Line weights.

[Coen Cameron]

Hi.
I have a question about line weights.
My current rod is a 2-4kg line weight model, so does that mean I should put 2-4kg line (roughly 4-8 pounds) on it? I currently have 10 pound line, is that too heavy? Also, could someone explain to me what this braided line is, I keep hearing about it but i'm not 100% sure what it actually is.
Thanks

[Shortytheyakker]

Coen,,i reckon you will have no problems with the 10 pound line on that rod.

Braided line is stronger for it diameter and casts further,,have a look at them next time you are in a tackle shop,,cheers,,,

[deltaranger]

Originally Posted by Coen Cameron

Hi.
I have a question about line weights.
My current rod is a 2-4kg line weight model, so does that mean I should put 2-4kg line (roughly 4-8 pounds) on it? I currently have 10 pound line, is that too heavy? Also, could someone explain to me what this braided line is, I keep hearing about it but i'm not 100% sure what it actually is.
Thanks

Make sure that you have your drag setting right for rod weight, otherwise you might snap it- braid line can be stronger than what it states, I tend to use the bottom end of the rod strengh because of that, but make sure your drag setting is right!
A quick explaination of braid is strands of line(not too sure what type) plaited or fused together to make a single strand, stronger and thiner than mono so you can fit more on(if you go for a 300yd spool) and can cast alot further than mono(thinner line means less wind resistance- but can cause wind knots if tension isn't put on the line when retreving)
Thats how i've perceived it- hope it helps

[Coen Cameron]

Hmmm, thanks guys, I might invest in a spool of braided line next time i'm at a tackle store. It sounds pretty good.

[boris]

braided line is dyneema filament spun or thermally fused together to create a material stronger than steel for it's diameter. it casts better, is more sensitive, less spongy and allows for better hooksets than mono or fluro lines but you have to be careful not to bully the fish in as such with braided lines cause it can result in pulled hooks. just make sure your drag is set properly and you will have no worries. try fireline first! best beginners braid on the market and almost impossible to wind knot . Also one of the cheaper ones too . 6lb is more than enough for everything you will catch even go as low as 4lb cause it breaks a lot higher than it's rating...

hth
Boris

[Coen Cameron]

Awesome, thanks for the info Boris, Just a quick question, what does a roll of fireline cost?
Thanks again for you're help guys.

[Breamingwithjoy]

Should be able to pick some up for $20-25. in saying that you may find it too "stiff" as it is a fused line and not a true braid. Sunline Super Pe is a great braid which you can pick up for $33-35 online. it is much more supple and will keep you better connected to the lure as it won't hold loops in it.

I still use fireline for metal blades but for finesse stuff look at braid. It can get fairly technical but oils ain't oils

[Coen Cameron]

Hmmm, ok, so fireline isn't actually braid. I will see if i can get some actual braided line then. thanks

[boris]

As BJW said fireline is fused not braided but it still has the same characteristics of braided line being no stretch and increased casting but it is harder to wind know then true braids because of it's stiffness.

If you want a true braid you can also try nitlon braid in the 6lb. super thin and casts a mile also only about $35 as well. talk to a good tackle store and they will be able to help you out.

[Breamingwithjoy]

Yeah, when I started I did the same thing as you are now. Went from mono to fireline to cheap braid to expensive braid to good braid. If you can by pass the 3 middle steps you will save yourself a lot of cash.

It may seem dear, but buying one spool of 8 carrier braid may cost you $60-90 but in the long run it will be much cheaper.

So you know my recommendation for lines in each style are:
Fused line: Stren Micro fuse in 3 or 4lb breaks around 6-8lb
4 carrier braid: Sunline Super PE 6 or 8lb
8 carrier braid: Frog PE 4lb

It gets even more confusing the further you delve into it but I would recommend at least a good quality 4 carrier braid to start with. others will have their recommendations and there are a bazillion threads on what braid people prefer even a poll that will help you with options.

My motto for fishing gear is now to buy the best i can afford because it actually works out cheaper in the long run.

[Coen Cameron]

Hmm ok, well currently I am pretty strapped for cash so I think i'll have to go for the 4 braid sunline PE, it still has to be better than the $5 spool of mono that I am using ,lol. Thanks for you're help.

[Coen Cameron]

Haha, I just noticed how many times I have said "Hmmm" in this thread, I must have been thinking pretty hard ,lol.

[Coen Cameron]

Hi again.
I have just one more question, What colour braid should I get?
The waters I fish are fairly murky and brownish, any suggestions?

[crusty]

One thing with braid is it isn't see through like mono. Most people will use a length of Mono or (flourocarbon - looks like mono but costs a lot more) tied on to their braid to make the line less obvious to the fish. If you do this then the braid colour is less important. I go for bright colours in my braid because when fishing plastics with a little slack your bite indication is a tick/movement in the braid, you may not feel it.

I use flouro carbon for my leader because it is theoretically less visible to fish and I need all the advantages I can get.

You should have a look at the old topics as there is heaps on info on the new knots you will need to learn, leader materials (mono vs Flourocarbon) and info on the various types of braid.

Welcome to the world of technical fishing.

[Heno79]

There's alot of theories on colour selection to do with water clarity, depth, light penetration and a heap of stuff i don't understand nor want to. IMO theres enough to think about when your on the water in terms of lure selection, type of retrieve habitat etc that its complicated enough so i go for a line that i can see fairly easily ontop of the water and hope the fish can't underneath. If you go for fireline, crystal would be my choice as it is pretty easy to pick up very subtle touches, otherwise i like yellow in braid for the same reason and don't have to many problems.

Keep in mind when running braid that you will need to run a leader of some description (usually a flurocarbon) as this will help to add a little stretch to your setup to avoid pulling hooks as well as being near invisible to fish so you don't line spook them and braid tends to slip if tied with a tradition half/full blood knot.

I'm sure there's more scientific methods for colour selection but this seems to work ok for me.

Good luck.