Freshwater Fishing Advice

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Choosing The Right Fishing Line

Your fishing line often spells the difference between the satisfaction of landing that lunker or the disappointment of seeing it swim away when your line breaks. Of course, the line is only as good as the knot you tie, but selecting the most appropriate line may improve your chances and enjoyment on the water.

Choosing The Right Line:

• Manufacturers have invested heavily in improving fishing line by designing various characteristics to meet the demands of both the fish you are trying to catch and the conditions of the water
• Lines also take into account your tackle--rod and reel--and your casting techniques
• Limper lines may offer a little more sensitivity, a big plus when trying to catch smaller fish. But on the downside, they may have too much stretch, they pull too easy when a fish strikes, which may cause the line to break.
• Today's line tries to combine a balance of sensitivity--to allow the user to feel the fish on his/her line, shock strength--to absorb the initial strike of a fish, controlled stretch-- to keep the fish on your line without it breaking easily, and the proper stiffness--to improve casting and retrieving

Line Characteristics:

Diameter

• This determines the line's breakage strength
• Larger diameter increases a line's durability
• This number simply means the line's strength or pound-test is designed to hold the indicated weight before it breaks. For example, two-pound test has been rated to hold a two-pound fish before it breaks.
• Novice anglers should buy the line that meets the size of the fish they want to catch. Choose a heavier line if you are unsure.
• More advanced anglers may choose to use the lightest line possible to increase the challenge of landing a fish
• Some of the new premium lines use thinner diameters with incredible strength and durability
• This is because the thinner the line, the more sensitive the line. Sensitivity helps you feel the fish nibbling on your bait or lure.
• Most manufacturers rate their line for fishing conditions, such as "ultra-light" for small fish such as perch and "big game" for larger fish like muskie or tuna
• There are even specialized lines for cold weather and ice fishing

Abrasion resistance

• Fishing lines are subjected to harsh conditions--rocks, tree stumps and the weather. That's why fishing lines are made to be abrasion-resistant.
• Look for line that can withstand scuffing, nicks and the normal wear-and-tear from repeated casting
• Most premium lines offer good abrasion resistance. Even monofilaments now come in special designs to improve abrasion resistance in extreme fishing conditions.

Color

Sometimes you need to see your line; other times you don't want the fish to see the line. Consequently, you can buy line that accomplishes one of these objectives.

• Clear/blue fluorescent
  • Sunlight illuminates the line above the surface so it's easier to see when casting, retrieving or trolling
  • Under the surface, the line stays clear so it's nearly invisible to a fish
• Low-visibility
  • This blends into most underwater environments so it's good in situations where the fishing is tougher either because they don't seem to want to bite or heavy fishing has made the fish a little smarter
• Low-visibility clear
  • In clear streams or even in some lakes, the water runs clear. This color works well in ultra-clear water or when you know the fishing hole you have selected tends to have fish that seem unwilling to bite.
• High-visibility gold
  • This bright color makes it easier to see when a fish strikes or to watch your line position when you troll several lines or go fishing in a current
  • You may also prefer this color for low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk and night
• Coffee
  • If you are going fishing in muddy, stained waters, this color blends in with the water conditions
• Moss green
  • This color works well in waters with heavy vegetation or algae
• Red
  • This color gives you high visibility above the water line, but has a refractive index close to that of water making it hard for fish to see.

Stiffness or limpness

• Typically, the stronger lines are also stiffer lines
• Many of the limper lines are designed for certain types of reels to make casting easier and for open waters where few structures such as trees and rocks are a problem
• Generally, the larger the diameter, the stiffer the line. Stiffness also normally adds strength to a line.

Types of materials

You can buy fishing lines in different materials and manufacturing processes that have been refined or added to give you better lines to get the job done.

Monofilament/Cofilament

• Monofilament lines are the most popular, primarily because of their lower price tag
• They use nylon to form the line in single sheath so they are more prone to abrasion
• Cofilament line adds more resistance while still providing sensitivity and stretch
• This basically uses an inner and outer sheath of nylon to improve the line's ability to withstand wear and tear

Braided

• These small diameter lines improve strength and still maintain sensitivity
• For example, a 15-pound test braided line still has the same diameter of a 6 pound test monofilament fishing line
• The nylon is woven in a braided line to add strength while still keeping the line thin. Many manufacturers add a coating to hold the braid together, increasing its durability and strength.
• Braided lines have much less stretch than monofilament which can improve hook sets.
• Four problems exist with braided lines but these can be easily overcome
  • One, you must use the type of knot recommended by the manufacturer to keep your line on the hook
  • Two, many of these are limp so they can be tougher to cast, especially on spinning reels
  • A third area but one that's shared by all lines is watching for nicks. Braided lines, in particular though, become much weaker so you need to watch for broken braid strands.
  • The abrasive design of the line can wear on rod guides and reel bails.

