Fishing Line Test Strength...

[D.O.]

Which statement do you agree with?
We would like to know just what you think about this topic. Don't forget to paticipate in the survey either...(www.sportfishingmag.com/linestrength)

1. As long as fishing lines won't test out at less than what's shown on the spool, I don't care how strong the line really is and don't mind if the actual strength is not stated.
(Example, if the spool says "12-pound test," I don't care if it really tests as 12 or 20 or whatever -- as long as I know it won't break at less than 12 pounds.

2. I want to know what strength line I'm fishing with, and if the line actually tests out lighter or heavier than what's stated on the spool, I also want to know what that true breaking strength is.

[RL]

I want to know my line won't break at the stated amount. I would at the least know the min amount of pressure and drag to place on the fish/line. I can see arguments for both answers...

[tmc]

i pick2
if you know what the actual breaking strength is then you can set the drag. isnt part of the fun in the calculations and knowing you may be close to breaking strength when fising.

[george]

#2 is my answer.

What's the point of having line test on the labels, if it doesn't matter?

[ING]

i pick2
if you know what the actual breaking strength is then you can set the drag. isnt part of the fun in the calculations and knowing you may be close to breaking strength when fising.
Unfortunately you don't know what the actual breaking strength is.
I have tested a lot of lines from different manufacturers and was absolutely upset by results. Sometimes it was about a half vs. appointed on the label.
You should keep in the mind:
a) Wet line (monofilament nylon and copolymer) after soaking about 1hour loosing sometimes about 50% of strength;
b) Strength of the line not evenly spread along the line and even several tests not guarantee you from the weakness somewhere along the line;
c) Manufacturers absolutely not responsible for mistakes or cheating on the labels - it is impossible to catch them because not exist strong standards or strict standard test procedures.
So, what you can do with that?
First: TMC is right, adjust your reels drag for 1/3 of labeled line strength (approximately).
Second: use lines of companies with good reputation.
Third: make your own tests and exchange information about good or bad lines on forums.
Good luck!

[DomBeer]

I think there should be a number 3 as anyone fishing IGFA rules wants the line to break just before the stated breaking strain. A good quality line should break no more than 10% under the stated breaking strain. Stren and Black Magic are two of the best I have found.

[George Woodward]

There's always been an IGFA spec line, at least since dacron was introduced.
It was spec'd to break 10% under stated strength. Gudebrod and Cortland were the only two mfgrs that made this line. A

nde and Berkley made the only two mono IGFA lines. I noticed recently the Berkley "Solar" line is a re-vamped line from the mid-60's that never sold well then.