What is the lightest line to use for walleye?
This is a question that I have seen a number of times over the past couple of years. What makes this question even more confusing is that there are many different ways to approach it, depending on where you're fishing and what kind of tackle they are using.
I'll start with some background information on my fishing experiences, then I will outline my thoughts when it comes to choosing the right line when walleye fishing.
I'll try to cover many of the specifics that apply to our region; but in most cases, lines chosen for walleyes are chosen based upon the fishing conditions. For general guidelines, read on.
I should also mention that I fished with spinning gear for over 20 years before making the switch to ultralight and became a believer in it's benefits for walleye fishing.
Background information:
20+ years of experience Fishing Tournaments 10+ years of local, head-to-head competition Knowledgeable about most types of walleye fishing from open water, to ice fishing Knowledgeable about tackle and techniques for all types of walleye fishing
Now you have a good idea where I'm coming from when it comes to choosing lines. In this article, I will present my thoughts on the different factors that play a role in selecting the right line for your walleye fishing. I will also add some suggestions for choosing a line that we have tried and tested here at Ross Fishing Adventures, LLC.
Before we get started, there is one particular resource that I recommend to everyone:
This not only has most of the lines listed in it, you can also see where and when each line is used. I photocopied this chart and carried it with me every time I went walleye fishing.
Over the last ten years, we have tried the majority of lines available; including all of the newer super braids, nylon monofilaments and fluorocarbon lines. We fished with different combinations of these lines
over that period to see what worked best. A few years ago, we started developing our own lines with the help of Dan Blanton at New England Ropes. I'm quite confident that our experience fishing all types of equipment has helped us develop some great products for local walleye anglers, regardless of where you are fishing.
This article is about sharing my knowledge and experience of lines and how they will affect your walleye fishing.
Now, Let's get started!
Line Size:
The lighter the line you use, the less it will be affected by water currents and/or wind. A light line will also give you a higher degree of sensitivity so that bites can be detected easier. The combination of lighter lines and higher degree of sensitivity can add up to more fish caught in some situations. The obvious downside is that when the line you are using is very light, it will require a small diameter or light action rod to properly cast and control your baits/lures. Also, if the current in the water where you're fishing is stronger than the strength of your line, you will lose baits/lures or more commonly known as getting "snagged".
Heavy lines are affected less by water currents and/or wind, require a heavier rod to be cast properly and it is harder to detect bites. Heavy lines are better suited for situations where the current is stronger than the line is rated for or you are fishing in very cold water conditions.
So, now that we have covered the basics on line sizes, here comes the tricky part: choosing which size line to use. This really depends on where you're fishing and what kind of tackle they are using. The "snap-back" test is probably the best way to determine which line size to use. You can do this by casting your rod with the appropriate size line, then let it snap back towards you over your shoulder. If the line doesn't snap all the way to your rod tip before stopping, you need to go up a size for lighter lines or down a size for heavier lines until that occurs. Obviously, this test requires a lot of practice and the ability to cast accurately.
I like to use at least two different line sizes when fishing for walleye; one size lighter than I need to fish with and one size heavier. This enables me to use the lightest line possible which helps in most situations, yet still having a back-up line that will work in stronger currents.
Now let's talk about the most popular lines for walleye fishing: monofilament, super braid and fluorocarbon.
Monofilament comes in a wide range of sizes ranging from 2lb to 80lb test with zero stretch properties. The majority of anglers use 10-15lb test monofilament with the most popular line colors being clear and smoke grey. Monofilament has a very high resistance to abrasion and is resistant to chemicals such as gasoline. However, this line can stretch quite a bit and has minimal shock absorbing properties which makes these lines more sensitive to bites and easier for fish to feel. As for the degree of sensitivity, I would say that it is somewhere between nylon and super braids.
Super braid comes in different sizes just like mono, but much less choices in colors. Monofilament is still used more than 4 strand because the price point for this line is usually cheaper compared to other lines. The benefits are it's zero stretch, very high abrasion resistance, good shock absorbing properties and very sensitive to bites. As for the degree of sensitivity, I would say that it is somewhere between nylon and fluorocarbon.
Fluorocarbon comes in different sizes just like mono, but there are much less choices in colors compared to monofilament. This line is also used more than super braid because the price point for this line is usually cheaper compared to other lines. The benefits are it's zero stretch, very high abrasion resistance, good shock absorbing properties and very sensitive to bites. However, this line has a tendency of absorbing water which can affect its performance when you are fishing in colder conditions. As for the degree of sensitivity, I would say that it is somewhere between nylon and super braids.
Now let's talk about some line myths:
Myth #1: Fluorocarbon sinks
Fluorocarbon does sink under normal circumstances but not as fast as you think or faster than other lines. Anyone who tells you otherwise is simply not using the same line material as you and probably doesn't know what they are talking about.
Myth #2: Fluorocarbon is stronger than nylon and super braid
Fluorocarbon does have a much higher abrasion resistance compared to other lines, but this does not necessarily mean it is stronger. When it comes to the strength of a line, there are many different factors
that determine this such as thickness/weight, material used in construction and how it was applied to the spool. Fluorocarbon is mostly available in 30-50lb test with very little difference between brands when comparing overall strength.
Myth #3: Monofilament stretches more than braid and fluorocarbon
Based on the percent stretch of a line, I would say that mono stretches less than both super braid and fluorocarbon. This is especially true for 15lb test and up compared to 30lb and 40lb test however this will vary depending on brand and construction. Always keep in mind that no two brands of line are created equal, but they all conform to the same industry standards.
Myth #4: Nylon stretches more than braid and fluorocarbon
Based on the percent stretch of a line, I would say that nylon stretches less than both super braid and fluorocarbon. This will vary depending on brand and construction. Always keep in mind that no two brands of line are created equal, but they all conform to the same industry standards. See more: https://fishinghacking.com/best-fishing-line-for-walleye-top-product-reviews-of-2021/