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Written By David A. Rose
Updated Feb 9, 2023 9:35 AM
Having the best fishing line is often the most overlooked piece of the fishing-paraphernalia puzzle, yet, it’s definitely the most important item in any angler’s arsenal. After all, it’s the only connection between you and your catch.
While there’s no one type or brand to fit all scenarios, there are certain criteria to consider before spooling up. Maximum softness and stretch with monofilament (mono), little stretch of fluorocarbon (fluoro), or the nearly no stretch of braid are all crucial considerations. Soft and subtle verses being abrasion-resistant are other opinions to ponder.
Every fish species is diverse, coming in all shapes, sizes, and behaviors; thus, the characteristics of fishing lines are also varied. From being able to hall a hefty fish from dense structure, to using light line so sensitive you can feel a fish swipe and miss your bait. Then there are the times it’s best going into stealth mode, finessing fish with line that’s nearly invisible to a fish’s eyes. On the other hand, brightly-colored fishing lines are important, too, aiding anglers in seeing subtle strikes by a mere twitch of the line. Other times, however, it’s best to use a fishing line that’s as camouflaged as can be.
- Best Mono: Berkley Trilene XL
- Best Braid: Seaguar Smackdown
- Best for Saltwater: Momoi Hi-Catch Diamond
- Best for Bass: PowerPro
- Best for Crappie: Seaguar INVIZX 100% Fluorocarbon
- Best for Trout: Sufix Siege
- Best for Walleye: Sufix 832 Advanced Superline
How We Chose The Best Fishing Lines
As a fishing guide and outdoor writer that has fished from the Arctic Circle to Central Mexico and all points in-between, the amount of fishing line I have spooled and unspooled in my life would be a staggering number. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a brand and type that I haven’t tried. I’ve also been blessed to fish alongside an amazing list of professional anglers, hearing their reasons for the fishing line they prefer for different situations.
Here are some of the factors I used to make my selections:
- Durability: Nobody wants a fishing line that’s a one-and-done deal. Toughness, tensile strength, consistency, and longevity were all considered for the fishing lines that made the grade.
- Handling Characteristics: How stiff a line is directly affects its handling characteristics. I chose supple lines to minimize memory for excellent casting performance, but didn’t sacrifice durability to do so.
- Brand: It wasn’t just how long a company has been in business, but if they are innovators. There’s an overwhelming amount of fishing lines on the market today; some manufactures, however, have truly changed the face of sportfishing. I selected lines from reputable manufacturers that have proven themselves on the water for a long time.
- Price: Do you always get what you pay for? When it comes to fishing line, that tends to be the case. Some lines are surprisingly inexpensive, however, for a high-quality product, you pay a little more. I chose lines that offered value, but not at the expense of quality.
The Best Fishing Lines: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Mono: Berkley Trilene XL
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Why It Made the Cut: Berkley Trilene XL is the best mono fishing line on the market and also the most forgiving. Originally introduced in 1972, it has stood the test of time.
Key Features
- Pound Test Ratings: 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 17-, 20-, 25-, 30-pounds
- Capacity: 110-, 250-, 270-, 300-, 330-, 1000-, 2300-, 2600-, 3000-yards
- Colors: Clear, Fluorescent Clear/Blue, Low-Vis Green
Pros
- Rarely kinks
- Excellent knot strength
- Great for novice and avid anglers alike
Cons
- Knicks and scuffs easily
- Less sensitive
This is the oldest fishing line brand tested. The “XL” on this Trilene label stands for “Extra Limp”, which means it’s super soft for smooth casting, no matter what style of reel. The modern-day formula’s made this line even more subtle, yet, stronger than the original. It’s also improved its knot strength by 20 percent, and has 50 percent greater strength when wet.
To boot, being 20 percent more flexible nowadays makes this line a great choice when teaching kids to cast, as it takes a lot of wear and tear before it kinks. While a good line for all reel styles, it’s manageability on spinning reels is most noticeable.
Best Braid: Seaguar Smackdown
Why It Made the Cut: This silky-smooth line is great for making pinpoint-accurate casts. Its slippery nature and fine diameter allow Seaguar Smackdown to cut through vegetation with ease.
Key Features
- Pound Test Ratings: 10-, 15-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 65-pound
- Capacity: 150-yards
- Colors: Gray, Flash Green
Pros
- Seldom catches within a spool when casting
- Slices through weeds with ease
- Rarely needs replacing
Cons
- Takes a lot to fill a spool
- Expensive
Smackdown, the best braid fishing line is used in both fresh- and saltwater applications, and there is no discrepancy in wear and tear in either. When fished over rock piles and along jetties with barnacle-covered boulders, as well in waterways laden with timber, the abrasion resistance is noticeably top-notch.
