Fishing Forum

[cool] What is a good strength for everyday fishing line? (Freshwater Fishing Only)
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There are a lot of factors that go into answering that question, but instead of going into all of those I'll just say this..................

Berkely Big Game 10 pound test - should cover most situations anywhere in the country for just about any type of fish
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I also agree with 10lb or 8lb. I use braided line with both these weights.
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Berkely Big Game 10 pound test - should cover most situations anywhere in the country for just about any type of fish [/reply]
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If your name has anything to do with it, then I'd definitely consider one of the braided lines. With the braided lines I'd even go as high as 30 lb test since the diameter is so small. Then again, it depends on what you're targeting. The only reason I'd go that high is if you're going for Pike and large catfish as well as bass, panfish, etc.

If you're going for the smaller fish, then you can probably get away with 15-20 lb braided line.

If you're going to go with monofilament, then I'd stick with 8-10 lb test. What kind will depend on the waters your fishing. Limp lines (Trilene XL, Stren Magnathin, etc) are great for areas where there's little to no abrasion for your line to rub again. But if there's rocks, tree stumps, or anything else that might be rough on your line, then go with some of the stiffer lines (Trilene XT, Big Game lines, or one of my newer favorites, YoZuri Hybrid Extra-Limp which is still very tough).
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It all comes down to situation, what species of fish you target, the area, stream, river, lake, neculear waste pool ect.

Currently i use cajun red cast $5 for a 1/4 spool from cabelas, i use 8lb test and i love it. My friend swears by 6lb stren magnathin, his boy caught a 20lb mack on it.

I picked up some of the new braided lines 40lb test, 12 lb diamater for $1.50 a spool, i plan to use it for my catfish rig.
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Once you have made a decision, feel free to check out the Cabelas link on the top right hand corner of this page. They always have some kind of good deals.[cool]
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[] Thanks I will
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The situation seriously affects what type of line and how strong of line you should use. There's no such thing as an "all around" line. It would be nice to think that 10 lb Big Game is the answer to every fishing situation, however, that's far from the truth. If you're fishing for bream or bass in area's were there aren't too many obstacles for your line to get snagged on, go for it. If you're fishing for a trophy fish, you'd better up the stakes a tad. A 40 lb catfish could fart and break 10 lb test line. If you're fishing saltwater and have a reel spooled with 10 pound test line, then you're either a light tackle freak that doesn't like landing too many fish, trying to jig up live bait, or have no idea what is going on around you. Even medium sized freshwater fish could call for larger test line. I know were I fish, if you don't have a heavier line, you'll loose a large majority of the fish you hook. There are mondo snags and you litterly have to be able to pull the fish away from them or they will cut you off. I like 20 lb test, that's what the masses of my reels are spooled with. Berkely makes a kick ass line. Ande is equal in quality. I just recently tried some of that 17 lb Cajun line and my wife caught a 25 lb Flathead using it. That's some tough line. She had to horse that big cat out from the bridge pilons and around the prop of my boat. I was impressed, and i'm hard to impress. Quality 20 lb line has it's advantages:

1. Super strong for solid hook sets on fish with a tough jaw
2. Super flexible for those explosive fish with fast runs and big weight
3. Easy casting with 1 oz of weight or more

Divantages:

1. There's no casting light lures, you'd be wasting your time
2. Takes away from your reels line compacity
3. Requires the use of larger, more pricey equipment, which will be less compact and is less versitle

Just keep in mind, your equipment needs to match the situation, target species, and all the variables involved. Your choice of fishing line is but one of the many decisions that needs to be made. What's the right rod? The right reel? Does your line match the two? Is the equipment you're using matched to the target species of fish? Matching your equipment will not only make it easier on you, it will put more fish in the boat.

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[font "Arial Black"][red][size 3] Personally, I like Berkley Vanish 8lb. test. I use it for most of my fishing, except for Musky fishing.[/size][/red][/font]
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[font "Arial Black"][#ff0000][size 3] AFDan52[/size][/#ff0000][/font]
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[cool] Got some Stren Original 10lb
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I was using a light line however I decided that for all-purpose line I would upgrade with my new reel to a heavier kit- since that would give me even more room to work with and open new windows. My new 404 has 75 yards of unkown 15 pound.
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Most set-ups come with some bailing wire 12# that you couldn't cast if your life depended on it. Kids snag allot and might need 10# (Trilene XL) but if they mostly fish panfish and shoreline bass, gills and the like, go down to 8#. Remember, a kid can't cast that cork-screw stuff that comes on most reels from the store. Give 'em a fighting chance to have a good time.
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[center][cool][font "Poor Richard"][green][size 4]My spinning reels are set up with 4, 6, 8, & 10lb test. My bait caster holds 8lb test. I find that the lighter the line the better the feel. I guess thats why a lot of guys like the braided line for you can have a thinner diameter with the same lb test as mono.[/size][/green][/font][/center]
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