How to mark your line

[profire31]

Can someone please give me some pointers on the best way to mark your line so you know just how much you got out. All I can find says to use a permanent marker. Come on, isn't there has to be a better way. I know I saw a different way on a charter boat but it didn't dawn on me to ask what they used. Thanks in advance for all the help.


Profire31
24' Carolina Skiff with a Zuki 140 for the push

[troutboy]

with braided line you can use aneedle and short piece of sewing thread . just stick needle thru middle of line then remove needle and center thread.

[weaverama]

If your talking trolling reels and the reels have level winders just pull out enough line to move the level winder one full, back and forth, movement and measure the amount of line it took to do that.

[rock n crab]

I use a small (1/4 inch x 2 inch) piece of good duct tape, place the line in the middle of the tape so the line runs along the sticky side lengthwise and then fold the tape over onto itself.... that has worked well for me for years on whatever line type I run, braid, mono, etc....... I've had no issues with roller rods using this either.

[capt. dave]

With non-level wind reels (or level winds too) you can mark your line by wrapping colored thread tightly around it. I do it every 30 feet. I start with blue at 30, red at 60, yellow at 90, green at 120, and black at 150. You can adjust your distance back up or down from the marks very easily. For examlpe, take in 5 feet from the first mark and you have 25 feet out, or let out 5 feet and you are 35 feet out.
The wrap is started with an overhand knot pulled very tight on the line. Then add a series of half hitches to make the mark at least an inch or so long (so you can see it easily). Pull each half hitch tight against the previous one. End the wrap with another overhand knot pulled up tight. Snip off the tag ends of the thread. Wet the wrap with 'Super Glue' and VERY IMPORTANT let dry before winding onto reel. Once you have the marks you can tell your crew to let the line out to, for example, the red mark. You can be sure they did it right if you can see the red mark at the rod tip. There is no need to count down or guess at how much line is out.

[bigg09]

thin diameter waxed thread like used for fly tying works good on mono. start with two opposite half hitches, half hitch each way away from the beggining as long as you want and end with a uni. pulled tight, it should cinch together and not move. as for braided line, use white or yellow and a perm market works best. heavier waxed thread will work fine or larger diameter line (that is what i use to make wings with loops on 50-80# mono to connect weights and floats, jsut make sure it will go through your rollers if that is the case.

[Sea King]

I count levelwind bars but I heard there is a braided line that is multicolored in certain length sections, maybe form Cabela's?

[KenG]

It would take some effort, but what about using bobber stops. you would need to string it across the yard or keep track as you let out line, then tighten the stop at the distance you would like to mark. It comes in different colors as well.

[fishbite2]

Dental Floss

[Scott_nra]

Black Sharpie, 1" mark at 100', two 1" marks at 200', three 1" marks at 300', you could do Single marks in between if you wanted. It holds up pretty good. May have to refresh it every year on braid. I have it outlasting mono on spinning reels.

[kyekstat]

I use, a measureing tape to get the distance I want. Then I run my line from the reel to match the distance.I then use red sewing machine thread and tie around the line to mark the distance .When I let the line out for trolling I stop at the red thread and have a perfect distance every time.This works for me!

[Coan Ranger]

I have a rather elaborate system of marking line and numbering rods along with written instructions to mate(s) that leads to a well organized troll with all lures at the right place and depth. This might seem like overkill but it produces a pleasant and productive fishing experience for all involved.

I fish a total of ten rods using planer boards. The written instructions tell the person putting out lines on either side of the boat which rods to put at each station on the planer line and on the gunnel rod holders , which single or tandem lure(s) to put on each rod with line marked with an indelible marker at the distance I want it out.

When you have people helping you put out lines, without clear instructions you can end up with lure placement where you do not want them, at best, or total pandemonium if the lines are at such lengths that tangles ensue.

Believe me, this works.

[Head Hunter 1]

On freshwater lakes like Smith Mountain where depth control is key due to the trees we use the multi-colored braids and line counter reels. For salt water I usually count the level wind.

[Waynesboro]

These are techniques I've used on braided line:

Dental floss - tightly wrapped dental floss. Secured knot with super glue.
Maybe not enough wraps, but some of the wraps came loose, and slip on the braid. So for me, not dependable. Good part was, you can "feel" the marks, so works well in low light. Problem was with the level wind reels only. On the other reels the dental floss is still hanging tight.

Black Sharpie marker. Easy to apply - and visible in good light. Negatives - with low light (and also when wearing polarizing lens) the black is hard to see on a dark green braid. Real pain when I missed the mark on the WWB rod. Overall worked okay.

Currently marking the line with white Krylon "fusion" paint. Specially made for use with plastics (which braid is), I've found it to be very durable, and the white stands out very well against the green braid. So far haven't seen any deterioration from the paint.

All these ideas were found on the Chesapeake Angler board. Many others cut their line at the appropriate mark, and reattach with a double uni-knot. Really hard to miss that one.

I also label all rods and rigs when trolling for stripers. It's a great system, and speeds up the process of setting out all the lines. Get your distances right, and you can pretty much troll all day with no tangles.

Good Luck!

[COL]

Have yet to try it but Daiwa Saltiga braid is marked every 10 meters. They make a surf and a trolling version. Is somewhat expensive is is receiving extremely great reviews!! Bill

[rgwaltney]

I respooled this winter with Daiwa Saltiga braid. It is marked every meter, has a different mark every five meters and changes colors every ten meters. Makes it easy to get the exact amount out on each line. Not cheap but I only put a 150 yard top shot on each reel.
Robert

[sport22]

I use thread bobber stoppers without the bead that are threaded onto thin straws. I measure out the line lengths in my back yard , slide the straw to the length, slide the thread off the straw, pull tight and put a drop of super glue on it. good luck

[slwhitt]

I was thinking about using nail polish or spray paint witch was menchend on the board.

[baydreamn]

Diawa makes a super braid called "Dendoh" (sp?). Color coded every 10 meters and 1 meter. $55(ish) buys you 300 meters of 80lb braid.

Cap'n Rob

[Ryan Russell]

A few companies make line counters that are easy to use and work pretty good. This to me is the easiest way to know where your lines are and not worry about paint or marker coming off .