Each fishing line is suitable for specific fishing conditions. All anglers must know when to use which one so that they have a successful fishing trip. We are going to be discussing the main types of fishing lines available to beginner fishermen as well as the pros and cons of each.
What Is a Fishing Line?
A fishing line is a long, threaded material usually made of silk, wire or nylon and is used along with a fishing rod to reel in fish after catching them. It is available in different materials and strengths and is used in different environments.
Monofilament Fishing Line
This is commonly just called mono too, and is the most common and basic of all of the fishing lines. It is made out of nylon and is a single, continuous filament. If it is not twisted, it is smooth and stretchy and is an excellent all-around fishing line. It also floats which has its pros and cons depending on how you’d like to use it.
A monofilament fishing line can be used on a bait caster reel or a spinning reel and is most suitable for inshore, nearshore, off a pier, or freshwater fishing. This fishing line is less expensive than the others and is affordable and easily available as well as being easy to tie knots with. This monofilament fishing line here is popular amongst anglers fishing for smaller game.
Braided Fishing Line
This is also made from nylon or Dacron and other synthetic plastic fibers. It is more commonly used to fish larger species as it is stronger than a monofilament. This line doesn’t have any stretch and the fisherman can feel every pull on the line by the fish.
This is more commonly used in saltwater for fish like sharks, large tuna, large kingfisher, or marlin. If you are looking for a line that has some stretch to fish salmon that’s soft-mouthed, this isn’t your ideal fishing line.
Despite the small diameter, it is strong, and more can be accommodated on a spool. You can also cast it farther away and it sinks faster without breaking in direct sunlight. If you are looking for a braided fishing line, this one by KastKing SuperPower is a fan favorite.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
A fluorocarbon fishing line is also extruded in a single strand like a monofilament but is more tightly packed making the line heavier and denser as compared to nylon. Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is the material usually used to make a fluorocarbon fishing line.
Because of its weight, it sinks easily and is ideal for bottom fishing, like bottom bouncing and jigging. The fact that it has a very slight stretch makes it ideal for trolling. These lines are usually used as leaders which helps increase your chances of keeping your fish on the line after hooking it without used up an entire spool of line.
Fluorocarbon fishing lines are almost invisible to the fish and are very sensitive so you can feel every tug on them. A personal favorite is this fluorocarbon fishing line by KastKing FluoroKote.
Final Thoughts
Each of these fishing lines is suitable in different environments and you should invest in them based on the game you are fishing for.