This braid’s manufactured with eight ultra-thin micro-weave strands in a perfectly round shape, which has it coming off a reel’s spool smoothly. It was strikingly quieter than other braids as it slapped along a spinning reel spool’s lip during a cast, as well when running through guides on any rod. The tensile strength is outstanding for such a thin-diameter braid, with 10-pound test—the lightest offered for this brand—having the same diameter as 2-pound-test mono. It’s all the aforementioned that allows a lure to be placed with pinpoint accuracy with this braid.
Best for Saltwater: Momoi Hi-Catch Diamond
Why It Made the Cut: Momoi Hi-Catch Diamond, the best fishing line for saltwater is the most multipurpose line available for nearly all saltwater applications. It offers excellent strength to diameter ratio, with exceptional abrasion resistance.
Key Features
- Pound Test Ratings: 12-, 16-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 60-, 80-, 100-, 130-, 200-pound
- Capacity: 1000-yd, 3000-yd, 4-, 5- and 10-lb spools
- Colors: High-Vis Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Diamond Super Clear, Orange Crush
Pros
- Inexpensive compared to braid or fluoro
- Outstanding abrasion resistance
- Strongest mono with the same diameter as others
Cons
- Replace more often due to sunlight/UV damage
- Difficult hooksets in deep water
Being one of the thinnest monos on the market means you can load up a reel with quite a few extra yards of Momoi line, which surf anglers or anglers wanting to use smaller fishing reels than the norm appreciate.
The abrasion resistance of Momoi is a plus when fishing off piers and jetties; fish can wrap around a bolder or pillar, and there’s still a good chance of landing it over other monos. The line’s tinsel strength is up to 200% more than mono lines of the same diameter. Besides the fact mono floats, Hi-Catch Diamond’s softness also makes it a good choice for top-water fishing in inshore areas.
Best for Bass: PowerPro
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Why It Made the Cut: PowerPro’s ability to pull big fish from the heaviest cover while using some of bass fishing’s most popular ploys, like pitching jigs and frogging, makes it the best fishing line for bass.
Key Features
- Pound-Test Ratings: 3-, 4- , 5- , 8- , 10- , 15- , 20- , 30- , 40- , 50- , 65- , 80- , 100- , 150- , 200- , 250-pound
- Capacity: 100-, 150-, 300-, 500-,1500-, 3000-yards
- Colors: Moss Green, Hi-Vis Yellow, Vermilion Red, White
Pros
- Near zero stretch
- Extreme abrasion resistance
- Value priced braid
Cons
- Difficult to untangle backlashes
- Problematic to break when snagged
Unlike other brands that have an oval shape—which causes friction on the spool and rod guides—PowerPro’s braided Spectra Fiber, treated with their Enhanced Body Technology, gives this braid a super-round shape and smooth texture. This makes it easier to cast further into heavy cover a boat can’t reach.
With the drag cranked down, a fish can be turned and pulled out of thick cover that would certainly be a snaggy mess with mono or fluoro. The sensitivity of PowerPro makes it a great line for pitching up against standing timber as it’s easy to tell when a jig catches a limb, let alone telegraphing when a bass engulfs your bait. And when fishing lily pads and the like, baits are easily ripped free from the vegetation when caught up.
Best for Crappie: Seaguar INVIZX 100% Fluorocarbon
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Why It Made the Cut: Seaguar sets the standard for fluorocarbon lines. INVIZX is the best fishing line for crappie and the easiest casting fluorocarbon main line on the market.
Key Features
- Pound Test Ratings: 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-,12-, 15-, 17-, 20-, 25-pound
- Capacity: 200-, 600-, 1000-yards
- Colors: Clear
Pros
- Low stretch
- Nearly invisible
- Good knot strength
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard for vision-challenged anglers to tie knots in lighter tests
Seaguar invented fluorocarbon—bringing it to market in 1971—and they are the only brand that makes fluorocarbon lines and leaders from beginning to end, without any outside companies involved. This level of control over the manufacturing process translates to high quality in the finished product.
INVIZX 100% Fluorocarbon is impervious to UV rays, so it doesn’t have to be changed out as often as mono. Fluorocarbon’s inherent properties make it versatile. It sits perfectly vertical under a bobber due to its density, and its softness makes it a great line for casting tiny jigs and trolling small crankbaits. And with a refractive index similar to water, it all but disappears.
Best for Trout: Sufix Siege
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Why It Made the Cut: Suffix Siege, the best fishing line for trout stays nearly nick-free when fishing the rock- and log-infested waters trout live, so you can cover water with confidence.
