What’s the BEST Pound Test for Bass Fishing?
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What Pound Test for Bass? How to Choose
The choices can be overwhelming when choosing a line for bass fishing. With three different lines and various strengths, the jumble of options can get as tangled as your line if you choose wrong.
Your best bet is to start with some simple guidelines.
When fishing for bass, use an 8-12 pound test line (monofilament or fluorocarbon) with finesse bait and a spinning reel.
Increase to a 15-20 pound test if you deal with heavy cover.
Switch to the 30-50 pound test range with a braided main line when using big swimbaits or crankbaits. This is also versatile for using jigs and topwater lures.
Remember, the size test line for bass fishing – and the type of line – you choose is one of the most critical components of a successful bass fishing experience.
If you select a line that’s not quite right, you’ll likely end up with tangles or a broken line. Or you might not catch any fish at all.
While these guidelines are a great place to start, you can check out the cheat sheet below for a more detailed approach based on the bait and technique you’d like to use.
What Pound Test by Lure
Not sure what lb line for bass you should use?
Generally, what pound test for bass to optimally use is based on the lures you choose. It would be best if you also considered the environment and your technique.
If you’re going into dirty water or heavy cover, stick to the stronger end of the range. When fishing clear water and less cover, lighter lines work best.
If you’re particularly inexperienced and just starting your bass fishing journey, it might be best to start at the low end of the range and use a spinning reel to get your sea legs before figuring out what you prefer.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on your lures and/or technique:
Drop Shotting and Wacky Rigs
Monofilament (leader only): 6-10 pound test
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): 6-12 pound test
Braid (mainline): 10-20 pound test
Finesse (soft plastic)
Monofilament (leader only): 6-10 pound test
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): 8-10 pound test
Braid (mainline): 10-20 pound test
Jigging, Texas rig, and Carolina rig
Monofilament (leader only): 15-20 pound test
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): 15-25 pound test
Braid (mainline): 40-50 pound test
Spinnerbaits & Chatterbaits
Monofilament (leader only): 12-20 pound test
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): 12-20 pound test
Braid (mainline): 40-50 pound test
Crankbaits & Jerkbaits
Monofilament (leader only): 12-20 pound test
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): 12-25 pound test
Braid (mainline): 30-40 pound test
Swimbaits
Monofilament (leader only): 20-25 pound test
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): 20-25 pound test
Braid (mainline): 50+ pound test
Topwater
Monofilament (leader only): 12-20 pound test
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): N/A (not recommended for topwater lures)
Braid (mainline): 30-40 pound test
Buzzbaits & Frogs
Monofilament (leader only): N/A (not recommended; use only braid without leader)
Fluorocarbon (leader or mainline): N/A (not recommended with topwater)
Braid (mainline): 30-50 pound test (no leader recommended; use only braid)
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:00 When to use 12lb test line
01:34 When not to use 12lb test line
03:55 Different types of line diameters explained
05:15 Understanding fishing reel gear ratios
05:31 Education is important But Fishing is Essential
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