Finding Favorite Line
When it comes to line, quality is the first priority. Quality, consistency and a trusted manufacturing source are important.
Castability and current are the main factors when selecting a line for trout bfs.
Worry about strength can be eliminated by investing in a high-quality, purpose-made product.
Advanced PE (braided line) is available from Varivas Japan, and now they have a US HQ and sell online.
The first thing to understand is the "Gou" indication.
"Gou" means "number" in a Japanese unit, based on the true diameter of the line.
"lb" (pound) is the standard for the tensile strength of the line.
Castability is one of the main factors in trout bfs' technical casting.
Line diameter has a huge effect on spool rotation and on friction through the rod guides, which changes cast performance dramatically.
Selecting the ideal diameter is the starting point when choosing line.
PE = Braid
Nylon = Monofilament
Simplified Chart:
PE
Nylon · Fluorocarbon
*Listed strength is an average or maximum value and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer
The type of line depends on the angler's priority.
PE offers superior lure control and cuts through water, but its near-zero stretch loses fish more often.
Nylon offers excellent shock absorption but sacrifices controllability.
In most cases we enjoy PE with a nylon leader, for its castability and the direct feel of the fight.
The number of PE strands is personal preference.
Just as a general idea: 4-strand PE handles surface contact better, because each strand is thicker than in 8-strand (not counting coating and production method). This is only a basic general idea.
Keep in mind that today's surface coating technology is taking abrasion resistance to the next level.
The slight stiffness of 4-strand makes line management easier, and a bit more friendly when untangling a backlash.
Our choice: Varivas High Grade PE X4
If full nylon is your choice, there are models made specifically for trout bfs with minimal stretch and excellent abrasion resistance.
Varivas Big Trout Katch-Iro is our #1 choice, followed by Super Trout Advance Big Trout.
For field conditions below 15°F, Katch-Iro is the only choice.
A long-distance cast is extremely important when targeting large wild fish.
They sense human footsteps much farther and earlier than anglers can spot the fish.
A fully spooled reel reduces the spool rotation needed and adds cast distance, but requires precise thumb control.
A highly visible line color lets you see where your line is on moving water, and the busy natural background hides the line from fish during the cast.
Fish don't seem to care about bright colored line, even in gin-clear water, especially with a fast-paced twitch approach.
Always stay within the rod spec for line diameter and strength.
Most trout bfs rods are delicate. Over-spec line with a tight drag setting can break the rod blank in the worst case.
We believe the most rational, and most fun, way to choose line is to go with the smallest diameter possible for castability, controllability and the thrill of fighting large wild trout.
Varivas was our favorite line brand back in the 90's for bass fishing, so fortunate they are available in the US now :D
