How Much Weight Can Fishing Line Hold? It is a common query for the newbie fishing enthusiast. There are different brands of fishing lines available in the market which are manufactured with unique weight capacity. So, how much a fishing line can hold depends on the thickness and breaking strength of that line.
Since each branded fishing line comes with a unique weight holding capacity so it is good to check out the manufacturer’s specification before purchasing, otherwise, Otherwise, you may get the wrong line that can break to pull your targeted fish.
In this guide, we will talk about the meaning of fishing line weight capacity, the pound test of fishing line, different types of fishing line and what Pound Test You Should Use for general fish? So, let’s move to the next step!
What does fishing line weight capacity mean?
The breaking strength of any fishing line is the amount of weight it can carry before it breaks. Remember that there have several braided fishing lines. Moreover, there are different fishing lines, including monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided. Also, note that fishing lines are designed with varieties of thicknesses. Due to the variety of accuracy, fishing anglers can choose the thickness of the line according to the weight and type of fish. By the way, the weight capacity of a fishing line is the amount it will break after holding the weight. For example, a 0.25mm thicker monofilament fishing line can hold 2.5 kg weight. On the other hand, a 0.30mm braided line can hold about 15 kg of weight.
What is the meaning of a pound test before purchasing a fishing line?
A pound test measures the strength of a fishing line. The pound test means the required pressure on a fishing line to catch a fish. If your fishing reel has a four-pound test line, then make sure to apply four pounds of pressure to snap the fish. It is recommended to use a line with a higher pound test.
If you use a lower-pound tested line, the fish may get out of the hook because the lower-pound test refers to lower required pressure from a fish. So, choose a proper pounded test line and be careful while snapping.
Different types of fishing line
Knowing about different fishing lines can help you know their weight-holding capacity. Here we are discussing the most commonly used fishing lines.
Monofilament Line:
Monofilament is a nylon-made single-strand fishing line. It is used in more than two popular fishing lines, fluorocarbon and braid. However, monofilament is a comparatively expensive fishing line. This line can stretch more and can hold knots with strength. Besides, the sink rate of monofilament is very low, available in different colors.
Fluorocarbon Line:
Fluorocarbon is also known as “Fluro line”. They are made from fluorine, carbon, chlorine and synthetics. Although fluorocarbon is a single-strand line like monofilament, they are heavier with high density than mono. Also, note that fluorocarbon can easily sink into the water. Fluorocarbon is stronger and more long-lasting than monofilament. Besides, these are nearly invisible to the fish.
Braided fishing line:
It is not a one-strand line. A braided fishing line is made from some strands together. The multiple strands make this line stronger that pass the higher-pound test. So, you can use a braided line for catching larger and heavier fish.
Do note that the braided line comes with better sensitivity. So you can easily understand the fish bites. It has a thinner diameter allows it to keep the huge line in a reel. Besides, the braided line is long-lasting and has better casting power.
Why can’t I use lower lb. test pounds for larger fish and higher pound tests for smaller fish?
Lower pounds test passed fishing line can handle only smaller fish like bluegill, smallmouth and trout. The lower lb. The test line is made with less durable strands of material. So, they can meet the pulling pressure of smaller fish. The line will break within if you try to use lower lb. pounds for larger fish. So, never try to use lower lbs. for large-size fish. Then you will break your fishing line and miss the targeted catch.
On the other hand, you also can’t use a higher-pound test line for smaller fish. You won’t feel the fish bite when you cast a higher-pound test line for smaller fish. In the meantime, the fish won’t bite the hook because the heavier line will sink into the water and be invisible to the floating smaller fish.
What Pound Test You Should Use for Common Fish?
Here is a chart that helps to measure fishing line weight capacity for the maximum common fish in America.
Line test in pounds | Types of fish |
2-4 pounds | Bluegill, Small Mouth Bass, Panfish and Trout |
6-12 pounds | Smaller salmon, Catfish, Walleye and largemouth fish |
14-20 pounds | Musky, Carp, catfish, crap and stripers |
8-14 pounds | Flounder, Sea Bass and sea trout fish |
16-25 pounds | Large salmon, redfish, stripers |
30 pounds and above | Shark, Marlin and Tuna |
FAQs:
- What does the 20 lb. test line mean?
The pounds test also means the strength test of a fishing line. Here 20 lb. test means a certain fishing line can hold 20 pounds of weight before breaking. So, you can catch fish within the range of 20 pounds weight.
- What Is the Best Pound Test for Trout?
You can use a 2-4 lbs. pound test to pass the line for trout. This 2- or 4-pound line suits an ultralight reel and rod. However, there may have some larger trout fish. You can use a 6 lbs. line test for catching larger trout.
Testing The Strength Of 10LB Lines ( Braid, Flouro, Mono )
Final Words:
Do you understand How Much Weight Can Fishing Line Holds? It depends on a few factors, including the thickness of the line, the types of lines and the breaking strength of the fishing line. It is recommended to check out the manufacturer’s specifications for each certain fishing line’s weight-holding capacity.
Tony is a professional fishing instructor, and his hobby is fishing! He has been fishing for the last four years, and he loves the fishing instructor profession. Based on his experiences with different types of fishing, he shares his opinion about various fishing techniques so that a beginner can get started right away. Find him on Twitter. Happy reading!