Japanese fishing line labels uses what is referred to as an go-gou system. This system feature a number followed by the character “号” on the spool of the fishing line. The character “号” indicate the size of the fishing line, which determine the diameter and strength of that fishing line.
Because Japanese fishing lines is typically thinner than other type of fishing lines, a conversion chart must be use to understand the measurements of those fishing lines. In order to estimate the diameters of monofilament fishing lines, you can multiply the number on the fishing line spool by 0.165. Multiplying the number on the fishing line by 0.165 will provide an estimation of the diameter of the fishing line in units of millimeters.
Japanese Fishing Line Size Guide
This formula is only approximate, as braided fishing lines are denser than monofilament lines. Japanese fishing lines are typicaly thin in order to allow the anglers to cast lighter lures further. Fishing lines come in a range of number in the go-gou system to accommodate for the different types of fishing that may occur.
For instance, a 0.4号 fishing line is an ultrathin fishing line, as thin as a human hair, and is use for trout fishing. A 20号 fishing line is very thick; such lines is used to catch very large fishes. Anglers often use a 2-3号 line when fishing for seabass, as this strength of fishing line can work with a 3000-size fishing reel.
Using the correct size of fishing line will ensure that the line is balance with the fishing rod and fishing reel. Using a line that is too thin may cause it to break, whereas a line that is too thick will reduce the distance that the line can be cast. Unlike monofilament fishing lines, braided fishing lines, such as PE braid, work in slightly different way.
PE braid lines are made of polyethylene, and are much more stronger than monofilament lines of the same diameter. For instance, a PE 1.0 line has the same diameter as a 1号 monofilament line, but is much stronger than the monofilament line. Additionally, because PE braid lines have very little stretch, the angler can feel vibration in the line.
Finally, because PE braid fishing lines are thin and of low density, they are often use in casting lines, or fishing lines that need to remain on the surface of the water. The size of the PE braid line to be use may vary depending upon the type of fishing that is to be performed. For instance, for squid jigging, a 0.6 to 0.8 PE braid line is recommended.
For yellowtail fish, a 2 to 3 size braid is recommended because the fish requires more strength in there line. For GT fish, a 8 size braid line or even thicker lines may be required. If too thin of a line or too thick of a line is use for the type of fish that are to be caught, the line may break, or may be too heavy for the task that must be performed.
Not all types of fishing lines possess the same characteristic. For instance, nylon monofilament lines have some stretch, which help to absorb the shock of the fish. Fluorocarbon fishing lines will sink quick in the water, and are hard for fish to see.
For this reason, fluorocarbon lines are often use as leader lines. Finally, PE braid lines have almost no stretch, but are very strong. To protect the strong braid line from any abrasion in the environment, people often attach a fluorocarbon leader to the braid line.
The size of the fishing reel will determine the amount of fishing line that the reel can hold. A 1000-size reel can hold thin lines, such as PE 0.4 lines. A 14000-size fishing reel will be required to hold thick lines, like PE 8 lines.
Fishing reels will have specification regarding the amount of meters of each size of fishing line that it can hold. Finally, certain knots, such as the FG knot, must be use to attach the PE braid line to a leader line to create a smooth transition between the two lines.