Thread: Fishing line

I know it's probably been covered million times I have looked but can't find is so what size line do y'all recommend fishing off the pier and any other ideas on leaders etc thanks a lot in advance pier bound June 9 see y'all there

Originally Posted by Javery

I know it's probably been covered million times I have looked but can't find is so what size line do y'all recommend fishing off the pier and any other ideas on leaders etc thanks a lot in advance pier bound June 9 see y'all there

On what rods and reels?

All I have are bass rods n bait casters but I'm borrowing a couple from a friend and he says his are surf rods

6-10# for smaller species. Kings 14-16#

Originally Posted by SNAKE

6-10# for smaller species. Kings 14-16#

You want about +/- 300 yards for king.

5# - 10# of a quality line is all you need on the pier, and about 5-10 yards of12# - 16# top shot can help when handling larger fish at the pylons.

300 yards or greater will give you plenty for any fish worth catching there.

Thank you all for the responses but I'm wondering what y'all mean when y'all say top shot line

Originally Posted by Viking Guy

about 5-10 yards of12# - 16# top shot can help when handling larger fish at the pylons.

Just use a double uni knot or any good knot to tie this onto your main line for top shot

Originally Posted by Javery

Thank you all for the responses but I'm wondering what y'all mean when y'all say top shot line

Javery, if it hasn't been said, WELCOME TO THE FORUM!
Most pier regs use mono on their reels and want at least 300 yards of line for king fishing. Many of us use reels that won't hold that much mono so 200 or so yards of braid is put on the spool first and then a top shot of 100 or so yards of 14# to 16# mono is spliced on so the casting is done with mono. The braid is much thinner and really can add line capacity to a smaller reel. If a big fish peels off line into the braid backing, you still have plenty of line left and the shock absorbing stretch of the mono.
If you want to go this route I suggest stopping by J & M Tackle and have them do it for you.
Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Javery

Thank you all for the responses but I'm wondering what y'all mean when y'all say top shot line

Top shot is simply a line used between your main line and your leader.

A fresh reel will typically be set up as follows:

1) mono backing. About 10 to 50 yards of monofilament used to keep bare braid from spinning, and to alert you that the fish is about to cost you $50 worth of spool.

2) next is your main line. Typically this is where line capacity comes into play. You want thin diameter, non memory line, which braid typically fits this bill. I recommend using high visibility, such as yellow braid. Put on at least 300 yards of this if the reel will take it.

3) Next is top shot. Top shot can be fluorocarbon or monofilament depending what you need. It needs to be slightly stronger than main line if fishing structures. At the pier, you want enough to manage big fish at the pylons, but not so much that you cannot benefit from your high visibility main line once your bait is cast out. Top shot will also assist with initial hook set in fast running fish by providing some shock absorption.

4 ) last is your leader. This can be mono, fluorocarbon or wire depending on your target fish and can be anywhere from 6" to 36" on the pier depending.

All of these are connected using double uni knots, except a wire leader which is connected by a tiny swivel.

If you need help spooling a reel and are in the area, feel free to contact me. I don't mind showing you how it is done and setting you up properly.