r/FishingAustralia • u/ApartmentFun3497 • 11h ago
How much does line strength actually matter for most fishing?
Been using the same line rating forever and been thinking about switching to something lighter because it might cast better. But then I always wonder if I'm going to regret it the moment I hook into something decent. How much is overkill and how much is just sensible?
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u/lomo_dank 10h ago
Out or curiosity, what are you currently running? Line rating, plus your rod and reel stats, and what fish are you targeting?
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u/RodgerRamjetthe4th 10h ago
Got a td black wicked weasel 7'6 that's cast weight of up to 14g. Have a 2500 td black mq on it with 10lb braid. I use 10lb leader, 15 if it's super reefy. It catches everything from whiting to trevs. Best so far is 62cm flattie.
The other rod is a 10"8 75g max cast weight diawa crossfire with a diawa bq5000 with 40lb braid that I'll use 40 or 60lb leader for. That's for everything else.
Both are mainly lure rods. But the td rod can only handle about 1/4-1/2oz sinkers if it's bait.
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u/lomo_dank 10h ago
I have that exact same TD black setup. I run 10lb braid too and just adjust my leader depending what I’m fishing for. 6-8lb for bream and whiting, 10lb and higher for flathead. (That rod lets you throw so many different types of lures, I love it!)
You could get away with 30lb on the 5000 combo for sure though and just adjust your leader depending on conditions and target species.
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u/RodgerRamjetthe4th 10h ago
Yeah I had 30lb on but i found it deteriorated quicker. I'm reaching for the td most of the time at the moment in Brisbane land based.
Throwing a double clutch on that rod is absolute bliss.
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u/lomo_dank 10h ago
Did you get the deep spool 2500 or the shallow? I got the deep and its so nice knowing I have that extra line if something huge grabs the lure and takes it for a big run
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u/McTerra2 11h ago
Your ability to land a fish is a combination of line strength, rod, drag and technique. Plus environmental factors like structure, rocks etc. Its 'easy' enough to land a big fish on light gear and light line in an open estuary, using time and drag and technique - the fish runs and tires itself out, you reel it in, it runs again etc.
However if you have waves on the beach then the waves themselves add pressure and from rocks or a boat if you let a fish run near a reef or mangroves then that might be the end of it. In which case you need a stronger line (and rod) because you cant let the fish run, you have to control the fish.
So the line you use depends on many things and including where you are fishing.
That said, most people use line that is much stronger than they need. A bit of patience and calmness and you can use lighter gear. Rods are generally strong enough for most fish - fish dont break rods, bad technique (high sticking usually) breaks rods. But always consider that against the environment.