What Pound Test Should I Use for Bass Fishing

The right equipment can make all the difference when angling for bass.

When bass fishing, the best pound test to use is a 10-12 pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line.

When fishing around cover or when your target is a bigger bass, switch it up to a 15-20 pound test line.

You need a 30-50-pound braided line when casting big crankbaits, swimbaits, jigs, and tackle.

The right pound test and line depend on the fishing situation and technique.

Your fishing line should be light enough to help your bait move subtly and strong enough not to snap under pressure.

Contents

Line Strength

There are different types of fishing lines, and each line has a pound test.

A fishing line’s strength is determined by how many pounds of force it takes to break the line when it is wet.

The line’s strength is called test, and it is measured in pounds.

The rule is for bass anglers to fish with the lightest fishing gear possible.

Depending on the target, a larger line with a heavier pound test may be required.

This will take more force and pressure without breaking.

However, since it has a larger diameter, it is more visible and can make the lure look unnatural.

On the other hand, using a line with a smaller pound test when going for a larger fish can result in the line breaking off and losing the game.

Types of Fishing Lines

Although there are several fishing line options for bass fishing, three are most commonly used.

These three fishing line types are monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines.

Each of these fishing lines has its advantages and disadvantages.

It’s, therefore, important to know which one is best for you.

Monofilament Fishing Line

Monofilament has been around for a long while, and it is the most popular fishing line.

It is many anglers’ first choice and is known for being stretchy and floating better.

This line is excellent for bass fishing in top water, as it doesn’t bring down the bait when fishing in such waters.

The monofilament’s stretchy quality allows the bass a little extra time to get hooked before the line moves.

It is great for beginner anglers because it has a good casting distance and is quite easy to tie.

The maximum strength most spinning rods use is between 8 and 10-pound test.

Monofilament lines with a heavier pound test are better suited for bait-casting rods.

This fishing line is great at abrasion resistance and is an excellent leader material when paired with braid.

The downside to this type of line is that it tangles and breaks easily.

However, it’s a great choice for anglers with a tight budget, as it is the cheapest type of fishing line.

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Fluorocarbon has a similar diameter to monofilament, but unlike monofilament, it sinks and barely stretches.

It is also more sensitive and abrasion-resistant, making it less likely to break when rubbed against rocks.

Fluorocarbon is generally less visible in the water, making it an excellent choice when fishing in clear waters, especially with a mono leader.

The downside to fluorocarbon is that it is denser, which makes it sink and may result in snags.

Fluorocarbon fishing line can be used for almost every bass fishing technique but is not recommended for top water lures or when fishing in areas with heavy cover.

However, it is recommended for bass anglers to use crankbaits, jerkbaits, and tube jigs.

Braided Fishing Line

This type of fishing line was originally made from natural fibers such as linen and cotton but is now made of woven or braided strands of artificial fibers such as Dacron and Spectra.

The fibers are woven into a strong, thin line with zero stretch.

It has an incredibly small diameter which doesn’t affect its strength.

For example, a 30-pound braided line has the same diameter as an 8-pound test monofilament. Braid is an excellent choice for frog fishing.

This fishing line also has no memory, so it doesn’t tangle. This quality makes it the best for a spinning reel.

Braided fishing lines are the most expensive.

The downside to braid is that it is very slippery and so strong that it’s difficult to cut. It is also less abrasion resistant than mono and is more visible in the water.

What Pound Test Should I Use for Bass Fishing

When topwater fishing, the pound test to be used has to be downsized depending on the water conditions.

When fishing in clear waters, you may use a fluorocarbon or monofilament line of a 12-14 pound test with a fluoro leader.

Fishing in dirty water means your lure is less visible to the bass, so that you can use a larger pound test line.

Many bass anglers prefer monofilament lines with a 12-20 pound test range.

A braid fishing line is also a good choice, but with a heavier pound test of 30-40lb braided line.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Line for Bass Fishing

When choosing your fishing a pound test line, there are certain factors you should consider.

Such factors include fishing location, weather conditions, and the reel you’re using.

Fishing location

When choosing a fishing line, it’s essential to consider the depth and water clarity.

A braided fishing line is usually more visible to fish in deep and murky water and has less memory.

A fluorocarbon fishing line has less visibility in deep water but is not as strong as monofilament.

Weather conditions

Your fishing line choice will be affected by weather conditions such as wind and pressure.

Monofilament is usually less affected by weather conditions than the other types of fishing lines.

Type of reel

Anglers using finesse bait will find a spinning reel an excellent option.

This type of reel is better suited for lighter lines.

A 12-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line will be great.

Casting reels balance weight capacity, casting distance, and affordability.

Bass anglers often use a 15-25 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line with baitcasting reels or a 30-65 pound braided line.

Final Thoughts

There is no universal fishing line choice.

Both amateur and experienced anglers have preferences, depending on experience and fishing technique.

To choose the best line when fishing for bass, consider your fishing location, technique, and weather conditions.

You should ensure the line weight complements the general fish size of your target fish.

You’ll know you’re going something right when you catch more fish than you normally do.