For these rods a ratio closer to 1

Last week I talked about many line and hook breakages being caused by using over-powerful rods. The opposite can also be true, with too powerful lines exerting tremendous pressure on rods. Whilst modern rods are incredibly strong, as with everything, they can be overloaded and this will inevitably lead to breakages occurring. One rather rough rule of thumb for working out the strength of line required when using a specific rod is to multiply the test curve of the rod by between 3 and 5. So, for example, a 3lb test curve rod can be used with lines between 9lb and 15lb. Obviously, this is a large margin for error and it should only be used as a rough guide, as different rods, with different actions will behave slightly differently. Match rods tend to be built on slower tapers (at least in the tip section) and so can be used below the lower limit set-out above. For these rods a ratio closer to 1.5 to 4 applies. Hooks are much more difficult to balance without some serious testing. No company yet (to my knowledge) states the breaking, or straightening strain of their hooks on the packet, yet this is a vital piece of information. The only way to tell is by trial and error. Note though, that I am not saying that you should try this while actually fishing! I spend quite a bit of time tying up hooks with various knots and to various lines so that I can establish the right combinations. Testing is simple. Tie on the hook, gradually increase the pressure on the line until either it, or the hook break. You might want to wear glasses when doing this just to protect your eyes. Remember that little John Roberts knot tester that I have mentioned before? Get one, it will be the best pound you have ever spent and is invaluable for accurate hook testing. For example, I have a particular problem with my tench fishing. I now have to use one brand of hook when fishing maggots in a size 16 to 3lb line. Another when using four pound line and yet another when fishing with six pound line and a size 14. This might sound like a lot of work, but you only normally need to do it once. Hook and line quality has improved greatly over the last few years and apart from a quick pull when I tie the knot, I have faith in most brands of hook available.

Why not just use the strongest hook available? Because you will catch less fish that’s why! Whatever style of fishing you are engaged in, that little bit of finesse will pay off eventually. The loss of fish through breakages is almost unacceptable in my book. A little bit of playing around with hooks, lines and knots on a wet winter’s night could give you the key to catching a lot more fish and not detract from your fishing time.