What Size Line Should I Use for Surf Fishing?

When you’re a beginner to surf fishing, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is selecting the right size line for your needs. The size of line you use will depend on the type of fish you’re Targeting and the conditions in which you’re fishing. Here are some tips to help you choose the right size line for surf fishing.

Choose Mono or Braided Line

When deciding on a fishing line, the initial choice is between monofilament or braided. Monofilament lines are cheaper and provide more give, making them suitable for battling big fish such as tarpon or snook. On the other hand, braided lines have a greater breaking capacity, making them ideal for pursuing large gamefish in rough surf conditions.

Select a Line Strength

Once you’ve decided on a mono or braided line, it’s time to select the right strength. For most inshore saltwater species like redfish, snook, and speckled trout, 15-20 pound test is usually sufficient.

For larger species like tarpon, snapper, and grouper, 30-50 pound test may be necessary. Heavier lines can also be used in rough surf conditions as well.

Consider Your Target Species

When selecting a line size for surf fishing, it’s important to consider the type of fish you are Targeting. Smaller species like whiting and croaker can be caught with lighter lines in the 10-15 pound range. Larger species like tarpon and snook require heavier lines in the 20-50 pound range.

Match Your Conditions

It’s also important to take into account your current fishing conditions when choosing a line size for surf fishing. If there are strong currents or high winds present, it may be wise to use heavier lines with higher breaking strengths so they don’t get swept away by strong currents or snapped by big waves.

In conclusion, choosing the right size line for surf fishing can be tricky but with some careful consideration of your Target species and current fishing conditions it can be done successfully.

Mono or braided lines both have their advantages and should be chosen based on personal preference as well as what type of fish is being Targeted. Lines should typically range from 10-50 pound test depending on where you are fishing and what kind of fish you are Targeting.

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Lindsay Collins