Fishing Line

I'm still new to fishing, in the last year, my kids and I have fished Cat fish, White Bass and Trout. I really wanna have the right gear, hence my question. I bought an ugly stick rod and shakespear spinning reel combo fairly priced, but I know the line has a lot to do with what you fish for. We already lost a good sized cat because of the line and I can't buy more rods or reals for specific fishing days, like if we're fishing for cats and bass vs fishing for trout (avg. 10". So what fishing line is recommended that I can use on the same combo regardless of what I'm fishing for???

Thanks

Hello Extofer, welcome to the forum I am happy you joined us.


There isn't such a thing as the perfect line for all fish. Unfortunately. Each and every fish sort has its own line that catches it best. Chosing the wrong line can end up in 'it got away' -

What's wrong in owning several different lines anyway? They're not that expensive, are they? (I don't live in the U.S. so I am asking you seriously).

It's not much the price of buying different lines, the fact is, would I have to own different rods or reels or do I have to change the line each time I go fishing. They are not too expensive, maybe $6 USD. Funny thing, in my area, there are not too many lakes close to me, I would have to drive 3 hrs., and the ones near me are man made and you can catch Trout OR Catfish, and that is strange. So If I have a 2 lbs test line and hook a 5 lbs Catfish. At the same time, can I use an 8 lbs test line for smaller fish??
How much difference does the line make and what about color... why are there so many colors?

Thanks for the help.

It is my guess (because I never tried it out) that a line doesn't make all that much of a difference. I think the main thing different fish can be caught on is the bait, that's most important. What do you see your fellow-fishermen use?

I've seen fellow fisherman (one was a fishing guide) use different poles and reels with different test line according to what was attempted to catch... White/Black bass used jigs on a longer rod and a spinning reel with unknown lbs test line, and for catfish was a different rod and reel combo with heaver test line.
For instance, for trout fishing it is recommended a test line of 8 lbs or less, and Cat fish > 8 lbs.
Would it make any different.

Then I think that is pretty much the standard for fishing different sorts of fish, Extofer. I don't think they'd be changing poles and reels and lines if it weren't necessary. Perhaps you brought up a good idea for a new invention though

I'm no authority on what tackle to use for what type of fish, but in this case, wouldn't one of the super lines work?
Heavy lbs test with a smaller diameter, a little more expensive to buy but less than separate rods & reels.

Personaly I keep 2 rod setups.
An ultra light rod and reel with 4-6lb test line, for Crappie, and small pan fish.
and one standard rod and reel with 10-14 lb test line for bass, waleye, and cat.
Ive caught 12 and 15 lb bass on my ultrlight and that was fun! and Ive caught small fish on my 14lb test.
When Looking for the proper line, take into consideration of The size of the fish and how good the eyesite the fish you are trying to catch has. Water visability has alot to do with it to.
Ive probably got less than 100 dollars in these rigs and they catch just as much fish as anything else.
and Ive had these about 15 years.
No need to spend alot of money to get good equipment.
Just my input.

Post edited by: Nickledimed, at: 2008/05/31 00:40

agree with all the other posts..there isn't a perfect line or perfect rod/reel for that matter. Just got a friend of mine into fishing and he was in a similar situation, not wanting to buy or carry a multitude of gear. To keep it simple he bought a medium weight rod, and a mid-size reel, with a spare spool. Had one spooled with 6lb test and the other 12lbs. Set for small species, quck change over and ready for bigger game fish.
Just a suggestion!
Tight lines to all