Which Fishing Lines are Recommended for Catching Large Game Fish, Like Tarpon?

Many factors point anglers to the right kind of fishing line in certain situations.

Tarpon is one of the most sought-after species in the fishing world. A tarpon’s unparalleled strength, stamina, size, acrobatics and fighting ability make this fish an ideal bucket list addition for anglers. Tarpon are common throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. While the Florida Keys and Southwest Florida are well-known tarpon hot spots, massive tarpon can be caught nearly anywhere in the Sunshine State, usually near mangrove-surrounded islands, bays, estuaries, bridges, nearshore reefs and occasionally brackish rivers, and freshwater lakes.

As waters warm in spring and move into the summer months, anglers have their best chance at jumping a trophy tarpon, especially leading up to their annual spawn in late spring or early summer. During this time, droves of tarpon heavily feed in shallow coastal waters to prepare for their long, one-hundred-mile spawning journey. The best spots include mouths of bays, rivers and passes, particularly after new and full moons. At these times, heavier-than-normal outgoing tides force crabs, shrimp and bait fish through these ambush points.

Angler 360 carries the tools you need to make any fishing excursion into a memorable one. We also offer professional advice for everyone who’s never held a fishing rod before and world-class anglers looking to add another trophy to their collections. Our large inventory helps us keep prices low. To narrow your selection, we’ve put together this brief buying guide to help you pick out the best fishing line for large game fish, like tarpon.

Line Strength

The strength of fishing line (test) is measured in pounds. It should roughly match the weight of the species you are fishing for (e.g. use line in the 30-pound test for tuna in the 30-pound range). So, a typical line to cast for trout should be a four-pound test.

Most anglers use at least a 30-pound test braided line for large game fish. A rule of thumb is to fish with the lightest gear possible, so you don’t tire and have more fun.

In competitions that specify a test, anglers must use a light line to land heavy fish. But that requires experience, a zest for a long fight, and, above all, solid technique. On a related note, while a normal fishing line is guaranteed to break above its rating, the tournament line must break before the rating, or the records will not be recognized.

Castability

When it comes to active styles of fishing that require frequent casting, we recommend smooth, light lines because they come off the spool easier, enabling more accurate casts over longer distances.

Line Stretch

Less stretch in fishing lines results in more sensitivity to feel the fish, which is what anglers are looking for. However, in certain instances, some line stretch is desirable, (e.g. when trolling) because it can act like a shock absorber and make the difference between setting the hook in a soft-mouthed fish such as salmon or ripping it out.

Line Memory

Unlike in humans and computers, less memory is better when it comes to fishing lines. Memory refers to a line’s ability to retain its shape after deformation. A line with a lot of memory “remembers” the loops that develop when it is wound up on a spool. Lines with no memory stay straight when they come off the spool, and as a result develop less friction on guides and reels, which enables longer, smoother casts.

For more ways to maximize your outdoor experience, contact Angler 360.