1. 1 What are the four most common lines and what is the structural difference? a. Monofilament – A single strand, one filament. b. Copolymer – A higher molecular weight produced by polymerizing two or more different monomers. c. Flurocarbon – A form of copolymer where Fluorine is substituted for Hydrogen in the chemical makeup to add strength. d. Braid (Superlines) – Twisted individual fibers of Polyethylene, that on their own would be weak, but as a unit provide great strength. More absorbant to water.

2.  2. What are eight things to consider when selecting your line?  a. What specie you are going for? How big can it get, what is the average size will you be catching... realistically. Remember, it is a balance between visibility and strength.  b. Strength Rating  c. Diameter  d. Abrasion Risistance  e. Stretch  f. Color  g. Buoyancy  h. Knot Breaking strength

3.  3. What are some things to remember to eliminate line twists ?  a. Be sure when applying line on your reel, whether using a spinning reel or casting reel, always position the spool to have the line coming off the spool the same way it is going on the reel. ie, When applying line on a casting reel, have the line coming straight off the top of the spool with the sides of the spool on the left and right. When applying line on a spinning reel, lay the spool on its side to where the line is coming off of the spool counter-clockwise.

4.  b. If twists are prevalent, the next time on the water, with the lure removed, drag 1/3 to ½ of the line on the spool out behind the boat at an idle speed for a minute or two.  c. On heavier or high memory lines, in a parking lot or outside in a yard, tie off the end to an anchor point of a door, hitch, tree or friend, and walk away to a comfortable distance, and load up the line in a consistent pull for 15-30 seconds.  d. Consider using a line conditioner.  e. When the technique allows it, use a swivel. Tip, match the correct swivel to the line. Use a diameter line that matches the diameter of the loop of the swivel.  f. Change your line often.

5.  5. What are some things to remember for durability of your line?  a. When fishing around obstructions, check your line from time to time.  b. After catching a quality a fish, always check your line. Bigger fish are more boney and rigid, and are more likely to tangle you in cover during a fight. Bigger fish are known to be in the area from proof of the one you just caught, and another could be caught in the very next cast. If there are any abrasions, cut off the bad section and retie immediately to ensure you do not break off and lose the next fish.  c. Chemicals like Bug Spray and Sun Tan Lotions can break down and weaken your line.  d. Moisture, Sunlight (UV Rays), and heat can break down your line over time and with repeated fishing outings.  e. Change your line frequently based on usage and time spent on the reel, even if it isn’t used. Braided lines, typically do not need to be changed as often.

6.  Lets take a look at some basic Knots that work with ALL types of Line!!  A. Uni- Knot:  Uses: The Uni Knot is a versatile knot which can be adapted to many purposes including snelling; connecting hooks, swivels and lures with a loop; and joining two lines.  B. Double Uni Knot:  Uses: The Double Uni knot is a strong knot for joining two lines of similar diameters. The Double Uni Knot should not be used on lines with large degrees of line diameter variances. The greater the degree of change, the weaker the knot will be. In equal line sizes, tied correctly, the Double Uni Knot provides approximately 75 to 80 percent of line strength

7.  Loop (Rapala) Knot:  Uses: The Loop Knot is intended to be tied directly to the lure. The Rapala brothers emphasize that if a swivel or leader is essential, choose the lightest tackle possible. This allows the lure to move with a natural motion.