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Smallmouth, Largemouth, We're All About Bass!

What is the best fishing line to use while fishing for smallmouth bass in very clear water?

Public Comments

1. Light weight line 4-6 lb tess. Set your drag so your line will not snap on a big strike.
I think too heavy of line will destroy your presentation when using lures.
Also blue colored line I have found works best in clear water conditions. I just think it blends better
Let me know how this works out

2. I use Trilene XL in low visibility green color . Its strong and is hard for the fish to see.

I have tried other kinds and always go back to Trilene

3. Regular mono will work fine, but tie on a fluorocarbon leader and then tie your lure to the fluorocarbon.

4. 10 pounds line

5. i would use a 4-8lb test line.
I would recommend the baby blue color line.
It is very durable and blends in easily so the fish cant see the line.
Good luck.

6. I fish 2 lakes here in Ky as you have described.
Dale Hallow and Cumberland. Both lakes are real clear, and Dale Hallow is where the current SM world record was caught

I use fluorocarbon in 8 or 10 # this time of year, this line basically disappears in water, and sinks to help get your bait down faster. With most brands Clear Blue will show up under a black light for night fishing as well.

Good Luck and have fun.

7. I currently live in MN and small-mouth are everywhere!

Fluorocarbon in 8-10 LB is a good idea,(Berkely "Vanish"). However, I fish 4/10 "Fireline" in SUPER CLEAR,( you can see a quarter on the bottom in 15 FT of water), Lake Superior water and it seems to work just fine. And it is MUCH stronger than Mono with no stretch!

Good luck!