Fusion

• A variant of braided lines is a new fusion process
• Micro-fiber nylon is fused together to maintain sensitivity, strength and a small line diameter while keeping the line limp for easier casting and distance
• Some experts caution that the new super braided and fusion lines have limited stretch, a big plus in setting the hook

Fluorocarbons

The latest advance in fishing lines is fluorocarbons--made from a polymer of fluorine boned to carbon. This super-premium line offers several advantages.

• Invisibility
  • This is a very big benefit, especially in clear water or finesse fishing
  • Fluorocarbon line comes closest to the refractive index of water, so it becomes virtually invisible under water but is visible above the surface
• Durability
  • The sun's ultraviolet rays don't affect the line so it last longer
• Strength
  • Fluorocarbon line doesn't absorb water so it keeps its strength. Some manufacturers say monofilament lines lose between 10-20 percent of their strength because of water absorption.
• Stiffness
  • This line also has low stretch to help with sensitivity in hooking fish
  • Its stiffness also means the line doesn't float, so it allows lures to go down deeper and jigs to fall faster
  • The stiffness of the line will require use of recommended knots to assure proper performance.

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Choosing The Right Fresh Water Reel

Finding a good reel starts with three basic considerations: your experience, your preferred way of fishing and the type of fish you are after. You then have a choice of several styles of reels to get the job done.

How to buy fresh water reels

Types

There are basically three types of reels to consider, each with advantages to weigh: baitcasting, spinning and spincasting.

• Baitcasting reels
  • Baitcasting reels work with the weight of the bait or lure as it pulls on the line and turns the spool to release more line. The heavier the lure, the longer the cast.
  • With practice, this style of reel also will allow you to cast more accurately
  • These are typically preferred by more experienced anglers, especially when using heavier lures and lines designed for bigger fish
  • Most baitcasting reels now incorporate a drag system designed to adjust the resistance--or drag--on the spool to control how much resistance is needed to pull the right amount of line off the spool. Star drags or a simple drag knob is common.
  • You can also select a baitcasting reel for your style of fishing
    • Offshore reels are designed to fight large fish from a boat
    • Trolling reels allow you to drag live bait or a lure as you troll in a boat
    • Casting reels give you the benefit of precision casts
  • These even come in casting styles, with pitching to cast overhead or sidearm and flipping to cast underhand in tight situations such as underneath tree branches
• Spinning reels
  • Spinning reels are open-faced
  • Your line is released from a stationary spool by flipping a bail wire, a piece of metal wire across the spool called a bail
  • This stationary spool keeps the line in place and helps prevent snarls and tangled line
  • The weight of your lure or bait propels the line forward
  • Spinning reels can handle smaller bait but today's spinning reels are designed for light to heavier fish
  • You also need to ensure that your reel is a left- or right-hand retrieve, or can be adapted for either hand
  • Spinning reels use an anti-reverse, a simple mechanism you set by letting go of the bail wire after casting. This keeps your line from spooling off once you get a strike from a fish.
  • The anti-reverse lock is usually a lever mounted on the gear housing cover. It prevents the reel handle from turning in reverse when you hook a fish and it runs or when you are trolling
• Spincasting reels
  • Spincasting reels are closed-faced, and combine spinning and casting. The spool remains stationary until you use a thumb button to cast. When you release the button, your bait or lure propel your line.
  • The ease of spincasting reels make them a good choice for beginners both for the in ease of casting and their reliability, with few bells and whistles that cause problems while your fishing
  • The closed face does limit line capacity, but you can still find models that will handle light to medium fish

