What Pound Line Should You Use for Salmon Fishing?

Salmon fishing is a popular sport that requires having the right gear, especially using the proper pound test fishing line. Choosing the right pound test line is crucial for landing trophy salmon while avoiding line breakage and lost fish. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to picking the ideal pound test line for targeting different salmon species in varied conditions.

Why Pound Test Matters

The pound test rating of a fishing line indicates how much force it takes to break the line. For salmon fishing, you need a pound test sufficient to handle the weight and strength of the fish without breaking However, going overboard with a line that’s too heavy has downsides as well.

Heavier line is more visible to fish, resulting in fewer bites. It also affects lure action and is harder to cast. Conversely line that’s too light risks breakage under the stress of fighting a powerful salmon. Matching the pound test to your target species and fishing situation helps optimize your salmon fishing success.

Line Recommendations by Salmon Species

How big of a pound test you need depends on the salmon you want to catch. Here are general recommendations:

• 12-20 lb test Ideal for smaller salmon like coho, sockeye, and chum that range from 6-15 pounds on average. This allows excellent castability without sacrificing strength Monofilament or braided lines work well

• 25-50 lb test: Great for big coho up to 20 pounds and king salmon that can weigh up to 50 pounds. Also useful for nearshore rockfish and other saltwater species. Mono or braid provide a good balance of strength and manageability.

• For halibut, lingcod, large rockfish, and big king salmon over 50 pounds, a 60-100 lb test is needed. Extreme strength is needed to stop brute powerruns and stay alive on rough terrain without getting cut off. Braided line is preferable for its thin diameter and durability.

• 150+ lb test: Reserved for giants like halibut over 100 pounds and large sharks. The incredible strength gives you the highest chance of landing true trophy fish. Braided lines are essential at these heavy pound tests.

Other Considerations for Choosing Pound Test

While matching the line strength to your target species is the first priority, it’s not the only factor. Here are some other elements to keep in mind:

• Fishing Location: Fast-moving rivers or fishing around snags require heavier line to control fish. In calmer lakes and bays, you can get away with lighter line.

• Technique: Trolling and downrigging work better with heavier line to handle the extra drag. For casting lures or floats, lighter line makes for easier presentation.

• Rod/Reel: Your rod and reel need to be rated for the pound test range you plan to use. Make sure your gear can handle the line – this is especially critical with super heavy braided line.

• Visibility: Clear water calls for lower pound test to keep line less visible. Murky or dark water allows you to use heavier line without spooking fish as much.

• Personal Preference: Experienced salmon anglers often have favorite lb test lines they trust through years of success. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your own preferred pound test.

Special Considerations for Braided Line

Braided line has gained immense popularity in salmon fishing due to its thin diameter, sensitivity, lack of stretch, and awesome strength. However, there are some special factors to keep in mind when using braid.

The zero-stretch and thin profile of braid means it’s more prone to dig into itself on the spool under heavy drag. Using a monofilament backing of 20-30 lb test can help prevent this. It’s also imperative to set your drag correctly when using braid to avoid break-offs.

Lastly, remember that braid’s super-slick surface requires an leader of fluorocarbon or monofilament to prevent slippage on knots. Take these factors into account to gain the full benefits of braided line for salmon fishing.

Proper Line Maintenance

To get the most life out of your salmon fishing line, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some tips:

• Inspect for abrasions or damage after each trip – replace annually or after extensive use
• Avoid knots and re-tie frequently – discard line with heavy knotting
• Fill reels loosely with stretch relieved line – don’t overfill
• Store out of direct sunlight and extreme temps to prevent UV and heat damage

Taking care of your line means fewer lost fish from unexpected breakage. Be sure to monitor your line’s condition and replace it before it fails you at a critical moment with a trophy salmon on the line!

Matching Your Pound Test Correctly

By considering the salmon species you’re targeting, fishing location, gear limitations, and personal preferences, you can hone in on the optimal pound test line for your needs. Taking the time to match your line strength precisely to the situation will translate directly into more hookups and bigger salmon landed.