[Alfisti]

Absolute hack here, which means I should hand in my aussie citizenship but anyways. I am prepping now for summer as everything seems to be selling out in relation to recreation.

I bought 2 of these rods a couple years ago, https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/q...5351p.html#srp , they really are perfect for the kids and I but the two times I have had a decent sized bass on the line, it snapped.

The line is running low so I need to replace it anyways but i have NO IDEA WHAT I AM LOOKING AT. There's 2000 options it seems. I just want a line that will not snap so easy but don't want to deal with line that is tricky to use either. Primarily lake/bass fishing, nothing serious, just hoof in a weighted lure and slowly reel it in, seemed to work except for the snapping line.

Also, how the hell do you replace line? Is it like a trimmer where you wind it?

[E92inNC]

If you’re not going to be throwing into heavy weeds, put on a 20-30lb braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. Look up arbor knot to tie it onto the reel, real simple and very easy to learn.

[Alfisti]

Thanks, what's a leader?

[E92inNC]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Thanks, what's a leader?

The braided line is your main line, which will probably be around 100-150 yards based on the line strength you use. A leader is around 12-24 inches, using fluoro helps the fish not see the line. The are a lot of types of knots to tie main to leader and some are pretty complicated, you can YouTube them to see people using large lines for demonstrations. I use a surgeons knot, pretty easy to learn and has good strength.

[Buug959]

Originally Posted by E92inPHX

The braided line is your main line, which will probably be around 100-150 yards based on the line strength you use. A leader is around 12-24 inches, using fluoro helps the fish not see the line. The are a lot of types of knots to tie main to leader and some are pretty complicated, you can YouTube them to see people using large lines for demonstrations. I use a surgeons knot, pretty easy to learn and has good strength.

Just to clarify, the leader ties on to the main line and then your hook, lure or jig ties on to the leader. Braided line is much more visible in the water and can sometimes spook the fish. The leader is very difficult to see and increases your chances of catching "the big one".

[UncleWede]

I always take just my reel into a shop when I need new line. They unspool the old, recycle it, then spool me up a new source.

20-30 for bass??? That seems kinda heavy. White Sea Bass, OK.

Look on the rod, it might have recommendations for line and weight of the lures. The specs on the link didn't show anything.

Braided is a bit more difficult to cast, but not so much of a difference with a spinning reel. Will definitely pull thru weeds.

[chassis]

I have been fishing all species for over 20 years. I fished in Oz on the coast near Geelong. Good times.

For bass, use the cheapest 8lb/4kg monofilament you can find. It doesn’t matter. Notwithstanding claims made by manufacturers or people who fish.

“Snapped” lines are often the result of poorly tied knots. Speaking from experience.

For the knot, google arbor knot. It’s easy.

[E92inNC]

I also have spinning reels with 8 and 10lb fluoro/mono line. I’ve recently put all of casting rods and two spinning rods to 20lb braided bc of no line memory and water absorption and also bc the diameter of 20lb braided is equal to 6lb fluoro/mono lines.

But for just starting off fishing, you are probably better off just fitting an 8-10lb mono line for freshwater bass and most other small freshwater fish.

[Alfisti]

Thanks for all this. No going into stores for me, we are pretty careful (mrs and I) so all online. Will give winding it up myself a lash but i fear the result.

[vreihen16]

It isn't difficult to put new line onto a reel. Just make sure to keep tension on the new line's spool as you crank, lest you wind up with a bird's nest knot of slack line.....




.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

It isn't difficult to put new line onto a reel. Just make sure to keep tension on the new line's spool as you crank, lest you wind up with a bird's nest knot of slack line.....




.

That will buff right out!

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

That will buff right out!

Lord knows that half of my fishing time was spent cutting snagged lines off of other people's reels when I owned a boat.....

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

Lord knows that half of my fishing time was spent cutting snagged lines off of other people's reels when I owned a boat.....

Well quit casting into other people

I've gotten to the point where I can almost untangle a spool faster than I can cut/set it up all again. I only fish so I can keep my skills current on untangling network closets

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

I've gotten to the point where I can almost untangle a spool faster than I can cut/set it up all again. I only fish so I can keep my skills current on untangling network closets

For my own health and sanity, I stay out of the network closets and server rooms at work as much as possible. If I see any more fiber coiled beyond its minimum bend radius, I'll pop a blood vessel!!!!!

[2000cs]

To avoid snapped lines:
Tie very good knots
Loosen the drag on your reel so the fish can run
Maintain a taut line once you have a fish on (no slack)
Stronger line as a last resort.

The advantage of stronger line is it won’t break as easily, so you can just crank the fish in. Not much sport in that (lighter line and loose drag is more sporting as it allows the fish to run and you to fight it), but the fish doesn’t fight as much so is more likely to survive catch-and-release.

[2000cs]

A strong leader is important - because many fish can break it with their mouth/teeth. Leader is the line between the hook and the fishing line, about 2 feet in length to start (cut each time you put a hook on). If the breaks are happening in the leader, definitely get stronger leader (and tie excellent knots to connect it to the main line and hook)

[Buug959]

Originally Posted by 2000cs

To avoid snapped lines:
Tie very good knots
Loosen the drag on your reel so the fish can run
Maintain a taut line once you have a fish on (no slack)
Stronger line as a last resort.

The advantage of stronger line is it won’t break as easily, so you can just crank the fish in. Not much sport in that (lighter line and loose drag is more sporting as it allows the fish to run and you to fight it), but the fish doesn’t fight as much so is more likely to survive catch-and-release.

That's good info for a newb to learn. While fishing is fun and simple it's not necessarily intuitive. You have to be taught the basics and then you experiment with different techniques once you have the basics figured out.

[Alfisti]

I have NFI what I am doing, again, aussie passport shame. My dad was fucking useless.

[UncleWede]

For loading line, string it by hand thru the rod eyes, TIE IT WELL on the reel, then drop the spool in some water, and crank that handle. We always used the bait bin when going deep sea, before the bait got loaded.

[Buug959]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

For loading line, string it by hand thru the rod eyes, TIE IT WELL on the reel, then drop the spool in some water, and crank that handle. We always used the bait bin when going deep sea, before the bait got loaded.

And the tips just keep on coming.