Choose a monofilament fishing line that fits the length of your rod. Match the fishing line to the kind of pole you have. For a basic 7 ft (2.1 m) rod, go with a 6 to 12 lb (2.7 to 5.4 kg) line if you’re freshwater fishing or a 10 to 12 lb (4.5 to 5.4 kg) line if you’re saltwater fishing. The weight, called the test, tells you how strong the line is. You can only catch fish that weigh less than the line.
- Aim on fishing with the lightest gear possible so you don’t tire yourself out while you’re having fun. If you’re angling for a specific type of fish, research its average weight to get an idea of what line weight to bring.
