Fish Species Guides

Species	Best Line	Pound Test	Why
Bass	Mono or Braid	8-17 lb	Mono for finesse, braid for weeds
Trout	Fluoro or Mono	4-8 lb	Fluoro disappears in clear water
Catfish	Braid or Mono	20-50 lb	Catfish don't spook at visible line
Salmon	Braid + Fluoro	15-25 lb	Braid mainline, fluoro leader
Tuna	Braid	80-100 lb	Zero stretch for long runs
Grouper	Braid	60-80 lb	Stops fish before they reach rocks
Snapper	Braid or Fluoro	30-50 lb	Fluoro for leader-shy snapper
Halibut	Braid or Mono	50-80 lb	Mono absorbs big halibut head-shakes

Does line type really change by species?

Yes. Trout spook at visible line, so you want fluorocarbon. Catfish don't care, so cheap mono is fine. Match the line to how the fish sees and fights, not just how heavy it is.

Freshwater vs saltwater — do I need different line?

Saltwater line needs more corrosion resistance. Braid holds up better in salt, and you'll want a fluorocarbon leader for toothy fish. Freshwater is more forgiving.

How do I pick the right pound test?

Start with the fish's average weight, then add buffer for cover or current. A 10-pound bass in heavy weeds needs heavier line than a 20-pound catfish in open water.