Total newbie here. Need just a little guidance.

[IBEJohnson]

Hey guys,

Mid-30's, two boys, and haven't been fishing since I was 10. I recently inherited a crapload of fishing gear. I'm talking 20+ rods, 10+ reels, 8 full tackle boxes. It hasn't been used in about 8-10 years, which I assume isn't much of a problem except for needing to replace the Powerbait, clean up the reels, and spool them with new line.

Now that I have all of this, I want to take advantage and get my boys out on a lake. I'm trying to make this as simple as possible. I'm fishing in Southern California lakes, so from what I can tell the most common fish are trout, bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. I don't have a boat, so I'll be casting off a dock or shore.

My question is this: What is a good all around line test to use most of the time? Keep in mind I'm not seeking out a specific type of fish -- at least not yet. Right now I just want to cast my line and give myself the best chance to catch something. Also note: two of the reels I plan to use (one for me, one for my oldest son) have 3 spools, so I can have a couple extras on-hand at any given time.

Thanks in advance for any help!!!

Eric
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[davetclown]

when you pick up combo at the store the come pre spooled with junk line from 8-20 lb line.

I sugest that you go with a premium 6-8 lb line. this will get you on the species you have mentioned.

note, having leader line helps you to drop to a smaller test line with a swivel snap or loop to loop. doing this you can get any line from half lb and up to the line you are spooled with to get you and more sencitive biting fish like trout or lock jawed fish who are heavy line shy.

the premium lines I prefer, "personal prefferance"

spooled
[ul][li]stren[/li][li]silver thread[/li][/ul]

for leaders
[ul][li]smaller test of above line[/li][li]blue ice[/li][li]Bass pro's 4lb crappie[/li][/ul]
premium line cost a little more up front, but is well worth the price when you concider the life and quality of your line.

cheep line tends to twist, tangle, knot up and snap anywhere at any time for no reason.

hope this helps

[Fish2DMax]

Agree completely with what davetclown has already offered. With kids I'm assuming too that these are Zebco 202/404/33 or some type of open face spinning outfits. I keep a couple of these in the rod box in case I get someone along that isn't familiar or comfortable with the heavier rigs and with these I can use them in general terms to get them happily catching fish.

That said my go-to line is the 8lb Berkley Trilene XL Line. This is not so expensive and works well with the Zebco 33 or open face spinning outfits. For special occasions I'll downsize to 6lb line for crappie fishing or really clear water. For an ultralight rod & reel combo I'll drop to 4lb test. These will get you through most of what you'll face.

Some go 10lb test on these types of rod & reel outfits which I feel is just too much. My 2 cents []

One last thing on all of your rods down near the handle is a Line Weight and a Lure Weight. The Line weight is a recommendation for that rod and will look something like this - "4-12lb." The Lure weight is much the same and will look like this "1/8-3/4oz." These are the manufacturers recommendations for a Berkley Shock 6'6" Medium action Spinning Rod. If you have a rod that doesn't list a Line Weight and a Lure Weight go online or to the local tackle retailer and find one like it to compare.
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