Fishing tackle: Line

Fishing line:

Today anglers in South Africa have variety of choice between many different types of good quality fishing lines.

However; some representatives of the fishing line producers claim that, the critical factor determining the performance quality of a line is its diameter and its breaking strain and the relationship between the two. The stronger a line is for its diameter the better, and that there are two types of deceptions existing in the industry:

• Firstly simple exaggeration of breaking strain where companies claim considerably higher performance that is actually true in reality;

• And secondly. Stepping of diameter where companies supply a thicker line than stated to increase the breaking strain.

International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) Rated Monofilament Line:

Examples of IGFA rated lines are:

• Double X;
• Sufix;
• Ande and Moi-Moi;


These monofilament or co-polymer fishing lines rated by IGFA have to brake on or below its specified kilogram or pound test rating printed on the label. These types of lines are suitable for use on both multiplier and fixed spool reels.

One of the most popular and used fishing lines amongst anglers for fishing from sandy beaches in South Africa is Double X and specifically the premium quality Platinum range, which offers extremely high braking strength for the diameter of line used.
In category of its own I would like to place T line, for the simple reason that it is manufactured in South Africa. The manufacturer is situated in Summerset West.


Nylon Monofilament Line:

Mono is a Greek word meaning single. In fishing line terminology that means a single strand of line and has become known as nylon fishing line.


Most entry level fishing line is made of monofilament characterised by low cost and relative strength. Premium grade nylon monofilament line receives more quality control attention, more additives and more attention in the process than normal monofilament line, therefore it is more costly. This type of fishing line can be used on all types of fishing reels.

Drawback for this type of line is that it can absorb water resulting in loose knots, it sensitivity can decrease when it is wet. With time monofilament degrades and can weaken when exposed to heat and sunlight. If it is stored on a spool for a very long time, it may come off the fishing reel in coils or loops. For this reason it is advisable that monofilament line is changed on regular intervals to prevent such degradation.

The Effects of Prolonged Submersion in Water:

Nylon fishing line absorbs water and becomes significantly softer and more flexible. While exposure to water absorption softens nylon monofilament, this is usually preferable in most situations as high levels of water absorption do have a detrimental effect on strength. Both linear and knot strength can be reduced by anything up to 15 per cent after submersion in water for as little as four hours.
After use, mono will return to its equilibrium point after a number of days or weeks, depending on the diameter. A point to note is that fluorocarbon coating waterproofs the line and prevents this problem.

Humidity
Humid conditions at or above 60 per cent are preferable when storing monofilament for longer than a few weeks as this maintains the correct level of softness in the line.

Temperature

Line is best stored between 15 and 25°C. Normal ambient extremes of cold and heat do not significantly affect breaking strength until approaching the melting point of the material. However; a cold line is less flexible, a warmer line more supple.


Natural Light

Nylon is not U. V. stable. In other words the molecular structure within a line will breakdown during prolonged periods of exposure to sunlight. Line should always be stored out of direct sunlight and preferably away from any indirect daylight if being stored for prolonged periods. Do not store your line in green houses or in sheds on a shelf under the window!


Advantage and disadvantage at one and the same time for this type line is its ability to stretch under pressure up to 30%. When line is stretched its strength is weakened, it also allows for extra reaction time when a fish runs. This extra reaction time can provide the angler with the few seconds needed to make the necessary adjustments before a hooked fish is able to break the line. There are many newer lines available on the market, but monofilament line is still one of the best.

Co-polymer Monofilaments:

This fairly recent line innovation is a variation of traditional monofilament, Co-polymer resins also stretches under pressure, but they offer greater flexibility and that allows for greater casting ease and accuracy. There are generally more abrasion resistant than ordinary monofilament lines and knot strength is much better. Double X and is typical example of co-polymer monofilament.

