This guide will delve into the selection, pairing, and practical tips for fluorocarbon fishing line and braid fishing line in lure fishing, helping fishing enthusiasts (whether you are in North America, Europe, or Asian waters) find the perfect setup for the best fishing line.
Spinning Reel vs. Baitcasting Reel: The Philosophy of Main Line Selection
After you excitedly purchase a new rod and reel, the first choice you face is: what line size should I use? This is not a random choice; it directly affects your casting performance and fishing experience.
Main Line Selection for Spinning Reels
For spinning reels, there is a golden rule:
- The thinner the line diameter, the farther you cast, and the occurrence of "backlash" (or "bird's nest") is extremely rare.
- Practical Advice: In most lure fishing applications, PE braided line (braid fishing line) is the preferred main line for spinning reels.
Main Line Selection for Baitcasting Reels
The line size selection for baitcasting reels is completely different:
- The thicker the line diameter, the lower the probability of backlash.
- More importantly, for baitcasting reels, the thickness of the line diameter does not significantly affect the casting distance.
- Beginner Gear Tip: Newcomers to baitcasting reels can choose a slightly thicker line size to reduce the learning curve and minimize the frustration of tangles.
Leader Line Pairing and Importance
No matter which reel you use, connecting a leader line to the end of your main line is almost standard practice in lure fishing, especially in scenarios requiring stealth and abrasion resistance, such as fishing for Bass in North America, Pike in Europe, or Barramundi in Australia.
Why Do We Need a Leader Line?
- Stealth: PE line is too conspicuous, while transparent fluorocarbon fishing line or mono line can significantly increase your hook-up rate.
- Abrasion Resistance: When fishing around obstacles (like rocks, wood), the better abrasion resistance of the leader line can protect the main line from breaking.
- Protecting the Main Line: With proper pairing of breaking strengths, you can only lose the leader line when snagged, saving the expensive main line.
The Secret to Pairing Leader and Main Line Breaking Strengths
This is a very important tip in actual fishing that can protect your gear to the maximum extent:
Core Principle: The breaking strength of the leader line needs to be about half or less than the main line's breaking strength. Example
- If your #1 PE main line has a breaking strength of 22 lbs.
- Then you should pair it with a leader line with a breaking strength of 12 lbs or less, such as a #3 fluorocarbon fishing line.
- Whether you prefer high-strength braid fishing line or stealthy fluorocarbon fishing line, REeffun also has a series of excellent products that can meet your fishing needs for different waters and species (such as Snakehead in Southeast Asia or Trout in Europe), ensuring you can configure the best fishing line combination that suits you.
Lure Tactics: How to Tie the Leader Line Perfectly?
A perfect leader knot is key to smooth casting and not losing a hook-up opportunity. Here we provide the core steps for a very practical leader knot—the Modified FG Knot.
Common Mistake: Many anglers do not fully "smooth out the line group" and "tighten" after tying the knot, severely reducing the knot's strength, causing it to break easily.
Tying the Knot – Highly Simplified Steps
- Fix the main line on your fingers and wrap it 2-3 times around your pinky (apply slight tension
