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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Fishing Line
August 3, 2008
Something as common as fishing line seems simple enough. It’s when you need to buy new line that it becomes confusing. Tackle shops stock shelves and shelves of different types of line. Some is packaged in boxes, and some in bulk amounts on small, medium and large spools. When it’s time to replace the line, questions immediately arise about which pound test, how many yards, which color to buy, etc.? Price, diameter, stretch, memory and which space-age material further complicates the buying decision. In order to sort through the confusion, concentrate on monofilament line. Mono is by far, the most popular type of line, and it works well on both bait casting and spinning outfits.
Monofilament line comes in different pound tests and diameters. As a general rule, the lighter the pound test rating, the smaller the line diameter. Reel capacity increases as line diameter decreases. Lines with a small diameter are less visible and can be cast farther than larger diameters. Lighter lines also provide less water resistance when trolling or fighting a fish.
It is easy to determine the line size and number of yards needed to fill a particular reel. The recommended line test and capacity are printed on the reel itself. The information is also in the instruction booklet that comes with the reel, and in the reel section of a fishing tackle catalogue.
Monofilament line comes in a multitude of colors. Which color is best for a particular fishing situation, is debatable. Some suggest red, since it is the first color to disappear as it drops though the water column. Others argue that green, blue, gold or grays are less obvious to fish. When in doubt, use clear line and experiment with colors over time until you find one that works best.
Generally speaking, a limp, (softer) line is less resistant to abrasion and tends to stretch more. A stiffer line is more resistant to abrasion, but has a lot of memory, which causes it to coil and makes it more difficult to spool properly.
The price of line varies dramatically. Unless you know exactly what you need, purchase a medium priced line in the size, color and number of yards desired.
Line should be replaced if becomes opaque, when it shows signs of wear, or when the reel is no longer full. When re-spooling, a simple method to use is to place the new line in a bucket of water. The friction created by the water will provide adequate resistance and allow it to spool tightly without twisting. Do not over fill the reel.
If you are still undecided or confused, take your reel to a tackle shop where bulk line is sold. The sales associate will help determine your needs and will re-spool your reel for a reasonable fee. Bulk line usually sells for two to five cents per yard, depending on the pound test and quality.
Tips from Gus!
Line has a tendency to twist and tangle over time. Before replacing it, try removing all knots and terminal tackle, and pull it behind a slow-moving boat for several minutes. The pressure from the line being pulled through the water will straighten most lines and return them to their original untwisted condition.
Upcoming Events:
A free fishing seminar conduced by Capt. Gus Gustafson - “Everything You Want to Know About Tying Fishing Knots” - Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC, Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Call 704 658 0822 for additional information.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Night striper fishing at the dam has been very good for drifting live baits and trolling with down planers. Daytime stripers are still spread out along the river channel south of marker 13. Bass are hitting buzz baits early along deep rip-rap, and soft plastic around docks and brush. White perch are biting small minnows, spoons and Sabiki rigs, slowly being drifted in water from fifteen to forty feet deep.
The lake water level is currently 2.9 below full pond. Water surface temperature is in the high eighties and low nineties.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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