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Every piece of tackle, explained by what it actually does

Plain-English guides to rods, reels, line, hooks, and rigs — what each piece does, how to match it to your fish, and how to set it up right. Shop links are clearly marked and never change the advice or your price.

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Species
8
Gear guides
17
Techniques
100
Setup pages
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Line types at a glance

The three main line types and how they differ
PropertyMonofilamentFluorocarbonBraid
StretchHigh (~20–25%)Low–moderateVery low (~3%)
Visibility in waterModerateLowHigh
BuoyancyFloatsSinksFloats
Best useTopwater and crankbaitsLeaders and clear waterHeavy cover and depth

Full detail, including knots and leader choices, in the fishing line guide.

Popular

Species guides

Largemouth Bass photographed
10–20 lb lineMedium to Medium-Heavy
Smallmouth Bass photographed
6–12 lb lineMedium-Light to Medium
Rainbow Trout photographed
4–8 lb lineLight to Ultralight
Brown Trout photographed
4–10 lb lineLight
Northern Pike photographed
30–65 lb lineHeavy
Walleye photographed

Walleye

No. 06
6–14 lb lineMedium-Light

Photos from Wikimedia Commons under free licences — credits on each species page.

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