What Everyone Should Know About Fishing Lines.....

The last time I walked into Walmart, I found myself in total awe by the variety of fishing lines found on the shelves. Without some knowledge or a road map, most anyone will truly be lost and unable to find their way through the mono, polymer, braid, super braid, thermal fused and GSP type of fishing lines; not to mention those fluorocarbons. I’m confused already! 

Tough, extreme, extra tough, thin, extra limp, refracting lines (those that disappear underwater), Berkley, Ande, Power Pro, Diamond jump off the screen when watching your favorite fishing shows, with fishing pro’s pushing Cajun, Fireline, Spiderwire, to name but a few. Staring down at the shelves I notice IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) rated lines; fishing lines that will test to just below the stated line class and all I came in for was some new line for my Penn 4/0. Which line is best for me? IGFA lines are for those looking to the record books and I, being a regular Joe, just want to go fish’n. 

First remember there are no “Born on Dates” like you can get with your favorite beverage and expiration dates do not exist on fishing lines. Through time, heat, light and age all fishing lines break down with time and usage; even a new bulk spool here at the store. Be wary of products covered in dust and of those on sale; they might have died had they had a “Born on Date.” 

What type of fishing conditions am I likely to encounter while fishing, would be my first question when choosing a line for my reel. Heavy cover, clear water, vegetation or ice; different lines for different conditions, saltwater or fresh you can now find just about any fishing line out there today to match your socks. What happened to the day when I just went fishing and didn’t really care except to catch a fish or not?