One of the biggest mistakes that I see on rivers and streams throughout the country is people fishing on a nice trout stream with fishing equipment that would enable them to fight and land a 25 pound striped bass! This is often overlooked as a reason people are unsuccessful, but it shouldn't be. You're fishing equipment, meaning your rod, reel, line size, hook size, etc. It's all of critical importance to the outcome of your next fishing excursion.
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Let's begin with an example: If you're fishing for trout out of your local trout stream, you know that the likelihood of you hooking into a 5 pound rainbow trout is very slim. Therefore line any larger than 6 pound test is overkill. Six pound test means that the line will stand up to at least six pounds of pressure before breaking. Also consider that the bend of the rod helps take pressure off of the line as well. So six pound test is more than strong enough for your local trout stream. I just don't know if I can take seeing another "bird's nest" of old line on my local trout stream that is obviously 10 pound test!
For this example a rod bigger than light action is overkill as well. A decent light action rod should do the trick. The lighter action the rod and line, the more bites you will be able to detect as well. I personally use a five foot ultra light rod, spooled with four pound test for almost all of my trout fishing, but some people do think I'm a few bricks short of a load. Oh well, it's always worked for me.
What about hook size for the above example? I've been out on the local trout stream and seen anglers (although I use the term loosely) trying to thread a night crawler onto a size 4 hook! You know what this creates don't you? This creates the ever popular "worm ball"! I could go the rest of my days without ever seeing another "worm ball". I personally use a size 10 hook. Well actually two size 10 hooks tied in tandem. It creates the most natural presentation possible, and elevates the dreaded "worm ball". And let me tell you something; I've caught some very large fish on size 10 hooks! Much larger than you might think is possible. So match your hook size to what you're fishing for as well.
Now you might be saying, "This is all fine and dandy on my local trout stream, but...." I know what you're thinking. What if you're after a bit larger quarry? Let's use another example. How about trolling for Pike in Northern Ontario? A five foot ultra light rod, spooled with four pound test, isn't going to enable you to land much more than your bait for these bad boys. But remember, the same principles apply.
In this scenario the likelihood of hooking into a Northern Pike any larger than 25 pounds is very slim. Therefore, as with the other example, 20 pound test should be more than enough. If you're squeamish, go with 25 pound test, but that should do it. Remember, the larger in diameter the fishing line, the easier it is for the fish to see. So in this example, I would say to use a medium to medium/heavy action rod with an appropriate reel attached. Then spool said reel with 18-20 pound test line. I personally always tend to go as light as possible. I guess it's just in my blood. I just don't need to see any more yea-hoo's out there trolling for Pike with a surf casting setup.
The bottom line is this: Match your rod, reel, line, hell all you're fishing gear to the size and type of fish that you're fishing for and we'll all be better off. Not to mention the fact that you'll catch more fish and probably have more fun.
Trevor Kugler
Co-founder of JRWfishing.com
Trevor has more than 20 years of fishing experience, and specializes in ultralight river fishing.
http://www.jrwfishing.com - products and information to save you time and help you catch more fish.
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