Question about which weight line to use.

[IceIceBaby]

This might be a dumb question. But, if you're using the right weight of fluorocarbon leader, what difference does it make if you're using 4, 5, 6 or 8 lb. test for your main line?

Thanks,

Al

[20lbSloughShark]

I'm assuming your talking walleye. Well if you have a 5 pound walleye, and your mainline is 4 pounds, it may very well snap. leaders are for teeth, the mainline takes the most force.

[IceIceBaby]

I'm really talking about any fish (mostly walleyes or smaller). That's kind of my point. Why not use a heavier line? (to a degree....I'm not talking about using 10 lb for crappie). There must be a reason, or everyone would be using heavier line. But, I keep hearing about using 4 or 6 lb main line and then tying on the same or lighter fluorocarbon leader. If you're using an appropriate leader, why should it make a difference if you're using a heavier main line?

[IceIceBaby]

I was looking at another thread, and they were talking about fishing with blades baits and slender spoons and were specific about using 4 or 6 lb flourocaron leaders and 5 or 6 lb main line. I just wonder why you have to be so specific about main line if you're using the right leader. Why not 8 lb or 10 lb just to be on the safe side? I'm just trying to learn.

Al

[20lbSloughShark]

then it really doesn't, too thick might jam up a reel? All of my northern pike leaders are under a foot to the mainline, so they can see the the mainline. Also the lighter the line, the more you can fit on the reel.

This is a shot in the dark, but its possible those two line weights knot together best.

[fishwater]

Iceice - the smaller lines translates to greater sensitivity and faster sink rates with smaller lures.

As the lines diameter increases you have increased adhesion with the water. Also, the additional mass of thicker line dulls the strike transmitted to your rod tip, the momentum transferred is distributed through a larger more massive system.

[IceIceBaby]

Thanks Fishwater. Makes sense to me. I appreciate the info.

Al

[slipperybob]

If you have the right mainline weight, then you wouldn't need a different leader. LOL.

Anyway there are lots of different reasons to line join with different line weights. Line sensitivty is relative to amount of line stretch. Generally, you will want the strongest line that will still allow you to give your lure the right presentation technique. So when someone mentions a specific line test strength, it is generally saying that going stronger/thicker will dull the lure's action.

[ski_otter]

I fish almost exclusively panfish. I use very small lures. With a line more than 3-4lb test my jig may not even straighten the line out, especially in deeper water, that means missed bites/fish. I mostly use 2 lb for that reason, I break lines sometimes but the extra sensitivity allows me to feel more bites make more hook sets, and have the opportunity at more fish. This extra sensitivity brings more fish up the hole for me than I have break offs.