What Pound Test Line Should I Use for Salmon Fishing?

When getting ready to go salmon fishing one of the most important gear decisions is choosing the right pound test fishing line. The pound test rating of your line will determine how much pull and abrasion the line can withstand before breaking. Using line that is too light can result in lost fish and gear, while line that is overly heavy can reduce bite detection and casting distance. The ideal pound test line for salmon fishing depends on the size and strength of the salmon you’re targeting as well as your fishing methods and conditions. This article will provide recommendations on choosing the best pound test line for different salmon species and situations.

Light Line (12-20 lbs)

Smaller types of salmon, like coho, sockeye, and chum, can be caught with light monofilament or braided lines that are 12 to 20 pounds in test. Light line has a smaller diameter, which lets you make long, accurate casts. This can be helpful when fishing from shore or in big rivers. Light line also doesn’t fight as hard in the water, which makes it easier to find small bites. 12-20 pound test mono or braid is a great all-around choice for:

• Coho salmon fishing
• Sockeye salmon fishing
• Chum salmon fishing
• Fishing smaller river systems
• Casting lures like spinners, spoons and plugs
• Float fishing with bait

The downside to lighter line is that it provides less stopping power when fighting strong running fish Use the upper end of the range (17-20 lb test) if you need a bit more strength for river current or bigger salmon

Medium Line (25-50 lbs)

When targeting larger salmon like Chinook and coho a medium weight line in the 25 to 50 pound test range allows you to put more pressure on hard fighting fish. The abrasion resistance of heavier line also helps avoid line failures when fishing around rocks or structure. Medium weight mono or braided line provides a good balance of strength castability and bite sensitivity for

• Chinook salmon fishing
• Larger coho salmon
• Fishing heavy current
• Fishing around structure and snags
• Trolling or mooching with downriggers
• Rockfish, bass and inshore saltwater fishing

For medium sized salmon like 6-15 lb fish, 25-30 lb test offers a good compromise between strength and manageability. When targeting trophies in the 20-40+ lb range, consider bumping up to 40 or 50 pound test line to help control these brutes and avoid getting spooled or breaking off.

Heavy Line (60-100 lbs)

When fishing for big chinook salmon in rough saltwater or with strong currents, you should use heavy mono or braided lines that are 60 to 100 lb test. Because these lines are so strong, you can turn big salmon and keep heavy structures from breaking off in terrible ways. Heavy line is advantageous for:

• King salmon over 20 pounds
• Fishing heavy current and tides
• Fishing around rocks, reefs and wrecks
• Saltwater fishing for salmon, rockfish, halibut, etc

While heavy line in the 60-100 lb range may seem like overkill for some situations, it’s cheap insurance against losing trophy fish or expensive gear. The incredible abrasion resistance of modern superlines like braided spectra will pay off when fishing rough terrain. Just be prepared for decreased casting distance and bite sensitivity with thick line.

Extra Heavy Line (150 lb +)

Extra heavy braided line in the 150 pound test and up range is really only necessary in extreme saltwater fishing situations. This specialized line allows you to battle giant halibut, lingcod and sixgill sharks around structure that would shred lighter line. Benefits include:

• Stopping power for giant 300 lb+ halibut
• Fishing very heavy cover and reefs
• Subduing large shark species

You need special rods and reels to cast and fight fish with heavy braided line, though, because of its thick diameter and lack of stretch. Additionally, the decreased action and bite detection requires added vigilance. But when you’re after big saltwater fish, 150-lb braided line’s incredible strength and resistance to wear can mean the difference between landing the fish of a lifetime and losing the battle.

Determining the right pound test fishing line for salmon involves balancing strength, abrasion resistance, castability, and bite detection for your target species and fishing situations. While heavy line seems appealing for stopping power, don’t overdo it as excess line thickness can negatively impact action and catch rates. Talk to experienced local anglers or your tackle shop for specific advice on line weight recommendations for your fishery. With the proper line choice dialed in, you’ll be ready to battle salmon of all sizes!