Any old-school angler will tell you which types of fishing lines are the best, and any new angler has no clue. While there are some other, more obscure lines out there, the market is dominated by three types of fishing lines.
There is monofilament line, fluorocarbon line, and braided line—all of which have their uses, advantages, and disadvantages. Some anglers may never use more than one because they only prefer one type of fishing.
For those who really get into it, however, knowing which line to use and when is incredibly helpful. We’ll cover the basics of each line, what its advantages and disadvantages are, and when you should consider using it.
Three Types of Fishing Line
Monofilament Line
The monofilament line has been a fishing stable for over half a century. Fluorocarbon is eating into the monofilament market, but it still dominates the sporting goods aisles. It’s the most common fishing line for first-time anglers and those who are learning the ropes or only fish casually.
Advantages and disadvantages
Monofilament is stretchy and holds up well under pressure, although it somewhat lacks abrasion resistance. It’s the perfect choice for light fishing and is more than capable of handling hard-fighting fish like pompano and redfish.
One of the best features of monofilament is its flexibility. It’s really easy to tie knots, even some of the more complicated knots for certain setups. One of its advantages is also a disadvantage, however. The stretchy aspect of the line often makes it difficult to detect a strike.
It’s also not the line of choice for bigger games, and it’s often easier for fish to see. Fish who spook easily are more likely to be dissuaded at the sight of monofilament in the water.
When to use it
Monofilament is perfect for fish who don’t spook easily and for lightweight fishing—less than a 10lbs test. It’s also great for complicated rigs when you have to tie a lot of complex knots. Monofilament makes good leaders or as a starter line on a spool, with a braided line or fluorocarbon tied in.
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Braided line
Braided line has really come into its own in recent years, becoming enormously popular with anglers of every stripe. If you’ve never used braided line before, it’s definitely worth a try. It offers fantastic abrasion resistance and superb casting capability.
Advantages and disadvantages
Braided line is the opposite of monofilament when it comes to stretch. Its lack of stretchiness is highly beneficial because you can feel everything on the line. New anglers will find that they quickly learn the difference between live bait jumping around and a light strike on the line.
It’s also very strong. Braided line is often used for big game, and it’s long been in use for shark fishing. Anglers will get the most out of it with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader because this is where the disadvantages of braid kick in.
It’s difficult to tie knots with because the material tends to slip, especially when you’re trying to work a more complicated knot. It’s also very visible—more so than monofilament.
When to use it
If you prefer to have a heightened awareness of light strikes or are going after bigger fish (something that requires a 60lb or 80lb test), a braided line is your go-to option. If the disadvantages are especially bothersome, it’s nothing to add a six-foot leader of your line of choice.
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Fluorocarbon Line
Fluorocarbon is the newest of the bunch and it’s fairly popular in its own right. It’s not as stretchy as monofilament, but it does have a small degree of elasticity. This makes it a good choice as a leader on a braided line.
Advantages and disadvantages
Fluorocarbon is harder than monofilament and fairly abrasion resistant. Originally, fluorocarbon was too hard, making it nearly useless to spool on a reel. Now, manufacturers have toned that down.
Its biggest advantage is its invisibility underwater and it lacks the buoyancy of monofilament, making it very useful in specific fishing situations. Like braided lines, it’s more difficult to tie knots with. Since it doesn’t absorb water, it has more longevity than braided or mono.
As technology advances, fluorocarbon is becoming more of the main line item, rather than using it in a supplemental position as a leader.
When to use it
Fluorocarbon is wasted on surface lures since it sinks rapidly, but its near invisibility is great for fish that spook easily, and crappie anglers swear by it. It’s very useful for trolling since it will keep the lure lower in the water column.
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Bottom Line
When it comes to fishing, every little thing has its uses. Fishing line perhaps more than anything else. It’s a lot more varied now than it was even 15 years ago. Where anglers once had to weigh their lines down to troll on a lower water column, fluorocarbon negates that.
There are also useful combinations, like fluorocarbon leaders on braided lines. It gives you the invisible line you need, without sacrificing the feel of both the lure and light strikes. Monofilament is great for light fishing and beginners, while the other two fill in the necessary voids.
Braided line is probably the most versatile, although a light test is almost like dealing with fine strands of hair. Each type of line has its advantages and disadvantages, but thanks to the availability and innovations of all three, there is a place in your tackle box for all of them.
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