Fishing Line, Leaders & Swivels
Line Weight and Diameter- Fishing line is numbered based on it's breaking strength. The term used for this is usually "pound test". The higher the pound test the higher it's breaking strength. The line diameter is measured in thousandths or ten thousandths of an inch. A thinner diameter line usually has a lower strength rating. The advantage to a smaller diameter line is that it has a higher sensitivity rating. This helps you to feel the fish taking a bite out of your bait. But remember, it will have a lower a breaking strength. The key is to find a pound-test that will work for your fishing situation with as small of a diameter as possible. Pound-test actually means a 10-pound-test line can hold 10 pounds of static weight before snapping. A smaller fish can generate a lot more weight when it takes off. A 5 pound fish can snap a 10-pound-test line because it can generate that much force. Keeping your line slack free can help with this. Remember that all lines will lose strength over time and with use. Be sure to change it out or you could lose the fish of a lifetime. Line Color- Lines come in many different colors. There are times when you want to see the line on the surface of the water, but then again there are times when you dont want your fish to see your line at all. That is why different line colors work for these different needs. Clear line is basically invisible to the fish under the surface. However, during the day, the sun will illuminate the line so you can see it. There are quite a few other colors like pink, gold, coffee, red, light blue, moss green, florescents and many more. Each line manufacturer will let you know what the color is good for. Our suggestion to you would be to test a few different colors out. See what works for you and what doesnt. There isnt a wrong and right line color. Just pick one and throw it on your reel. See what happens. Line Materials- Fishing line is avaliable in a variety of materials. There are quite a few ways line is manufactured. Line companys are constantly trying to make the best line on the market. Different materials are effective for different things. It is up to you the angler to decide the best match for your fishing situation.
Leaders
Monofilament Leaders- A monofilament is a good choice. They are generally between 1 and 3 feet long. This is to keep the main line away from the sharp teeth of a saltwater fish. Fluorocarbon Leaders- The main advantage of this leader is it's transparency. It is nearly invisible under the surface. This is great for line-shy fish. Steel Wire Leaders- This type of leader is usually used for trolling and when fishing for fish such as sharks and barracuda with extremely sharp teeth. These types of leaders can get kinked easily and can be hard to use. But, if you are fishing for any fish with over sharp teeth or are trolling a steel leader is the way to go. There is no biting through those.
Swivels
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