What fishing line should you use.

When you ask crappie fisherman what is the number 1 issue they have problems with, what fishing line is the best. Monofilament or braid. What pound test. His-Vis or clear. Fluorocarbon leader or None. A lot has to do from where you fish, the type of structure you fish and water clarity.

Lets start with types: Monofilament has stretch and memory when it comes to fishing which means it stretches when you set the hook and and get it around structure. Braid has very little stretch or memory. They can be used with a leader line with no problem. Cost will depend on pound strength and amount of line. Each does come in high Vis colors.

Pound Test: 2,4,6,8,10? again alot has to do with where you fish and the structure. I believe 6-10 pound test is where you want to be with the smaller being in the clearer water spectrum for spooky or high pressured fish. I fished with 6# test before moving to #8 and #10 as some of the areas we fish have gar which like to feed on minnows and wont lose as much gear with heavier poundage.

High Vis or clear: I used clear at first but found when watching the rod tip for light biting fish, hi vis was where i went. You can see the high vis color against the water if the fish moves it ever so slightly or takes it sideways and swims with it. Colors are Florescent green, orange or yellow. I believe florescent green is by far the best color to see with florescent orange next then yellow but others may see that differently. I used the Bass Pro brand from the the start but have since switched to Slime Line as it is a little brighter than the others. The latter will cost a little more than stander mono his vis, 6$ for 300yds of Bass Pro compared to 14$ for 30 yds of Slime Line.

Leader or no leader: This i would say yes and no. in stained and muddy water, there is no need for a leader for they are see more of your lure than the line. Now in clearer water you may want to go with a fluorocarbon leader as to not spook fish as high vis line may be seen in the water but test it first. I don't use leaders as the water in our area is pretty heavily stained to muddy and doesn' t call for it. Now farther up north in clearer waters, i would use at least 6' or more of leader.

I hope this helps in your choice when fishing. Tight Lines everyone.