1. Why Is Fishing Line So Important? (The Roles of Main Line and Leader)
Many beginner anglers think fishing line just needs to hold the fish, and that's it. This is not true! The line is the only connection between you and the fish. Its choice directly affects your casting distance, sensitivity, and even hook-up rate.
In Lure Fishing (especially for predatory fish like Bass Best Fishing Line for Bass or European Pikeperch), we usually use a combination of a Main Line and a Leader, similar to the main line and tippet in traditional fishing, but with a different connection method.
- Main Line: Handles casting and most of the pulling force, usually chosen as PE Braided Line.
- Leader: Connects to the lure, providing stealth, abrasion resistance, and protection for the main line, usually chosen as Fluorocarbon Line.
The Three Core Fishing Line Materials: PE, Monofilament, and Fluorocarbon Comparison
In fishing environments across North America, Europe, and Australia, you will primarily encounter the following three line materials:
| Feature | Braided Line | Monofilament Line | Fluorocarbon Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Extremely high strength; Very low stretch (high sensitivity); Thin diameter; Best Strength | Soft; High stretch (good cushioning); Easy to knot; Best Monofilament | High transparency (Invisible underwater); Excellent abrasion resistance; Low stretch; UV resistant |
| Cons | Poor abrasion resistance; Colored (Visible); Requires leader line; Absorbs water easily | Too much stretch (Poor sensitivity); Poor abrasion resistance; Degrades/Ages; Absorbs water easily | Stiffer; Relatively expensive; Requires more care when knotting |
| Main Use | Lure Main Line, Boat Fishing Main Line | Traditional Main/Leader, Some Spinning Reel Main Line | Lure Leader, Stealthy Leader/Tippet |
| Target Fish | Bass, Pike, Zander, Kingfish | Trout, Panfish, Carp | Bass, Snapper, Cod |
2.1. Main Line Choice: Why is PE Braided Line the Top Choice for Lure Fishing?
PE Braided Line is the undisputed choice for lure anglers. Its extremely low stretch means you can clearly feel every wobble of the lure underwater and even the slightest bite. When fishing for Largemouth Bass in North America or Zander in Europe, high sensitivity is key to a successful outing. Its extreme strength also makes it a strong contender for the Braided Fishing Line Best.
REeffun's multi-strand braided main line series uses a tight braiding process and special coating, minimizing wind and water resistance, allowing for longer casts and clearer signal transmission underwater.
3. The Leader: The Indispensable "Tippet" in Lure Fishing
In Lure Fishing, the leader is like the tippet in traditional fishing; it is essential and must be tied!
3.1. Why is a Leader a Must?
- Stealth Underwater: PE line often has color and is easily spotted by wary fish (like Barra in Australia or Grouper in Southeast Asia). Fluorocarbon line, with a refractive index close to water, is virtually invisible underwater.
- Extreme Abrasion Resistance: PE line has very poor abrasion resistance. Fluorocarbon is much more abrasion-resistant than mono, resisting wear from fish teeth (like Pike) and underwater rocks or snags. This is crucial in structure-heavy North American Bass fishing spots (Best Fishing Line for Bass habitats).
- Main Line Protection: If you get snagged, the leader sacrifices itself. Without a leader, your PE main line will snap, potentially losing tens of meters! With a leader, only the leader breaks, and the main line is saved.
3.2. Leader and Main Line Pairing Principle
Generally, the test weight (size) of the fluorocarbon leader should be 2 to 2.5 times that of the PE main line.
For example: Use a 1.0 PE main line with a 2.0 or 2.5 size fluorocarbon leader.
Even with this pairing, the fluorocarbon leader's breaking strength is often much less than the PE main line's. Thus, the breaking point in a snag will remain the leader, protecting the expensive PE main line.
4. Key Technique: FG Knot Practical Application and Quick Start
The leader must be connected to the main line with a knot. The FG Knot is currently recognized by experienced anglers as the most stable and smoothest knot.
4.1. FG Knot Steps Overview (Practical Tips)
- PE Main Line Preparation: Fold the PE line about 30 cm, held taut by your index and pinky fingers.
- Weaving: Place the fluorocarbon leader beneath the PE line. Alternate hands to wrap the fluorocarbon around the PE (one wrap on each side constitutes one set), performing 15-20 sets.
- Half Hitch Lock: After weaving, take the tag end of the PE line, wrap it over the main line and fluorocarbon, and tie a half hitch. Use your teeth or a tool to hold the tag end and cinch it tight.
- Forward/Reverse Locking: Tie another half hitch in the opposite direction. Repeat this forward and reverse sequence 6-10 times.
- Finishing Fix: Trim the fluorocarbon tag end, then tie 2 more sets of half hitches (forward and reverse) around the PE main line.
- Trim and Singe: Trim the PE tag end and gently singe it with a lighter (just a gentle melt, not burning the main line!)
Pro Tip: Many beginners find the FG knot difficult to tie. Don't worry, that's normal! You need to practice more. If you want a quicker and simpler method, you can try the Double Uni Knot. Although its sensitivity is slightly lower, it is fast and convenient, perfect for quick fixes!
5. Beginner Gear Recommendations and Common Mistakes
5.1. Beginner Gear Recommendations
- Main Line Test: For shore fishing for Bass (Best Fishing Line for Bass), 10-20 lb PE line is recommended.
- Leader Test: Pair with 20-30 lb fluorocarbon line. This strength is sufficient for most structures and fish sizes.
5.2. Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: Not using a leader. ❌ Many beginners think it's unnecessary, but as mentioned, this will cause you to lose expensive PE main line, and your hook-up rate will decrease.
- Mistake 2: Leader and main line have the same test weight. ❌ The main line will break when snagged, losing the protective effect.
- Mistake 3: Using monofilament as a leader. ❌ Monofilament is not abrasion-resistant enough and can easily be severed by fish teeth or structure.
Further Reading (External Reference Links)
Understanding the water protection regulations and seasonal closures in your target fishing area is the first step towards safe and sustainable fishing.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Fishing License Information
- Victoria Fisheries Authority, Australia - Fishing Rules and Regulations
- European Sea Bass Conservation Organization - Resources and Conservation Guide
I hope this guide helps you better understand and choose your fishing line setup. The correct line pairing is the foundation of high-efficiency fishing, whether your target is Largemouth Bass in North America (Best Fishing Line for Bass) or Zander in Europe, it will greatly enhance your fishing experience!
If you found this article helpful, don't forget to share it with your fishing buddies! Learn together, and land more fish together!
