Looking for what pound test line is best for trout fishing and you don’t know where to start?
Fishing for trout is one of my main passions, and I’ll try to share with you all my knowledge so you can make an informed decision as to what pound test line is best for your when you go trout fishing.
Let’s begin.
What Pound Test Line for Trout Fishing?
Let’s discuss what pound test line is best for trout fishing.
Why Higher-Pound Test Lines Are Not Okay for Trout Fishing
As an avid fisherman, I can tell you that one of the worst ways to try and catch trout is with a heavy line. This is because trout are extremely sensitive to vibrations in the water, and a heavy line will create too much movement.
Additionally, heavy lines are more likely to be seen by the trout, which will substantially reduce your chances of catching fish.
Also, lines with a higher pound test (for example, 10lb) tend to be too stiff, making it difficult to feel bites.
Why Lighter-Pound Test Lines Are Not Okay for Trout Fishing
On the other hand, even though lighter-pound test lines sink faster and are much harder to see underwater, they can easily break when reeling in trout, which is very frustrating.
This happens because lighter fishing lines are thinner, and therefore have less mass to absorb the impact of a fish striking the line.
So, when you’re trying to catch a particularly tricky trout, you’ll most likely have to deal with a snapped fishing line if it is below the 4-pound test line.
Why Is a 4-Pound Test Line The Best for Trout Fishing
When trout fishing, I usually use 4-pound line as it strikes the perfect balance of strength and sensitivity for catching trout.
I can detect even the lightest bites with 4-pound test line, and I don’t have to worry about the line snapping under the strain of a large fish.
I do use an 8-pound test line to catch trout in some situations, such as when fishing in large rivers.
Large rivers have strong currents, which trout frequently use to swim long distances. So, if you’re fishing for trout in a large river, you’ll need an 8-pound line to get the distance and strength you need to catch them.
Types of Fishing Lines for Trout Fishing
There are various types of fishing lines when catching trout.
Monofilament
A monofilament fishing line is made from a variety of materials, including nylon, fluorocarbon, and other synthetics.
Why Is Monofilament Good for Trout Fishing?
Monofilament fishing line is strong and durable, yet light and very affordable, making it the perfect choice for trout fishing.
A mono line is hard to see underwater because it is made of clear material such as nylon and other synthetics. This is perfect for trout fishing as these fishes have excellent eyesight.
In addition, mono lines tend to sink faster when casting lures or bait that are a ¼-ounce or less, which are ideal for catching trout.
Finally, monofilament fishing lines are very sensitive to bites. This helps anglers to improve their fishing experience a lot.
Why Aren’t Monofilament Lines Good for Trout Fishing?
Some Monofilament lines that are below the 4 pound test and are also cheap are very easy to snap when catching trout, which could ruin the whole experience.
So, make sure to get high quality Monofilament fishing lines that are 4 to 8 pound test.
Fluorocarbon
A fluorocarbon fishing line is a type of fishing line that is made from a Fluoropolymer.
Why Is Fluorocarbon Good for Trout Fishing?
The fluorocarbon fishing line is more resistant to heat and chemical damage than other types of fishing lines, which is perfect if you’re used to snapping your fishing line when catching for trout.
These lines are also less visible in water than other types of fishing lines, making them ideal for anglers who want to avoid spooking trout.
Why Aren’t Fluorocarbon Lines Good for Trout Fishing?
I personally don’t find any cons to catching trout with fluorocarbon.
I mean, this line used to be a bit more expensive than other fishing lines, yet it’s much more affordable nowadays.
Oh, and it’s available in the 4 to 8 pound test line segment that I recommend for catching trout, which is perfect.
Braid Line
A braided fishing line is made from multiple strands of thread that are braided together, allowing the line to provide strength, durability, and abrasion resistance.
Why Is Braid Line Good for Trout Fishing?
Ultra-thin braided fishing lines in the 4 to 8 pound test range are now available due to advances in fishing line manufacturing technology.
The diameter of these new lines is significantly lower than that of ordinary fishing lines. As a result, they are much less visible to fish, making them an ideal choice for anglers who want to increase their chances of success.
Why Aren’t Braid Line Good for Trout Fishing?
One downside of braided line is that it has very little stretch.
This can be a problem when trout fishing because it makes reeling trout more difficult. Meaning that it is important to be extra careful when casting and retrieving your line.
Also, trout have excellent vision, and they can easily spot a braid line in the water. This makes it hard for anglers to get a fish to bite, as the trout will often see the line before the bait has a chance to reach them.
The Best Fishing Line for Trout Fishing
Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon 4-pound Test Line for Trout Fishing
There is no “perfect” fluorocarbon 4-lb test line for catching trout, but this one from Berkley is goddam close to it!
For once, it perfectly reflects the light underwater making it invisible. This is perfect for trout fishing as trout is known for being a type of fish that gets spooked easily due to its amazing eyesight.
Moreover, the line is sensitive to bites, which allows the angler to improve the trout fishing experience and catch even more fish.
Even though some people like to complain about it being a bit more expensive than other similar fluorocarbon fishing lines, I’d like to point out that feature such as its high abrasion resistance and non-absorbing material more than make up for it.