Multifilament Line of Braid:

This type of line is made up of a type of micro-polyethylene Dyneema and Spectra Fiber, an extremely thin fiber for its super strength. These fiber strands measured in weight are 10 times stronger than steel fibers. Multifilament (Braid) may be used on both types fishing reels, multiplier or fixed spool reels. Due to its thin diameter it is ideal for use as a backing line on multiplier reels. Many anglers prefer to fill their multiplier reels with Multifilament line (Braid) and only use about 160m of Co-Polymer Monofilament as a “top shot”, for the following reasons:
• The braid allows for much bigger capacity of line to be fitted on the multiplier reel, due to its thin diameter and without compromising in strength;
• The braid remains compact on the multiplier spool at all time and does not require such a frequent change as it does not absorb water and it is UV ray resistant;
• The disadvantage of casting with braid, if not careful, is that it can severely cut you finger - this is counteracted by adding the “top shot” of Co –Polymer Monofilament line, which is not so expensive and can be replaced (only approximately 160m) often, in this way the use of the extremely expensive Braid (some times quadruple the cost of monofilament) can be relatively justified;
Tipical sample of a Spectra Fiber super line is PowerPro and due to its popularity we will focus on Using PowerPro:

Unlike monofilament, PowerPro will not stretch on the reel and cling to the barrel. This can result in line sliding around the barrel, which can seem like a problem with your drag mechanism. Rest assured, your equipment is fine. To avoid slippage, attach PowerPro to your spool using one of these methods:
1. If your reel has a hole or knob on the barrel, use it.
2. Leave at least 5 to 10 yards of monofilament on the reel (enough to cover the bottom of the spool) before attaching PowerPro with a Uni to Uni splice.
3. Put a piece of compressible tape on the barrel before attaching PowerPro.
Setting the Hook

Anglers on Saturday morning TV shows often set the hook in bass like Samurai warriors beheading the enemy. This may be a fine technique with monofilament line, but PowerPro doesn't require such a violent motion. When you get a strike, relax; a gentle snap of your wrist will set the hook. Because PowerPro doesn't stretch like nylon lines, you won't get that rubber-band effect. Every inch you move your rod tip equals an inch of movement at the lure.

Setting your drag

PowerPro lines are so small for their strength that you may be tempted to set your drag higher than normal, but remember, your rod or reel may not be designed to handle the same unbelievable loads as your line. To make full use of PowerPro's amazing sensitivity without risking damage to your equipment, try one of the following tips:
1. Set your drag to match the weakest component in your tackle system.
2. Set your drag to match the size of mono line you would normally use.
3. When using ultralight equipment or line (10- or 20-lb. test) set your drag to no more than 1/3 of the line's rated strength. You can check the drag with a fish scale.
At lower drag settings, a little extra line may pay out at the hookset, compensating for PowerPro's lack of stretch.

Cutting PowerPro

PowerPro is extremely strong, and nail clippers won't cut it. We recommend sharp scissors such as Fiskars for kids, which are inexpensive, easy to find, and have blunt ends to protect your pockets.

Retie your line

Although PowerPro is extremely strong, it isn't indestructible. If the line starts to look frayed, especially after fishing around structure, it's probably time to cut off the worn section and retie. This way your line will always perform at rated strength.
Repack your line
If your line starts to feel soft or mushy on the reel, especially when fishing with light baits, you should repack your reel. Make an extra long cast or let the line out behind your boat, then reel it in while holding the line taut with your fingers. This will improve casting performance and keep the line from "digging in" after a solid strike.
Using a Monofilament Leader

Attaching a monofilament leader to your PowerPro line may prove useful in the following situations:
1. When bait or jig fishing requires extra finesse, especially in clear water, use a 3-foot monofilament leader to cut down on line visibility.
2. When fishing for species that strike hard and fast, use a monofilament shock tippet. For close-in situations such as bait fishing, try a 3- to 10-foot tippet. For big game applications, you may want to use up to 100 yards or more.
CAUTION:
PowerPro is remarkably thin and strong. To avoid injury, never wrap it around your fingers or hands. If you need to break off the line, wrap it around a solid object and pull.