Materials/Construction

• Spools
  • The spool is the part of the reel that holds the line
  • It is a detachable component of the reel
  • Spools are made of either graphite, aluminum, or magnesium.
  • Graphite spools are designed to be lighter than aluminum spools
  • Aluminum spools generally cost more and some consider aluminum to be more durable
  • Either material is designed to resist corrosion from the water
• Frames
  • The frame is what gives a real its shape
  • Frames can also be either made of graphite, aluminum, or magnesium.
  • Once again, this is a question of weight and the price you are willing to pay for a reel
  • Metal body reels keep all of the reel's components aligned to enhance performance.
• Line capacity
  • Line capacity is a key consideration in selecting a reel
  • Reels can handle as little as 15 yards to as much as 900 yards
  • The amount of line you'll need depends on your fishing. For example, fishing in your favorite pond or park will probably require only minimal line capacity. If you plan on fishing in the Great Lakes, though, you may need more line capacity to handle the water's depth and the type of fish that may run with your line.
• Gear ratio
  • Gear ratios tells you how quickly a reel will retrieve line per revolution of your reel's crank
  • As a guide, lower ratios provide more power for bringing fish from deeper depths, while higher gear ratios benefit when pulling fish from closer to the surface.
  • Higher gear ratios mean faster retrieve speeds. These higher retrieve speeds will affect the movement of your lure in the water.
• Ball bearings
  • Ball bearings are used to help reels work more smoothly by supporting the moving parts
  • Generally speaking, the more ball bearings, the smoother the reel works, especially under pressure
  • As more ball bearings are added to a reel, the cost goes up

How to buy combos

• If you are new to fishing, combos are a great way to start because manufacturers match the right reel with the right rod, giving you a balanced set for improved performance.
• All you need to do is determine the type of fishing that you want to do and then find the combo that best suits your needs
• Like anything else, the more features in a combo, as well as the more quality components, the more you will pay. A good combo, though, can provide a lifetime of fun.

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Choosing The Right Fresh Water Rod

Finding a good fishing rod starts with three basic considerations: your experience, your preferred way of fishing and the type of fish you are after. You then have a choice of several styles of rods to get the job done.

How To Buy Fresh Water Rods:

Types

There are two main types of rods--casting and spinning. The type of rod you buy depends as much on the reel you buy as the type of fishing that you plan to do.

• Baitcasting rods
  • The reel and line are seated on top of the rod
  • A trigger grip lets you hold the rod securely while releasing the thumb bar/line release
  • Spincasting reels generally match up best with baitcasting and casting rods because they sit on top of the rod are designed to fit this way
• Spinning rods
  • Spinning rods use a spinning or spincasting reel. These rods have three main differences from casting rods.
    • The reel hangs from the bottom of the reel seat, and the line guides are on the bottom as well
    • The handle length is balanced against the rod's length
    • Triggers are not used on spinning rods
    • The lower guides are much larger to keep the line moving smoothly as it is cast

Length and weight

• The length and weight of the rod depends on the type of fish that you want to catch, or the type of bait or lure being cast.
• Typically, the longer the rod, the longer the cast. Choose longer rods to cast further.

Lure and line weight

• The heavier the lure and line, the longer and heavier the pole that you should buy

Action

• Action describes the way a rod is designed to perform when casting or reeling in a fish
• It also relates to the lure or bait you need and the strength of the reel that should be used
• Most manufacturers use terms such as ultra-light, light, medium-heavy or heavy
• The smaller the fish, the lighter the action that you'll need; the heavier the fish, the heavier the action that you should buy

Materials/Construction

Most rods today are made from either graphite or fiberglass, or a composition of these two materials.

• Graphite
  • Graphite has been refined over the years to provide lighter, more flexible rods that give you "sensitivity," a big plus in feeling when a fish begins to nibble on your bait
  • This material is also strong enough to land a larger fish
• Fiberglass
  • Fiberglass provides more durability than graphite but sacrifices some sensitivity and is heavier than graphite
• Composites
  • New composite rods give you the best of both graphite and fiberglass--the durability of fiberglass combined with the lightweight, power and sensitivity of graphite

Grips

• Pistol grip
  • A pistol grip is the shortest type of grip
  • It is contoured to the shape of your hand with a hook for your index finger
  • This hook helps in casting more accurately
• Triggerstick
  • A longer triggerstick is used for two-handed, longer casts
• Materials
  • Materials come in two general styles - cork or EVA foam
    • Cork is a traditional material that has a good sensitive feel and solid grip
    • EVA foam offers more durability because it is more resistant to temperature changes and water wear
• Guides
  • Line guides can be made of plastic, metal or ceramic, listed from least to best quality. These circles are positioned along the rod's shaft to control fishing line.
  • In casting rods, line guides are positioned on top of the rod. They are smaller to reduce the play in the line and allow for easier casting and quicker retrieve.
  • Spinning rods place the line guides on the rod's bottom. These guides get larger toward the base of the rod.
  • The number of line guides is determined by the rod's length

How To Buy Combos

• If you are new to fishing, combos are a great way to start because manufacturers match the right reel with the right rod.
• All you need to do is determine the type of fishing that you want to do and then find the combo that best suits your needs
• Like anything else, the more features in a combo, as well as the more quality components, the more you will pay. A good combo, though, can provide a lifetime of fun.