Seems like the fishing masses (at least some members) are confused! As a fishing guide, I get asked lots of equipment-type questions. By far, the most-asked question involves fishing line and usually goes something like this, “Mike with all these different lines that are available, what line should I use for walleyes?” The good news is that Northland Tackle has introduced a series of monofilament fishing lines aimed at clearing some of that confusion and, most importantly, helping anglers catch more fish.
Called Bionic, the new line is available in species-specific versions for walleyes, bass, panfish, and also ice fishing. I started using the lines last winter and spring and have been very pleased with the results.
Much of my early-season walleye trips involve live bait rig or jig fishing. I typically use 6- or 8-pound test monofilament on a spinning rod and reel when jiggin’ or riggin’. Bionic Walleye Line is silky smooth, strong, and very sensitive allowing my clients and me the ability to detect even the lightest bites.
I have used green-colored monofilament lines for my riggin’ and jiggin’ for years because they seem to blend into the water minimizing spooking line shy walleyes. Bionic Walleye Line is available in a new 4-color green camo formula that blends in even better than the traditional greens.
Another advantage is that the line comes in odd sizes like 5- and 7-pound tests. In very tough fishing conditions, I used to consider switching from 6-pound to a 4-pound test to try to tempt finicky walleyes into biting. However, I was leery feeling 4-point might be a tad light if I hooked a big fish. Now, the option of going to a 5-pound test is available.
The new walleye line has worked very well and Bionic Bass Line has quickly found a place on my bass rods and reels as well. I use 6- and 8-pound tests on my spinning rods for jig-worm combinations and other light line tactics. For spinnerbaits or flipping and pitching jigs or Texas rigs, I use the 15- and 20-pound tests on baitcasting combinations. The bass lines are tough and durable but flexible as well. Like the walleye line, the bass lines are available in clear and green camo color patterns.
Anglers who like chasing jumbo perch, big bluegills, and slab crappies can also get in on the new line action. Bionic Panfish is available in 2-,3-,4-,5-, 6-, and 8-pound tests. Like the walleye line, it is smooth and sensitive and casts very well. It also comes in a camo pattern, but it is a blue camo designed to blend into a blue sky background as panfish often feed upward toward the water surface/sky background.
Not to be left out in the cold (pardon the pun!), ice fishermen also have some new line options available. Bionic Ice Line is a smooth, tough ice fishing monofilament. Available in the same test sizes as the panfish line it is designed for good cold-weather performance. It is available in clear or blue camo to blend into the bottom of the ice. I used this line late last winter for panfish and was impressed with how manageable it was in cold weather.
Whether you are a cold-weather ice fisherman, walleye guy, bass head, or panfish chaser you may have some confusion about what line to use. These new lines are designed to minimize that confusion and, most importantly, help put more fish on the ice or in your livewell. As always, good luck on the water!