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What Line Sizes Do You Use With Various Lure Weights?

Fishing enthusiasts enjoy the challenge of catching the largest fish possible, whether the fish resides in an ocean, a lake or a river. Fishing rods are available in various sizes and strength abilities. However, the fishing line and lure attached to the rod must have a balanced weight combination for successful fishing. In fact, lines and lures come in different sizes, depending on the fishing area and type of fish being sought.

Fishing Rod Features
- A fishing rod consists of an attached reeling mechanism with a fishing line looped around the reel's assembly. The line extends down the rod's length and off the end tip, terminating with a barbed hook, bait or lure. A fisherman casts the line out into the water, allowing the line to slack down into the water's depth from the added lure weight. In time, the bait or lure should catch a fish on the barbed hook.
Sizing
- Typically, the lightest lure weight must match with the weakest line strength. Line strength is signified by the amount of weight needed to break the line. Lure weights between 1 and 4 pound test match with a line size of 1/64th to 1/16th of an ounce. Line sizes between 1/16th and 1/4th of an ounce match with 4 to 8 pound test lure weights. In contrast, the heavier lure weights, commonly 25 pound test or more, must be used with a line size of 8 ounces or more.
Using Lighter Line
- Combining a lighter line with a heavier lure weight can backfire for the fisherman. The lighter line is less visible to fish, possibly luring in more fish than with a thicker line diameter. However, a heavy fish caught on the light line can easily snap it, resulting in a lost fish, hook and lure.
Using Heavier Line
- Fisherman may be tempted to use a heavier line with a lighter lure for catching larger fish species. However, the line's weight will not be easily controlled since the lure will be essentially floating in the water, rather than pulling the line downward toward the fish habitat. As a result, the line will float horizontally in the water, effectively missing the deeper fishing areas.
Considerations
- Fishing line is typically composed of nylon monofilament, designed for strength and flexibility. However, the line should be checked periodically for any cuts or damage. Matching line with lure weight prolongs the life of the fishing line, but the line may become damaged from water conditions or multiple catches. Replacing the line ensures that the lure and hook are not lost to the water.

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