such as crankbaits and grubs. Thicker lines are more resistant to abrasion.
• Stretch - Lines that stretch somewhat are more "forgiving" and do not break as easily when a fish pulls against them. Low-stretch lines aid in detecting strikes and setting hooks.
• Stiffness - This quality is closely related to stretch. Stiffer lines are generally harder to cast, but often more sensitive and abrasion resistant.
• Visibility - In clear water, it is important to have line that is not very visible to fish. But when fishing baits on which strikes are likely to be subtle--such as jigs, worms, and grubs--a fluorescent , highly visible line makes it easier to detect movement that may indicate a strike.

Helpful Fishing Line Tips:

• Store in a dark place under moderate temperatures.
• Do not expose to chemicals such as gasoline, which may cause it to deteriorate.
• While fishing, check frequently for nicks and abrasion by running the last several feet of line between your thumb and fingers.
• Clip off several inches of line and retie to the bait frequently, especially when fishing heavy cover or catching fish.
• If a knot forms, clip off the line above the knot and discard.
• Respool your fishing reel when the line shows signs of wear. (Buying in bulk spools will avoid waste of excess line left on "filler" spools.)

How to Respool your Fishing Reel

Baitcasting Reel:

Run line through the rod guides and the level-wind device on the fishing reel, then attach to the reel spool with an arbor knot. The line spool should turn as line is fed onto the fishing reel. Hang the line spool vertically on a nail or insert a pencil though the hole in the center of the spool and have someone hold the pencil as line is wound off the spool and onto the fishing reel. Or drop the line spool into water, it will float and the spool will turn as line is wound onto the fishing reel. Add tension to the line by squeezing it between the thumb and a finger as you wind it onto the reel. Fill the reel to within 1/8 inch of the lip of the spool.

Spinning and Spincast Reels:

Since the reel spool does not rotate, the line spool should not rotate either. Lay the line spool flat on the floor with the label side pointing up. Uncoil line from the line spool and run it through the rod guides and tie to the fishing reel spool with an arbor knot. Add tension to the line with the thumb and a finger as you wind it onto the fishing reel . After 10 or 15 turns of the reel handle, lower the tip to give slack to the line. If the line lays in relatively neat coils, continue filling the reel. If it twists or kinks, turn the line spool over and continue. Fill the reel to within 1/8 inch of the lip of the spool.

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