The line consists of 5 major points to remember:
1 – The main line. In nylon.
2 – Float. Indicates the fish bite and supports the line.
3 – Sinker. Balances the line in the water to best present the bait.
4 – The leader. Nylon line that is thinner and more discreet than the main line.
5 - The hook. To attach the bait and hook the fish.
For storage and transportation, the line wraps around a winder. Check that it is sufficiently long and wide to avoid damaging the float
THE MAIN LINE
The main line is the basis of your rig. Usually made of nylon thread, this is the part of the line that will be attached to the tip of the rod. It is also to the main line that the float and ballasts will be fixed. Its length can vary from 2m to 7m and the wire diameter ranges from 18/100 for fishing large specimens (carp, tench, bream) to 8/100 for delicate fishing of small white fish (roach, bleak, rudd).
FLOATS
Key element of the line, the float plays several roles at once. It should indicate the touch of the fish when it grabs the bait and must also support the weighted line allowing it to drift naturally. In order to compare floats on this point, the lift, or mass needed to adjust the balance, is expressed in grams on the float. Choosing the float's shape is based on the current in the area where you are fishing. So at first, it is important to choose the right float for your fishing spot.
A squat float is better for fishing in running waters such as streams, canals, or rivers.
An elongated float is very sensitive to bites because it offers less resistance to sinking. It is used in areas where the current is zero (lake, pond).
To fix the float, just thread the main line through the eye and then through the ring which is then slipped over the keel. Afterwards, you can adjust the float by sliding it on the line.
The Caperlan trick
To best attach the float, cut the sheath in half and position them at the ends of the keel.
WEIGHTING THE LINE
Commonly called sinkers, sinkers balance the float and keeps the line taut in the water for a good presentation of the bait. Sinkers come in many forms.
Spherical pierced or split sinkers: These are most commonly used to weight the line. Round in shape, they are available in several weights.
Pierced or split sinkers: Elongated shape, sinkers provide the line mass and a significant weight on a specific point of the line. For heavy lines intended to fish in currents.
These 5 types of weightings cover various situations. A good distribution of the sinkers is essential for well-balanced line. The examples in the image below enable confronting many situations.
Example 1: Typical distribution for fishing for small fish with mud and pinkies in ponds and lakes.
Example 2: Assembly for fishing white fish with maggots in ponds and lakes.
Example 3: This type of sinker is used for bottom fishing.
Example 4: A degressive weighting helps keep the line in the current effectively, while maintaining flexibility for presenting the bait.
Example 5: This assembly is very effective for fishing bream in rivers.
The Caperlan trick
This trick consists in positioning a small round sinker between the main sinker and the hook. When touched, the fish does not detect the float reacting. It's up to you to stay focused so you do not miss this bite, all in finesse, revealed by the small sinker.
THE LEADER
Thinner than the main line, the diameter can vary from 14/100 for bigger specimens to up to 6/100 for the most suspicious little white fish. With a length of 15-40 cm, it is connected to the main line with a simple and efficient rig: "a loop in loop."
If the line is then pulled on too strongly, the break will happen on the leader. Then, you will simply need to rig up a new leader in the same way without having to start the whole line again.
Start by making a loop at the end of the main line and leader.
Once the two loops at each end are ready, you just need to pass one through the other to create a simple and secure link.
How to assemble your first lines
