Question about fishing line
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Newbies Corner
Forum Description: If you're new to fishing this is the place to ask any questions about getting started ...
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=86889
Printed Date: 14 Jul 2026 at 11:58pm
Topic: Question about fishing line
Posted By: Kevlar
Subject: Question about fishing line
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 3:32am
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Hi all, This is a basic question that I want to know. Hope you guys can help me. I have a 12lb test line, would an 8lb or 10lb leader line be okay? If I manage to get a snag, the leader should be enough to break right? because I don't want my 12lb test line to break, i'l lose everything. Thanks |
Replies:
Posted By: Capt Asparagus
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 9:09am
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Yes Kevlar that would be fine. However, line almost invariably breaks at the knot, particularly the knot joining braid to nylon. I would say you would be better advised to look at using 20lb trace, as you will most likely better off with a stronger, more abrasion resistant trace than 8-10lb trace. Depends where you are, what you are fishing for however of course. I usually use 15-20lb flurocarbon trace on my 6lb fireline. ------------- It is only my overwhelming natural humility that mars my perfection. Captain Asparagus, Superhero, Adventurer. |
Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 8:56pm
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As above |
Posted By: ycha223
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 11:44pm
I had the similiar question in my mind as I got into fishing in NZ, as before I used to use a much lighter leader for my hooks, so that if it get snagged only the leader part would break off and I'll be able to secure at least my sinker (which is more valuable than a hook). But after consulting with a lot of NZ fishermen they all suggested me to use a heavier leader (and somehow I still don't understand why?  ) Maybe it is something to do with casting distance as in NZ landbased you'd probably want to cast for a bit...?
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Posted By: ycha223
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 11:50pm
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Cos thinking about it, when a hook snags onto the bottom and you reel in the tension, the line is going to break somewhere, most likely at the weakest joint, this will be your thinner line's attachment to your thicker line. Assume that you are using a running rig, 20lb main line, 60lb shock leader which attaches your main line by a albright knot the other end to your 5ounce breakaway sinker, then a 15 lb leader attaches your hook to your sinker. Snags, the joint between the 15lb and the sinker will break, you will only lose your hook. But if the leader is, let say, 30lb. Then you have a set up of 20lb - 60lb - 30lb. Then the 20lb main line attachment to the 60lb shock leader will become the weak point and when tension is applied, snaps here goes your complete rig!
Just my 2 cent worth of thought in the middle of a brain-fried study session for my final exams
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Posted By: feijoa
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 12:41am
| I guess the abrasion factor outweighs the snag factor... Certainly where i fish it does |
Posted By: scuzzymoto
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 1:01am
this may help mate-- I use main line 16-18 lb- swivel to sinker 40-60 rig body or shock leader- trace to hook approx 25-60 lb depending were fishing --- you should be able to pull through snags using the rod on angles(side to side) and winding like hell- you can also tie a small amount of light line approx 10-20 lb(if you are keen ) to the sinker attached to impact shield, I use alot of sacrificial sinkers in rough areas but I sell sinkers so does not matter ,also try not setting the wires or using a standard sinker over rough ground http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/new_reply_form.asp?Quote=1&PID=1191283&PN=2&TR=33
------------- "It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled” Mark Twain |
ycha223 wrote:Posted By: ycha223
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 2:09am
| yep sacrificial sinkers is one way to go, but most of the time I find only the hooks getting snagged not the sinker. It's impossible to free a snagged hook on rocks or sunken logs...tried many times 90% of the time I had to break the line. once I had a 30lb set up all the way and I couldn't break the line I had to scissor cut it ...terrible |