How to choose PE braided line size: line‑selection criteria by target species

01What is PE Braided Line Size?

PE (ultra‑high‑molecular‑weight polyethylene) braided line is standardized by the ‘ho’ size, a mass unit. A 1‑ho line weighs 1 g per 9,000 m, 1.5‑ho weighs 1.5 g, and 2‑ho weighs 2 g. The ho size does not directly correlate with diameter, and actual diameters vary by manufacturer. Typically, 1‑ho is about 0.165 mm, 1.5‑ho about 0.205 mm, and 2‑ho about 0.235 mm on average.

Even when the ho size is the same, it is a mass standard called ‘Denier’, so the actual diameter varies with material density and processing. Therefore, when selecting a line, always check the manufacturer’s diameter specification alongside the ho size. Smaller diameters reduce water resistance, improving casting distance and bite transmission sensitivity.

Compared with nylon or carbon, PE braided line delivers the same breaking strength at roughly one‑third to one‑quarter the diameter. This greatly reduces current resistance underwater, and its non‑stretch characteristic transmits bite signals more accurately, making it a preferred main line for sea lure and jigging.

02Species‑Specific Line Selection Guidelines

The appropriate ho size varies with the target species’ weight and habitat. Eging, being a small species, typically uses 0.6–0.8 ho (equivalent to 6–8 lb breaking strength). Olive flounder uses 0.8–1.5 ho (8–15 lb), and in areas with rough bottoms a slightly heavier line is chosen for abrasion resistance.

For larger species such as sea bass, a 2.5–3 ho line (25–30 lb) is recommended. The breaking strength must withstand the shock when the target fish strikes, and many products are engineered slightly above the size × 10 lb estimate.

When using braided line, the shock leader must be sized at 3–5 times the PE line’s ho. For example, pairing a 1.5‑ho PE line with a 4.5–7.5‑ho carbon leader balances breaking strength differences and shock absorption, significantly reducing the risk of line failure.

03Number of Strands, Casting Distance, Knot Strength

PE braided line is woven from multiple strands. More strands make the cross‑section more circular and reduce surface friction. Experiments show that switching from 4‑strand to 8‑strand at the same ho size increases casting distance by an average of 10.5 %, and moving from 8‑strand to 12‑strand adds another ~4.7 %.

However, increasing strand count does not significantly change elasticity, while weight rises. Thus, for maximum casting distance and guide clearance, choose 8‑strand; for rough bottoms or heavy vegetation, select the more abrasion‑resistant 4‑strand.

Tying a knot reduces the tensile strength by up to ~40 % because the line is non‑stretch and stress concentrates at the knot. Therefore, minimize knots and use low‑loss connections such as a split‑link instead of traditional knots like the clove or Peters knot.