What Size Fishing Line Should I Use? (Chart by Fish and Setup)
Updated October 2026 · 3 min read
Quick answer
For most freshwater fishing, use 6–10 lb monofilament. Go 2–6 lb for panfish and trout, 8–14 lb for bass, and 15–30 lb for catfish, pike, and inshore saltwater. Always stay inside the line rating printed on your rod.
Line that is too light breaks on a good fish. Line that is too heavy casts poorly, scares fish in clear water, and can overpower a light rod. The right size depends on three things: the fish you're after, where you're fishing, and the rod and reel you have.
Fishing line size chart by fish
Pound test (lb) is roughly how much steady pull the line holds before it breaks. These ranges are for monofilament and fluorocarbon. For braid, see the note below the chart.
| Target fish | Mono / fluoro | Braid (main line) |
|---|---|---|
| Panfish (bluegill, crappie) | 2–6 lb | Usually not needed |
| Stream trout | 2–6 lb | Usually not needed |
| Lake trout, walleye | 6–10 lb | 10–20 lb |
| Bass, open water | 8–12 lb | 10–20 lb |
| Bass, heavy cover | 14–20 lb fluoro | 40–65 lb |
| Catfish | 12–30 lb | 30–65 lb |
| Pike, musky | 15–30 lb + wire or heavy leader | 30–80 lb |
| Inshore saltwater | 10–20 lb | 10–30 lb |
| Surf fishing | 15–30 lb | 20–50 lb |
Match the line to your rod and reel
Look at the rod just above the handle. Most rods print a line rating, like "Line 6–12 lb". Staying inside that range lets the rod bend the way it was designed and protects it from breaking.
Reels show a line capacity on the spool, like "8 lb / 150 yd". That tells you how much line of each size fits. If you use thinner braid, more fits on the same spool.
| Rod power | Typical line range |
|---|---|
| Ultralight | 2–6 lb |
| Light | 4–8 lb |
| Medium | 6–12 lb |
| Medium-heavy | 10–17 lb |
| Heavy | 15–25 lb and up |
Not sure what rod power you have? See what fishing rod length and power you need.
Adjust for the water
- Clear water: go lighter or use fluorocarbon, which is harder for fish to see.
- Stained or muddy water: fish see line less, so you can go heavier.
- Weeds, rocks, docks, and wood: go heavier so you can pull fish out before they wrap the line.
- Open water with no snags: lighter line casts farther and gets more bites.
- Saltwater: fish are often bigger and stronger, and rocks and oyster beds cut line — size up.
Line type changes the answer
The same pound test behaves differently in mono, fluorocarbon, and braid. Mono stretches and floats, fluorocarbon is nearly invisible and sinks, and braid is very thin with almost no stretch. A common setup is braid main line with a fluorocarbon leader — strength and casting distance from the braid, low visibility from the leader.
Read the full comparison: braid vs mono vs fluorocarbon.
When to replace your line
Mono weakens with sunlight and age — replace it at least once a season if you fish often. Fluorocarbon lasts longer, and braid can last several seasons. Replace any line that feels rough, looks faded, or has nicks you can feel when you run it through your fingers.
Ready to buy? See best fishing line or best fishing line for bass.
Ready to buy?
Our recommended guides
Best Fishing LineBraid, fluorocarbon, and mono picks compared.
Our #1 pick: RIKIMARU Fluoro-Coated Monofilament Fishing Line
Best Line for BassLine picks for finesse, cover, and topwater.
Our #1 pick: Seaguar Red Label 100% Fluorocarbon
Best Saltwater LineTough line for inshore, surf, and offshore.
Our #1 pick: PowerPro Super Slick V2 Braided Line
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best all-around fishing line size?
8 to 10 lb monofilament on a medium spinning rod. It handles panfish, trout, bass, and small catfish in most lakes and rivers.
What size line for bass fishing?
8–12 lb mono or fluorocarbon in open water, 14–20 lb fluorocarbon around cover, or 30–65 lb braid in thick weeds and grass.
What size line for trout?
2–6 lb for streams and small trout, 6–8 lb for larger lake trout or rivers with snags. Clear water favors lighter line or fluorocarbon.
Can I use line heavier than my rod's rating?
A little heavier usually works, but much heavier line casts poorly and can lead you to set drag strong enough to break the rod. Stay close to the printed range.
What does pound test mean?
The approximate amount of steady pull, in pounds, the line holds before it breaks. Knots and wear lower the real strength, so give yourself some margin.