Fishing Line Diameters: Regular vs Superline

I have a couple of questions:

I am using Fireline right now in the
6 lb dia-14 lb test.

I also use a 6 lb mono & neither are the same dia.

What are the standard sizes for fishing line diameters?
4,6,8,10,12 & 20 lb diameters?

Also, It sure look like the fireline is musch easier to see
in the water & I don't see much difference in catch rates?
(I use the bright geen so I can watch my line)

Can fish see fireline/superlines easier?

jeff

As far as I am aware of there are no standards diameters (ISO or US). But, most references are to mono. You can look up on the line company web pages or in most catalogues the comparison charts for line diameter or strength.
Jerry

There are no set diameters in the US. Even within one brand, the diameters of a given test of mono will differ based on which type of mono (xl vs. xt vs. big game) you are looking at. I also wouldn't be surprised if different companies use different dia. mono for comparisons to superlines (ie. one brands 10/4 may be the same diameter as another brands 10/2). Just look at the actual diameter listed on the package if you really need to know.

[REW]

Berkley is one of the manufacturers that post the line diameter on all of their line.

i.e. you will find that the XL line is thinner than the XT - that the tournament line is in between, etc.

When you hear comments like 6 lb diameter - 14 lb test - line -- what does it really mean?

If you are using line - that is 14 lb test -- that is what you are using.>>>>>>>>>

If you are using line that is 6 lb test --- that is what you are using ...........

If you are using line that is .04 in in diameter -- that is what you are using.

Using a standard like -- 6 lb diameter - 14 lb test - is meaningless - since "as the other postings suggested -- there is NO standard line'.

So - simply say what lb test line you are using and leave it at that.
If you want to run your lures deeper - use thinner line. If you want them to run higher - use thicker line.

If you want to see the line - use high vis line - If you want the line to be invisable - use low vis line.

Can the fish see the line - probably.
Do fish care if they can see the line - and stay away from your bait - if they can see the line?? Probably not - if they are hungery. If they aren't active - the presence of the line - could spook them away from the bait.

So - if you are fishing for active biters - it is likely that the line size, diameter and color won't make any difference. If you are trying to "finess" the fish - and trying to boat every fish in the lake - whether they are active or not - then it is likely that line size and or color could make a difference.

On average - particulalry if jig fishing - or other types of fishing - where line twitches translates to fish working the bait - more fish will end up in the livewell - if the line is visable. With highly visable line - you might not get quite as many bites -- MAYBY?? -- but, because YOU can see the line, it is much more likely that the fish will end up in the livewell - if you wish to put it there.

Take care
REW

[SoDakBoy]

Part of the reason there are no standard diameters is that companies often lie about their lb. test. Most lines are actually stronger than the lb. test they are specified at, unless they are class lines or IGFA certified.

There are two main line classes, called “Class” and “Test”. Test lines will have a breaking point near the stated test, but usually above it by as much as a few pounds. Class lines are pretty much certain to break at the class point, i.e. 10 pound class will break at 10 pounds.

Packaging will often specify the IGFA class in kilograms, and if you convert this to pounds you’ll usually be above the lb. test that’s listed on the package. Other manufacturers, like Maxima, will have separate IGFA class lines you can buy.

Anyway, since the lb. test listed on the line isn’t usually the “real” breaking point, there’s a lot of variance in diameter between lines from different manufacturers. When you factor in differences in the compounds used to make the line, the variance in diameters gets even bigger. Frankly, I wish all manufacturers would just list the IGFA class only and be done with it. Then we’d have a standardized set of numbers we could rely on. As it is now, you just have to learn from experience that Berkley XT in 6 lb. test might be about equivalent to Silver Thread in 8 lb. test, and so on. Get’s very confusing, if you ask me...

[octanehi5]

You will find that reg line of that lb test will break near or above the test weight. Super lines will break at almost double or more the lb test. dia rating. making it a super line. I fish 10 lb test 4lb diam suffix 832 braid. if I hook the bottom I can straighten the hook out pullin the jig free and not break the line. 10lb mono will break every time

[PackerBacker]

Originally Posted by REW

If you are using line - that is 14 lb test -- that is what you are using.>>>>>>>>>

The lb test figures are BS also. Very few actually break at their rating.
http://www.gamefishin.com/wa/features/linetest.htm
Some of the lines break at more than twice their stated strength.

Since the pound test are frequently off how does one compare lines?

There is really nothing standard about fishing lines unless you are using IGFA fishing lines.

[Manxfishing]

Here's my quick ref.

Power Pro line size vs. Mono

SIZE
(lb.) DIAMETER
(in.) Approximate Mono Equivalent
8 .005 1
10 .006 2
15 .007 4
20 .009 6
30 .011 8
40 .013 10
50 .014 12
65 .016 16
80 .017 18
100 .018 20
150 .022 30
200 .030 50
250 .035 80

[Dabluz]

One thing for sure, the companies will compare their braid to the thinnest mono possible. Another thing is that braid is not 4 times stronger than mono of equal size. It's more like 2 times stronger. Example; 6 lb mono is about .009 inches (but breaks at around 8 lbs) while braid of equal diameter is about 20 lb test (a bit more than twice the strength).

20 lb test Fireline breaks at about 47 lbs but when knotted to a lure plus the fact that it has a lower shock resistance, it will break closer to it's rated breaking strength. Same goes for braid.

I have 2 spools of Mustad mono in front of me and the 6 lb test Ultra measures .009 inches while the 6 lb test Thor measures .010 inches. To top off this.....both lines break above the 6 lb mark.

So, it's all a question of accepting the info with a grain of sand and actually finding a line that suits you the best. Everybody strikes and fights the fish in a different way with different equipment in different water for various species of fish. Impossible to find a universal answer.

Then there are personal preferences. Example, I hate all fluorocarbon lines. To me, the only thing that I can count on is the fact that fluorocarbon sinks and that is something that I do not want for any of my fishing situations.

[bob888]

The link below will take you to Paulus Just Fishing which has a wealth of information regarding lines stated strength, breaking strength, diameter etc. He tests "plastic lines" , leaders and "braid"

http://www.paulusjustfishing.com/4li...ingplastic.htm

He will test lines sent to him. I usually place two lines to be tested in the same envelope. Air mail postage from Iowa to Australia is $1.05