Finding Favorite Line
Castability and current are main factors to consider when selecting line.
Strength wonder can be eliminated by investing in high quality specifically made product.
There are advanced PE (braided line) available by Varivas Japan and now they have US HQ and available online.
First thing to understand is “Gou” indication.
“Gou” means “number” is a Japanese unit, based on the true diameter of the line.
“lb” (pound) is the standard for tensile strength of the line.
As castability is one of the main factor for trout bfs’ technical casting.
Line diameters have huge effect for spool rotation and friction through the rod guide that affect cast performance dramatically.
Selecting ideal dimeter is the starting point when choosing line.
PE = Braid
Nylon = Monofilament
Simplified Chart:
*Listed strength is an average or maximum value varies from manufacturer to manufacturer
Type of line is based on the angler’s priority.
PE offers superior control of the lure and cuts through water but near zero stretch looses fish more often.
Nylon offers excellent absorbance but must scarify controllability.
We enjoy the PE + Nylon leader for most cases for its castability and direct feel of the fight.
Strand of PE can be personal preference.
Just to share a general idea, the 4 strand PE can take more surface contact because each strand’s diameter is larger than 8 strand without coating and production method in consideration, but this is just a basic general idea.
Keep in mind that today’s surface coating technology is taking abrasion resistance to the next level.
Slight stiffness of 4 strand makes line management easier and bit more friendly when untangling backlash.
If the full-Nylon is the choice, there are specifically made models are available for trout bfs with minimal stretch with excellent abrasion resistance.
Long-distance cast approach is extremely important when targeting large wild fish.
They can sense human foot-steps way further and earlier than anglers can locate the fish.
Putting full-spool line can reduce spool rotation contribute to cast distance but require precision thumbing control.
Good visible color line allows angler to know where the line is on the moving water, busy nature colored background also hides the line during the cast.
Fish do not seem to care about bright colored line even in jin clear water especially with fast-paced twitch approach.
Must stay within the rod spec for the dimeter and strength of line.
Most trout bfs rods are delicate, use of over-spec line with tight drag setting causes rod blank breakage as worst scenario.
We believe most rational and the fun factor of selecting line is to go smallest diameter possible for castability, controllability and thrill of fighting large wild trout.
Varivas was our favorite line brand back in 90’s for bass fishing, so fortunate that they are available in US now 😀
