Fishing line comes in lots of different colours, different materials, and different strengths. It’s important to use the correct line for the correct purpose and it’s also important to always use a hook length.
A hook length is usually the last 25cm of line (although this can vary from 7.5cm to 2m depending on the situation); this line will be of a lower strength to that of the main line which goes from the reel to the hook length. This is so that it is the weakest point in the rig; therefore if the line should beak for whatever reason then it will most likely break at the hook length; therefore not leaving lots of line trailing in the water or up a tree!
Line should be chosen mainly for its strength, below is a guide to what application different strengths of line should be used and suggested hook length strength:
| Purpose | Main Line | Hook length |
| Float Fishing | 4lb
5lb 6lb |
2lb
3lb 4lb |
| Feeder Fishing | 6lb
7lb 8lb |
3lb
4lb 5lb |
| Ledger Fishing | 8lb
10lb 12lb |
5lb
8lb 10lb |