When it comes to saltwater fishing, one of the crucial aspects to grasp is the PE (Polyethylene) rating of braided lines. While it might seem technical, understanding this concept can greatly improve your fishing success. Let’s break down what PE rating is, and how to choose the best one for your next fishing adventure.

What is PE Rating?

PE rating measures the thickness and the physical weight of braided fishing lines. Unlike traditional pound-test ratings, which focus on line strength, PE ratings primarily describe the physical characteristics of the line. For example, a PE rating of 1.0 typically corresponds to a line diameter of about 0.165mm and to a line weight of 200-denier. Understanding this distinction is key when selecting the right line for your fishing style.

PE Rating vs. Line Strength

Though the PE rating provides an idea of the line’s diameter, it doesn’t directly reflect its strength. Breaking strength can vary significantly even for lines with the same PE rating, depending on factors like material quality and weave density. For instance, two lines rated at PE 2.0 could have breaking strengths of 20lb and 40lb, respectively. Always check the manufacturer’s specs for accurate breaking strain information.

How to Choose the Right PE Rating

Selecting the right PE rating is essential as it affects several areas of fishing such as the breaking strain, drag in currents, sensitivity, castability, and controllability of jigs and lures. However, like many other components of your lure fishing gear, the most important thing to consider is choosing the thinnest and lightest PE braid that can effectively manage your target species.

PE Ratings and Saltwater Fishing Applications

Different fishing techniques and conditions call for specific PE ratings. Here are some examples based on popular PE braid options available on the market:

• PE 0.5–1.0: Ajing, squidding, micro jigging, super light jigging.
• PE 1.0–1.5: Softbaiting, shore jigging, super light jigging.
• PE 1.5–2.0: Slow pitch jigging, light lure casting.
• PE 2.0–4.0: Power slow pitch jigging, deepwater jigging, light stickbaiting.
• PE 4.0–8.0: Heavy jigging, stickbaiting.

Conclusion

By understanding PE ratings and how they influence different aspects of your fishing setup, you’ll be better equipped to make the right choice for your target species and fishing conditions. Choose wisely, and you’ll have a more successful and enjoyable fishing experience.