Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 11/05/07: Line size, The Key to More Largemouth Bass

On many pressured lakes in Florida, the largemouth bass is often a finicky creature. No matter what you throw, you just can't seem to catch any bass with any size or maybe not even catch any bass at all. Through many years of trial and error I've found that line size is very important in producing strikes.

Why is line size so important to getting strikes? The most important reason is line visibility. The smaller the diameter of the line, the less likely that the fish will see it. In clear water lakes, smaller diameter lines are a must to coax the leery largemouth.

 Another factor for downsizing your line is lure action. Thinner diameter lines produces less drag in the water and allows your lure to give a more lifelike action. Crankbaits are especially apt to loose action with the heavier lines. I often fish crankbaits with 10 pound test on a spinning rod. This enables me to downsize my line, cast lighter crankbaits further and run at deeper depths because of the thinner line.

The lower drag of the thinner diameter line also allows me to work lighter weights when pitching or casting a worm in or near cover. The worm will fall a little quicker and the line is less likely to hang in the weeds which would impede the natural fall of the bait.

Many anglers fear loosing fish with the lighter line, but unless you are flippin' or working wood/docks, 14 pound test is more than enough for casting weedlines or most underwater structure. In fact, 10 pound is great line for working the depths if there is only scattered cover.

Check the diameter of the line on the box or spool to be sure your have the smallest diameter for that line test. Different brands and even different labels within brands often have different diameters for the same pound test.

Another factor to consider is the line limpness. I prefer a limp line over a stiff one. This is a reflection of the elastic modulus of the material. The reason I prefer the limper line is lure action. The limper the line, the less force the lure has to use to produce a fish striking action.

Here's my rule of thumb for line sizes:

1- Casting weed lines with worm- 14 pound test, preferably a brand that has thin diameter.

2- Casting weed lines with spinnerbait- You can go up to 17 pounds if the water isn't to clear, otherwise use 14 pound test.

3- Casting weed lines with topwater buzzbait- Use 17 pound test or heavier since the line isn't really visible and you need minimum line stretch when setting the hook.

4- Casting weed lines with topwater plug- 14 pound test, imparts better lure action i.e. less drag.

5- Casting light diving crankbaits in open water minimal structure- 10 pound test on spinning gear.

6- Casting heavier diving crankbaits in open water with substantial cover- Upsize to 14 pound test and use bait cast outfit.

7- Heavy mats- Got to resort to heavy lines 20 pound + to get the fish out and reduce line stretch.

8- Pitching worms in weeds- 14 to 17 pound test depending on thickness of cover and water clarity.

9- Carolina rig- 14 pound test or even 12 pound test if the water is very clear. Don't go too light unless you have ultra sharp hooks due to the line stretch.

If you follow these guidelines I'm sure and you'll be doing more catching with less fishing!

Sincerely,

The Largemouth Herald