Line strength

[Sheamus Walsh]

I have a question  I have been useing 8lb test ever since I first started fishing and I was wondering if I need to use different strengths or stay with 8lb test 

[MN Fisher]

Depends entirely on where/what you're fishing. I use 8# on my finesse spinning rig with no issues, also on my panfish rig. Heavier lures or fishing actually in the weeds get heavier line.

[Hammer 4]

If..your catching fish on a fairly regular basis, and not having any issues with breaking off, i.e. knot failure or if you have any heavy cover, then no, 8 lb is fine.

 

OTH if you are having issues then you may want to get some stronger line.

[Glaucus]

8# on spinning gear for finesse is about perfect. For most techniques I wouldn't even consider it though.

[Teal]

If it works go with it, I use anywhere from 8 to 25 with floro and mono and 50 to 65 braid.  Different line for different rods.  

[new2BC4bass]

I used 8# mono for years.  Then in my late teens I dropped down to 4# mono.  Nowadays 8# mono or co-polymer is my standard line for Medium and ML casting rods.  I use 8# or less on spinning rods.  Works for me.

[JustJames]

Why limit yourself just one line, different techniques, cover and structure required different line size and type. Open water, soft plastic bottom contact or crankbait you might get away with 8lb, jig/frog, in and around cover bigger diameter line is better or even braid to at least have enough strength to withstand power of hookset and pull fish away from cover/weed.

Now if you have only one setup 8-10lb is good start but choose whatever techniques that fit you line size. 

[BrianMDTX]

I use 8 lb YZH on my spinning rigs. Plenty strong for finesse presentations. 

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

I use 8 lb YZH on my spinning rigs. Plenty strong for finesse presentations. 

Well ya - 8# YZH is the same diameter as 10# Nylon-mono...and test after test shows that 8# YZH has an average breaking strength of 12#...so more than strong enough for many techniques.

 

I use 4# YZH on my UL rig - 6# Mono diameter - 8.5# average breaking strength....I could use that on my finesse rig instead of the 8# Sufix Elite I currently have on it.

[BrianMDTX]

Lines any smaller in diameter I have issues seeing it well enough to tie knots lol. It is some strong line. I had to cut my WR line due to a snag and after cutting, I attempted to pull it free. It eventually broke but it took some horsepower to get it to break. It’s good stuff. 

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

It’s good stuff.

Oh I know that - I have 10# YZH on my medium spinning rig, 12# YZH on my backup moving bait/jig rig and on my crankbait rig. I'm still considering converting all my non-braid rigs to YZH.

[BrianMDTX]

10 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Oh I know that - I have 10# YZH on my medium spinning rig, 12# YZH on my backup moving bait/jig rig and on my crankbait rig. I'm still considering converting all my non-braid rigs to YZH.

I have 12 lb YZH on my baitcasters. Hard to beat 600 yds for $9.99 local pick-up. 

[jimmyjoe]

  It's best not to rate line by test rating, but instead by diameter. 8 lb. Sunline Super Natural (.009") is not 8 lb Stren Original (.0011") is not 8 lb. Trilene XT (.012").  Usage will show you the difference, and show it clearly.     jj

[Boomstick]

Both what you are throwing and what the cover looks like comes into play. 8lb is pretty much for smaller, finesse style baits and generally not for heavy cover.

 

Here's a quick rundown:

T-Rigs - 12-15lb mono/fc (or 30-40lb braid with a similar leader - I usually use 15lb but occasionally 12 or 17)

Jigs - 15-20lb mono/fc (or 50-65lb braid with an optional similar leader - I use 17lb fluoro or straight 50 or 65lb braid in cover)

Spinnerbaits/Chatterbaits/Swimjigs - 12-20lb mono/fc (I use 15 or 17 depending on cover, rarely 12)

Crankbaits/Jerkbaits/most treble hooked baits - 10-12lb mono/fc, or 15lb for squarebills in grass

Hollow Body Frogs - 50-65lb straight braid

Drop Shots/Ned rigs/inline spinners - 6-8lb mono/fc (or 10-15lb braid with a similar leader, I use 12lb braid with a 6lb leader)

 

Of course, it is better to rate lines by the diameter than the rated breaking strength but I can never remember that offhand. I can attest that 12lb Berkley Big Game breaks well above 20lbs and most lines will hold above their rated strength. For example, Berkley Trilene XL 12lb is thinner than Trilene XT or Big Game, and 15lb Yo Zuri Hybrid is as thick as most thicker 17lb mono/flurocarbon lines (but the same doesn't hold true for their other line ratings as far as I can recall)

[813basstard]

8 is to heavy..start flipping with 6 pound test. 
Results will skyrocket