3 Popular Types of Fishing Lines: Monofilament, Braided, Fluorocarbon
A pro level fishing largely depends on the gears in use. One of the major gears is the fishing line that should be picked thoughtfully, depending on the type of fishing you are indulged in.
Well technically, it doesn’t matter whether you are aiming for tuna offshore or simply going in for Bass in the close-by pond, the line should be strong and performance-centric.
It should be able to bear the weight of the fish because the whole experience will be jeopardized if in the middle of the fishing escapade, your line strikes out.
Well, this post is curated to help you understand about different fishing lines and how they will enhance your experience.
Characteristics of a Fishing Line
You first need to know about the different characteristics of a highly dependable fishing line. Let’s take a look:
1. Memory
Memory is the tendency of a line to hold back its shape when you pull it. You have to see if the line curls up or stay straight. The line which tends to kink or knot when you reel it. This will also affect the presentation and make it very difficult to cast.
2. Stretch
Lines with stretch helps in keeping the tension better, especially when the fish fights back. However, the drawback is that it makes less precision and hook setting also becomes difficult.
3. Abrasion Resistance
A little of abrasion is inevitable, no matter where you go to fish. Sometimes it is the rocks that cuts off the line. Therefore, it should be abrasion-resistant and should have the tendency to tackle scratches in a better way.
4. Visibility
Lines with high visibility are less likely to catch fish. That is why, people prefer low-visibility lines, mostly transparent so that the fish couldn’t determine the trap and it could become easy to catch them. You can also go with the colored lines considering the water’s shade and to match the depth.
5. Buoyancy
Some lines are better at sinking while others float. Both the lines are useful in different circumstances. The floating line is better for top water fishing and the ones that sink are better for deep-water fishing.
Types of Fishing Lines
1. Monofilament
Photo: ne-fishing.co.uk
Monofilament is among the oldest and most reliable options when it comes to fishing lines. It is a single thread line made of plastic of nylon that stretches out and available in a tube.
Mono is available since the 30’s and is among the most trusted lines. We cannot claim it to be high-tech but it is definitely something that will suit everyone’s distinctive needs. Due to its variant colors and material, this line is best suited for saltwater fishing.
It is better at shock-absorption and abrasion-resistance. Also, it is pretty easy to tie knots. Overall, this is all-purpose fishing line on which you can depend without any major concerns in mind.
Please note that mono is a perfect line to start with the fishing. If you are a beginner then this line will cut a lot of slack for you, making fishing a lot more fun then you had expected.
Recommended Product: KastKing Durablend
Pros:
Cons:
2. Braided
The braided fishing line is also made of synthetic plastic fibers like nylon and other specialty materials like Dacron. The major difference between mono and braided is that the latter is far more durable and commonly used for heavyweight fish species.
It was early 1900s when braided lines entered the market and replaced horsehair lines. Earlier these were made of a variety of material like silk, cotton, linen. However, these days, the material is changed to synthetic. Since there is no stretch in this material, you won’t be able to feel the movement of fish a lot.
It is suitable for saltwater fishing like offshore trolling for soft-mouthed fish such as salmon. Avoid it for the fishing where some stretch is utterly required.
Recommended Product: PowerPro MicroLine
Pros:
Cons:
3. Fluorocarbon
Photo: tackleexpress.com
Just like monofilament, the fluorocarbon line is also extruded in similar single strand. However, the molecules in it are more densely packed. Therefore, you can notice the line to be more durable and heavier in size.
There are a lot of compounds contributing to make a successful fluorocarbon line like the organics are made of fluorine, carbon, chlorine and synthetics are made of hydrocarbons.
The fluorocarbons are exceedingly great at sinking so these can be used for bottom level fishing. However, since there is minimal stretch, you should probably stay clear from trolling.
It is also commonly used as leader material considering that it is completely invisible and abrasion resistant and makes an ideal complement to braid.
Recommended Product: KastKing FluoroKote
Pros:
Cons:
4. Others
Well, except from these three prime fishing lines, there are a few others available on the market that users can consider for a purchase.
There is wire fishing line as a highly competitive leader material for toothy fish. It is available in braided as well as single thread versions. It can also be used for trolling when you have to fish from deeper levels.
Then there is fly-fishing line which is heavier than other lines and will require similar strength of fly rod It is available in different breaking strengths and can be used as a perfect option for heavy-duty leader material.
Conclusion
Well, if you see, there is no definite best fishing line out there because every individual style has some pros and cons related to them. So, to sum it up, if you are a beginner then go with mono as it is more generous and flexible.
If you need to catch heavy fish then braided is the option for you. At last, to keep it between, go with the fluorocarbon for small as well as large game species.
More than any advice, it will come down to what suit your need. However, you won’t be able to make a decision based on your experience unless you haven’t spent many years in trying to whirl your head around the subject.
Sources
- Different Types of Fishing Line Explained - FishingBooker
- Types of Fishing Lines - Van Isle Marina
- Types of Fishing Line - Take Me Fishing
