Do Fishing Rods Come with Line? (Beginners Guide)

Fishing was invented around 40,000 years ago for the means of survival. Since then, it has emerged and evolved a lot.

Having a fishing rod without a fishing line is the same as having a car with no fuel. Your fishing rod is practically useless without a fishing line. So where can we get a fishing line?

Do fishing rods come with line?

No. Typically, it is rare to purchase fishing reels that come with line. Lines are purchased separately then put together. If you buy a fishing reel that already has a rod, it still won’t come with line. This is because it depends on you which line to buy for your reel.

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Instead, you will find fishing lines along with spools. There are various types of lines for different types of fishing. The most common ones are Braided, Monofilament, and Fluorocarbon.

Each of these is suited for different kinds of fishing which is why they are sold individually.

Braided fishing line: Long-lasting and suited for fishing which requires durability and resistance. For example, surf fishing. It is also ideal for fishing in lakes and ponds. This line is strong but can scare fish away because of its noticeable visibility.
Monofilament fishing line: Not as strong as braided but does not sink. This line is best for fish that are floating on top of the water.
Fluorocarbon fishing line: This is a very strong line that is bought by most people who fish. It does not corrode which means it can be brushed against with rocks and it still won’t be damaged. It is suitable for saltwater fishing.

Before buying a fishing line, consider the strength, color, size, and reel specifications. If you’re a beginner, a monofilament fishing line is recommended. It comes in a variety of colors as well!

Do fishing rods come with hooks?

No. Fishing hooks are a type of fishing tackle. They usually come with the packaging when you purchase fishing lines. Fishing hooks are available in various shapes and sizes depending on your fishing purpose. If your hook is not working well, you can also purchase it individually.

There are bait hooks, lure hooks and fly hooks. There is no international standard size for a hook. Single barbless hooks should function perfectly in rivers, most lakes, and water bodies. The larger the number represented by your hook, the smaller it is. 32 is the smallest fishing hook size.

Note: You should also purchase a hook keeper to prevent the hook from bouncing around. This is a required safety feature.

Do fishing rods come with reels?

No. Just like line, it is hard to find fishing reels that are sold with fishing rods. This is because not everyone needs the same type of rod. The type of rod you need depends on where you’ll be fishing and what kind of fish you’re aiming for.

Before buying a fishing rod, find out your preferred rod length, rod power, and material. There are two major types of fishing rods. They are spinning rods and casting rods.

What is the string called on a fishing rod?

The string on a fishing rod is known as a fishing line. Fishing lines are called strings because they often resemble a string or cord due to their thinness. They are also as long as a string. The fishing line is added to the fishing rod which involves tying a knot (Just like a string).

If you don’t properly string your fishing pole, it can be tough for you to go fishing.

The windings on a fishing rod can also be confused with a string. They are made out of string and used to keep the rod guides stuck to the rod.

How to install line on a fishing rod?

It’s not that hard to install line on a fishing rod. It won’t take you long either. If this is your first time, try it with a friend! You only have to follow a few simple steps.

Steps to install line on a baitcasting reel.

Step 1: Attach the fishing reel to the rod so that the fishing reel can hold the line.
Step 2: String the line through the reel. First through the top of the fishing rod then the rod guides until it gets to the fishing reel.
Step 3: Set the line through the line guide positioned at the front of the baitcasting reel.
Step 4: Place the line circling the spool of the reel until it’s wrapped around the spool. Tie a knot to prevent it from getting loose. Two knots are recommended.
Step 5: Trim any extended line. At least ⅛ of an inch of line should be there to stop the knot from opening. Any line above the knot should be trimmed.
Step 6: Start winding the line onto the reel by turning the handle. Stop turning the handle when the line is ⅛ and 3/16 of an inch below the top of the spool.
Step 7: Clip the line. Do this after lifting the tip of the rod.

Steps to install line on a spinning reel and spin-cast reel.

Step 1: Equip the rod with a fishing reel. This can help ease things for you.
Step 2: Put the line through the first guide. At first through the tip of the spool and then string the line through the guides one by one until you reach the reel.
Step 3: Flip open the bail of your fishing reel. Do this just before you attach the line to the spool. (This is a very important step)
Step 4. Put the line on the spool of the reel. Wrap the line around the spool then tie a knot.
Step 5: Turn the reel handle after closing the bail. (Only a few cranks)
Step 6: Orient your line spool. Place the rod on the floor. Then put the line spool on the floor with the face of the spool in your direction. Do about ten cranks by applying a little force on the line using your hand. Do this until you can see the coils relaxed.
Step 7: Fill the reel spool with line. Crank it until the line is within ⅛ and 3/16 of an inch from the spool.
Step 8: Cut the fishing line. And string it through the rod guides. Don’t forget to tie a knot!

For a clearer understanding, watch a youtube tutorial! Moreover, some sports shops will install it for you if you purchase the rod or line from them. After learning, try to practice it on your own or else your line will continue to get tangled.

What does line class/rating mean on fishing rods?

Line rating is often confused as to the weight of the fish you can catch and the power of the rod. They are not the same. The line indicates the suggested breaking strength of the line to use on the rod with a correct reel.

The range given indicates the diameter of the line that is recommended depending on the monofilament line diameter.

How do you match a rod, reel and line?

If you’re looking for a basic, all-purpose rod, reel, and line then this can help you.

Rods:

You will need a medium-light to a medium rod. They are around 6 feet long or a bit less. This is suitable for most freshwater fish such as carp, channel catfish, and bass. A light action rod works well for lightweight fish such as bluegill and trout.

You should only buy a heavy action rod if you are going fishing for a giant fish. This is why a medium action rod is ideal.

Reels:

There are four different types of fishing reels. Spin-casting reels, spinning reels, bait-casting reels, and a fly-fishing reel.

Spin-casting reels function with a push and release button. They were more popular in older times. Many people find it easy to use which is why anyone can use it even teenagers.
Spinning reels can cast the furthest compared to the other type and hold more line than spin-casting reels.
Bait-casting reels. They are more durable but not suited for beginners. It can get easily tangled because the spool keeps spinning after you cast.
Fly-fishing reel. This type of reel is not useful for casting. This is only used when angling with a special fly rod.

Line:

Now that you’ve selected your matching rod and reel, you should also match your fishing line with the reel size and type. Choosing a light line is recommended. A 6-pound test strength should be enough unless you’re fishing for something larger. The monofilament line is best for some light-action. They have a 4 to 8-pound test line. For heavy-action, you can get a 20-pound test or even more line. These are braided and are very costly.

If you are struggling to match them, you can purchase combos of fishing reel and rod online or in a tackle shop. This way, it can hold the same size line and can be cheaper too.

Match your line with a lure too.

How heavy should my fishing line be?

The weight of your fishing line will affect how much pressure the line can hold without breaking your line.

The heaviness of your fishing line depends on the type of fish you’re trying to catch. If you aim for bigger fish, they will fight more so your fishing line should be heavy enough to tolerate its pressure.

If you’re fishing in areas where there are a lot of obstacles or vegetation then it’s better to go for a heavier fishing line or else your fishing line will snap when you’re pulling it out.

Hope this article helps you clear some of your queries about fishing rods. Best of luck with your adventures in the water!