When it comes to fishing line, Leo and I are at different ends of the spectrum. While I would much rather finesse a fish using four-pound test, Leo (a.k.a. "The Cable Guy") prefers to winch the fish in using line similar to anchor rope. As a matter of fact, when we lost the starter on the motor one time, we just peeled off a few feet of line from one of Leo's reels and used it to pull start the engine.

Granted there are some situations where heavier line is needed, such as a spinnerbait through some heavy weed cover, or a plastic worm dropped into a stand of reeds. I always tease Leo because he will never go less than 8 Lb. test even in clear water conditions. On the other hand I won't hesitate to switch to 14 or 17 Lb. when it is needed.

One thing a lot of people don't think about is that as your test strength increases, so does your line diameter. The biggest drawback to increased line diameter is the fact that its visibility increases as well. If it's visibility increases then wary fish are less likely to hit. One time a friend and I were fishing a rock pile for some smallies. On every drift over the pile I would hook one or two fish and my partner never had a sniff. I suggested he switch from 8 to 4 Lb. and the next drift over the rock pile he hooked three fish.

Also, the line is a little stiffer hindering a more natural presentation of live bait and there is also more drag on the line as it comes through the water. If your fishing in a fast current in deep water like we have on the Detroit River, the difference between 8 and 4 LB test can mean the difference of staying in touch with the bottom.

Once I was having a discussion with a friend about light line and he told me I was a fool if I used four-LB in a tournament. He might be right, but first of all I'm out to have fun, tourney or not, and second I know how to fish with it. I've lost fish using light line, but I've also lost fish using heavier line.

I presented this argument to him. He is fishing a school of smallies averaging about 2 pounds apiece with 10 Lb. and hooks and lands four fish. I come along to fish that same school with 4 Lb. and I hook 10 fish but only land seven. Who is ahead of the game.

Light line isn't a cure all for days when you can't buy a hit but there are times when it will definitely increase your catch. Give it a try sometime, you might like it.

By the way, that muskie I'm holding up in the picture was caught on 4 pound test Stren while fishing for some perch.

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