Fishing lines are a significantly critical component of a fisherman's fishing arsenal. Lines play a critical role in whether you are able to catch your dream fish since both rods and reels provide the platform, and lines do all the heavy lifting of tethering both the angler and his fish. With abundant variations of fishing lines in materials, strengths, weights, and colors, we shall break them down one-by-one so that when you have finished reading this guide, you will know exactly what line will work the best for your preferred fishing setup.
Monofilament Fishing Lines
Monofilament has been the standard for catching blue marlin and bluegill for a very long time. They are usually made of a single strand of nylon or other synthetic materials. Monofilaments have decent strength, but their stretchability is moderate. Its moderate stretchability makes it a decent shock absorber for the rigorous pulls of a fighting fish.
They have fair abortion resistance, but it does weaken over time when it consistently gets exposed to water and sunlight. These lines come in various colors, but some might be more or less visible underwater.
Pros
• Versatile and suitable for a wide range of fishing applications. • Flexibility allows for excellent knot strength. • Less visible to fish compared to types of fishing line.
Cons
• Stretchability reduces sensitivity, making it more challenging to detect subtle bites or changes in bottom structure. • Less abrasion-resistant than some other types of fishing line. • Tendency to retain memory, which can result in casting and handling issues, as well as decreased casting distance.
Watch the monofilament fishing line in action on "Pro Tip - Dowriggers and Fly Rods" on Nuts & Bolts of Fishing S3.
Braided Fishing Lines
Braids have recently become popular among many fishing enthusiasts since they have little to no stretch, thus making them ideal to "feel" the fish even in the deep sea. Braids are usually made of multiple synthetic strands woven together. They are known for their exceptional tensile strength.
Braided lines also have superb abortion resistance, making them ideal for fishing in heavy cover. They generally have low buoyancy, thus making them ideal for top-water fishing. Braids are incredibly visible due to their vibrant colors, thus making them easier to track underwater.
Pros
• Superb Casting Distance. • Minimal stretch provides excellent sensitivity. • Long-lasting and Durable.
Cons
• More expensive than monofilament and fluorocarbon. • Smooth texture makes it slippery and difficult to knot. • Prone to forming wind knots or loops when casting.
Watch braided fishing line in action on "Pro Tip - Get Double Duty from Braided Line" on Nuts & Bolts of Fishing S3.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
Fluorocarbon line is rather a new entry in the ever-growing market of fishing lines. Fluorocarbons are made of a special polymer known as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). What makes fluorocarbons distinct from braided and monofilament fishing lines is their invisibility since they have a similar refractive index to water, thus increasing the chances of getting a fish baited.
Fluorocarbons also let fishermen feel the bite of the fish due to their increased sensitivity. They also feature high abortion resistance, thus making them suitable to be used in rocky fishing areas. Since fluorocarbons are denser than water, they sink fast, making them ideal for deep-sea fishing.
Pros
• Nearly Invisible underwater. • Minimal stretch compared to monofilament line. • High abrasion resistance.
Cons
• Highly visible above water due to its refractive properties. • Increased stiffness makes it difficult to knot. • Low stretch can potentially lead to hook pulls or line breakage.
What to Consider When Looking for Fishing Lines
1) Line Strength
The strength of a fishing line is the single most important factor when choosing your preferred line, as your catch depends on the sturdiness of the line. The strength of a fishing line is measured in pounds. By line strength, we mean how much weight a fishing line can endure before it breaks.
The most sturdy fishing line is the braided one, boasting a strength of 70 to 80 pounds. Monofilament is the least strong, enduring only 12 to 15 pounds. Line diameter also impacts the sturdiness of a fishing line. Lines with a thicker diameter hold more endurance than thinner lines.
2) Color
Line colors determine the scope of visibility you want to target, depending on different water conditions. Low-visible colors are preferred in clear waters since seeing them is clear and easy.
Colors with greater visibility, like yellow and neon green, are ideal for either nighttime fishing or fishing in murkier water since such vibrant colors assist in assessing the movement of the line, thus serving as a signal to see whether the fish has taken the bait or not.
3) Fishing Techniques
Different fishing techniques require the selection of different fishing lines. For instance, if you intend to target a fish in top water, monofilament is a no-brainer. However, if you are in search of largemouth bass that dwell deep underwater, you'll need a line that can sink deep, like braids or fluorocarbons.
Conclusion
Fishing lines are vital for catching fish, and understanding their variations is crucial for selecting the right line. Monofilament lines offer decent strength but may hinder bite detection. Braided lines provide exceptional strength and sensitivity but can be challenging to knot. Fluorocarbon lines offer invisibility, sensitivity, and sinking capabilities. Consider factors like line strength, color visibility, and fishing techniques when choosing a line for optimal success.
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