line weight and lure weight

Question
hi Joe..I am a beginner of fishing. Very confused about the lure weight and line weight on the rods..what is the conversion between them? eg.
PE NO.  Jig Wt. Best Drag  
PE 6   200-500G   5-8KG
thanks

Answer
Hi Julia,

Line weight and lure weight are two different things.  They do have a relationship in that the two should be suited to each other.  A large lure with a small line can cause problems just as a small lure with large line can cause problems.  Each rod typically has a range of acceptable line weights and lure weights for that particular rod.  You can use any line or lure within those ranges with that rod.

Line weight is a measurement of the breaking strength of the line you can use on that particular rod.  In your example, the rod is capable of handling any line weight between 5KG and 8KG.  For example, a 5KG line will break at or about 5KG of force applied to the line.  You can catch a fish that weighs more than 5KG on a 5KG line by playing the fish properly and by using the leverage and flexibility of the rod combined with the drag system of the reel to react to the heavier fish.  A 5KG line is smaller in diameter than an 8KG line and more of it will fit on the reel spool.  Your reel spool may also be marked with different line weights and corresponding lengths of each weight that will fit on that particular reel.

You would select the line size to correspond to the size and weight of fish you expect to catch.  If you are after smaller fish that may be spooked at the sight of heavier line, you would choose the lightest line.  If you are after larger fish that could break the smallest line, you would move up in line size to one that matches the fish better.  

It is doubtful that your lure would be large enough to break the line you choose.  However, if you use the lightest line for that rod paired with the heaviest lure for that rod, you could possibly generate enough force when casting to cause the line to break.  Common sense would say that you should match the line weight to the lure size within reasonable limits.

Lure weight is the actual weight of the lure you are using.  Choice of lure would depend on what type and size fish you are after.   If you plan to use very light lures, it would be best to use a lighter weight line.  This will make it easier to cast the lure and make a realistic presentation of the lure to the fish.  If you plan to use a heavy lure, it would be best to move up to a heavier line to avoid casting problems and problems fighting larger fish attracted to the large lure.

For example, if you were to fish for fish weighing only a few ounces each, you would probably want to use the 5Kg line and a 200G lure.  But, if you were to fish for fish weighing 15 pounds, you would probably want to use the 8KG line and a 500G lure.  These are overly simple examples, but show the difference between the lower and upper range for this rod.

Good luck.  I know you will enjoy fishing.

Joe