Salmon fishing is a thrilling experience that requires proper preparation and gear to be successful. One of the most important choices an angler will make is selecting the ideal pound line for hooking and landing these powerful fish. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the right line weight and type for your needs. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the optimal pound line for salmon fishing.
What Does Pound Line Mean?
Pound line refers to the breaking strength or tensile strength of the fishing line. It is measured by the amount of force, in pounds, required to break the line. Monofilament, fluorocarbon, copolymer, and braided lines all have a pound rating printed on the spool indicating the maximum load capacity.
Heavier pound lines are thicker in diameter and able to withstand more pressure before snapping. Lighter pound lines are thinner and sacrifice strength for less visibility and flexibility. Matching the pound test rating to the species being targeted and fishing conditions is crucial for success.
Why the Right Pound Line Matters
Having the proper pound line is vital in salmon fishing for several reasons:
-
Fish Strength – Salmon generate tremendous pulling power in their runs that require a strong line to subdue them Using too light of a line risks break-offs
-
Fishing Conditions – Factors like current, structure, and depth demand lines that can withstand friction, abrasion, and long casts/drops.
-
Technique – Certain methods like trolling need durable lines. Finesse tactics require lighter flexible lines.
-
Equipment – Rod, reel, and drag should be matched to the pound line and targeted species size.
-
Visibility – Thinner lines are less visible to fish. Thick lines are more detectable. Finding the right balance is key.
Recommended Pound Lines by Species
The size of salmon targeted determines the appropriate pound line
-
Pink salmon – 4-10 lbs
-
Sockeye salmon – 8-15 lbs
-
Chum salmon – 12-20 lbs
-
Coho salmon – 15-25 lbs
-
Chinook salmon – 20-30+ lbs
Pink and sockeye salmon in the 5-15 pound range can be landed with lighter 4-15 pound test lines. Larger salmon like coho and chinook over 15+ pounds demand a heavier 15-30 pound line to control their blistering runs. When in doubt, slightly heavier line provides insurance.
Best Lines and Techniques for Salmon
Certain lines excel for particular salmon fishing applications:
Trolling
-
20-30 lb monofilament – Stretches to absorb head shakes. Stays clipped in downriggers.
-
40-65 lb braided line – Sensitivity for light biters. Small diameter cuts through water. Use a mono leader.
River Drift Fishing
-
10-20 lb copolymer – Abrasion resistant, neutral buoyancy. Handles current.
-
15-30 lb braided mainline + leader – Sensitivity for light biters. Use lighter mainline for smaller salmon.
Jigging
- 15-20 lb braided line – Strength for deep drops. Sensitivity for subtle takes. Add a fluorocarbon leader.
Float Fishing
- 15-30 lb specialized float line – Sinks and mends properly. Minimal stretch.
Fly Fishing
- Specialized fly line – Weight-forward for distance. Intermediate sink rates. Lines like RIO InTouch Salmon/Steelhead.
Pro Tips
-
In clear water, use green or low-vis line. In murky water, high-vis line is beneficial.
-
Bring extra spools with various lines to change tactics and conditions.
-
Check line after each trip for nicks and abrasions. Replace when compromised.
-
Use swivels and leader when needed to reduce line twist with spinners and dodgers.
-
Don’t forget the knots! Learn reliable knots like the improved clinch knot. Tie knots properly and check tightness.
When to Change the Pound Line
If experiencing increased break-offs or difficulty controlling hooked fish, it may be time to reevaluate your pound line. Step up in 3-5 lb increments until achieving the desired performance.
Conversely, too heavy of line affects lure action and reduces bites. Drop down line weights if noticing a decrease in hook ups. Finding the ideal balance takes experimentation but the payoff is well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best pound line is one of the most influential choices an angler makes in salmon fishing. Matching the line strength to your target species, fishing methods, and conditions helps guarantee a fighting chance at landing these iconic fish. While it requires practice to dial in, investing in the ideal lines for your needs will undoubtedly lead to more hookups and memorable days battling salmon.
Getting started ice fishing – Tip of the Month
This month’s tip is to start your first ice fishing adventure close to home. There’s probably a good fishing spot near you.
First, find a spot close to you that offers easy access. Anglers can visit the ADF&G Lake Fishing Information webpage for lists of stocked and wild lakes in Alaska. This webpage provides anglers with useful information such as directions to lakes, bathymetric maps, and the types of species that are present in the lakes.
Second, get your gear ready. Here’s a quick rundown of the items you’ll need to head out on your first ice fishing endeavor.
- Ice auger
- Ice rod
- Scoop
- Artificial lures or jigs
- Bait (where allowed)
- Cold weather gear
If you don’t have ice fishing gear, check out our Rod Loaner Program which allows anglers with a valid fishing license to check out gear for a limited amount of time at no cost.
Now, grab a few friends or family members and get out and go fishing. Together.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
January 2019 Issue 13
It’s time we talk about getting you new fishing line
Ringing in the New Year can mean different things to Alaskans. But what we all share is the fact that we’ve made it past the winter solstice, and that means we’re once again gaining daylight with each passing day. And even though summer is still about 6 months out, we can start dreaming about summer fishing opportunities.
Last month we promised some new features to this newsletter. These include a monthly how-to fly-tying video, an updated banner, and a fishing-related tip-of-the-month. They’re now here!
In this issue of Reel Times, we’ll give you some tips about the most basic fishing gear – your fishing line. There are endless opinions and options out there regarding fishing line. We can help narrow the argument down to two main points that seem more universal than others – what you are fishing for, and where you are fishing. Answer these two questions, and your line choices just got simpler.
You’ll also find our new fly-tying video, and of course regional information important to all anglers.
If you ever have a story, or a picture of a memorable day on the water that you’d like to share in a future Reel Times, please feel free to send us an email to [email protected].
Welcome to 2019. Now let’s go fishing. Together.
Division of Sport Fish Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Best Fishing Line for Salmon in 2021 – Suggested & Recommended!
FAQ
What weight of line for salmon fishing?
| Test | Line Type | Species |
|---|---|---|
| 12-20 lb | Mono/Braid | Coho/Chum/ Sockeye Salmon |
| 25-50 lb | Mono/Braid | King/Coho Salmon/ Rockfish/Near-shore salt water species |
| 60-100 lb | Mono/Braid | Salmon/Rockfish/ Halibut/Lingcod |
| 150+ lb | Braid | Halibut/Shark |
What line is best for salmon fishing?
Nylon or monofilament is the more commonly used line among salmon anglers today. To touch, nylon feels much smoother. One advantage of nylon is that it can be easily used on a fixed spool and multiplier reel. Using braid with multipliers can prove to be tricky.
What is the best pound line for salmon?
You will want a 6’6”’ to 7’6” rod with 15-20 pound test braided line and 8-10 pound test fluorocarbon line tied on the end. Fluorocarbon line is good because it is invisible to fish and braided line works because it is thinner and stronger than monofilament.
Is an 8lb line good for salmon?
For Salmon fishing you will want a 8-10 wt. rod with floating or sink tip line depending upon where you are fishing. If you have two spools or reels one with floating line and one with sink tip it makes for an easy transition. If you can only bring one rod for all species a 7 wt. is very universal.