Musky Line, What pound test for musky fishing explained.
New musky anglers often ask, what is the best line for musky fishing? Another common question from new anglers is what pound test line should I use for musky fishing.
There is no doubt that everything musky fishing is specified, and musky fishing line is no exception. The easy answer to the question of “what pound line should you use for musky fishing?” is 80 lbs. braided line. This is the standard among modern musky anglers.
While the answer is simple the reasoning is about conservation and on the water success, with this in mind let’s take a look at why 80 lbs. braided line is the best line for musky fishing.
1. Health and Safety of muskies
While muskies on average don’t weigh anywhere near eighty pounds, they do exert a tremendous amount of force when they strike. Musky anglers have adopted 80 lb pound braid as it prevents muskies from breaking their line from the shock of the initial strike.
2. Speed
80 lb musky braid allows anglers to quickly land musky. Muskies are fragile fish, while they are strong, they lack the stamina for long fights. 80 lb. braided line lets anglers put pressure on a musky to land them quickly. Using heavy braided musky line ensures that muskies can be landed quickly greatly reducing their chances of mortality while also helping anglers loose far fewer fish.
3. Lost Lures
Musky lures are not only heavy, but they are also expensive. Modern musky anglers use 80 lb braided musky line to prevent lure break offs from casting and loosing snagged lures. 80 lb braided line is tough to break and will save your pocket book from losing costly lost lures.
4. No Stretch
High quality musky line has zero stretch which means more power on the hook set. In the old days of musky fishing before modern braided lines setting the hook wasn’t a guarantee. With high quality braided musky line hook sets are powerful and highly effective. A high quality musky line means more muskies in the net and fewer missed hook sets.
The introduction of 80 lb braided line was a game changer for musky fishing. It is truly a win – win as there are less musky deaths from over play and exertion, while more muskies are hooked and quickly landed in the net. 80 lb braid means more safe muskies and more happy anglers.
If you are going to pursue the mighty musky, don’t cut corners, get a quality 80 lb. braided musky line and be sure to use a high-quality leader.
Cheers,