Key Features
- Pound Test Rating: 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 17-, 20-pound
- Capacity: 250-, 330-, 3000-yards
- Colors: Clear, Smoke Green, Neon Tangerine, Camo
Pros
- Offered in camouflage for concealment
- Very little line twist
- Economically priced
Cons
- Harder to set the hook with larger lures due to stretch
Slightly stiffer than some brands due to its outer coating for abrasion resistance—which is up to 15 times more than others in this category—Siege is very sensitive for mono. This makes it a great choice for feeling a hit when dabbling live bait and casting hardware in rivers and streams with heavy cover.
Right after spooling up with new line, it’s noticeable there’s very little memory due to the manufacturer’s exclusive G² Precision Winding, where the line is level-wound onto the manufacturer’s spool. This nearly eliminates line coiling off a spinning reel’s spool when opening the bail. The G² Precision Winding also eradicates flat spots, as well rolling and chaffs that can occur when spooled otherwise.
Its high tensile strength stands up to the tug of a trout when being pulled out from a log jam or undercut bank, and there’s a good chance you’ll get your lure back if you happen to snag a tree branch.
Best for Walleye: Sufix 832 Advanced Superline
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Why It Made the Cut: The tight weave of Sufix’s 832 Advanced Superline makes it easy to achieve long casts with the lightest of lures.
Key Features
- Pound Test Rating: 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 17-, 20-pounds
- Capacity: 250-, 330-, 3000-yards
- Colors: Clear, Smoke, Green, Neon Tangerine, Camo
Pros
- Offered in light-pound tests
- Many color options
- Retains its color
Cons
- Specific knots for braid needed
832 Advanced Superline has one of the tightest weaves on the market, at 32 (pics) per inch, including seven HMPE fibers and one additional GORE Performance Fiber. This makes it easier to cast lightweight baits like jigs and crankbaits a long way to areas where fickle walleyes roam without spooking them. The tight weave also steps up its abrasion resistance.
The advantage of the Gore strand within this braid helps it absorb less water (hydrophobic water-repellent protection) than other brands. This lets you cast the same distance on the last cast of the day as you did on the first. And unlike some other brands, TPG Technology enhances color retention, nipping dye fading in the bud.
Things to Consider Before Buying Fishing Line
Where and what you’re fishing for have a big effect on the type of line you choose. Take a look at the following factors to help you decide which line is right for you.
Type of Fish
You wouldn’t use the same line for marlin that you do for crappie. Generally speaking, the bigger a fish is, the more power it has. Select lower pound tests for panfish, and heavier lines for larger predators. The type of cover that you’ll find a species of fish in also plays into this, as you’ll want the added strength to pull fish out of stump fields or rockpiles before they can break you off. In these instances, you may want the lower-stretch qualities of a braided line. But note that braid is usually not as abrasion-resistant as fluorocarbon or monofilament.
Water Clarity
Determine what type of water you’ll be fishing in most. While most fishing lines can be used in both fresh and saltwater, the water’s turbidity should be contemplated beforehand. Is the water clear enough that fish use their eyesight to see and attack your offering? Then the invisibility of lighter-pound-test clear fluoro or camo mono might be your best bet. Perhaps the water’s so stained they have to rely on their lateral line to dial in? Then you can probably get away with a heavier, brightly-colored braid.
Techniques
Next, decide what techniques you’ll use most. Fishing off a dock or on shore with live bait, perhaps with kids? Then line that’s subtle and casts easily is a must. If you’re into casting and retrieving large artificial baits, on the other hand, fishing line that can handle the shock of a swift swimming fish attacking your lure should be considered.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does Fishing Line Really Cost?
Overall, the larger a bulk spool you buy, the less you’ll be paying per yard. Just make sure to keep unused line, no matter what kind, in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Another deliberation is the type of line you use. While mono costs less upfront, it needs to be changed out more often because it breaks down from sunlight exposure, as well as contact with chemicals such as Deet found in bug repellent. Fluorocarbon is more expensive, but is unaffected by sunlight. Thus it needs to be changed less often. And while braid can give you sticker shock at the checkout counter, it can last ten times longer than mono.
Q: What color fishing line is best?
The list of colors to choose from is long, but there are a couple general rules of thumb to contemplate, and that’s water clarity and how fast your presentation is. If you’re fishing stained water or ripping big baits through an area, you can get away with the brighter, easier-to-see lines. For techniques that require a slow presentation, the more invisible your line’s appearance, the more bites you’ll get.
Q: What is the best all-around fishing line?
Each type of line has its own set of attributes, so it’s difficult to pin down the “best” one. Generally, braided lines excel in instances where you want very little stretch, such as bottom fishing in extreme depths. Fluorocarbon lines disappear even in very clear water and offer excellent abrasion resistance. Monofilament lines are typically easy to handle, and provide a bit of stretch that can serve as a shock absorber to keep fish attached during a surging run.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fishing Lines
You may have the lightest, most sensitive, high-quality rod and reel known to the fishing world. But if you’re spooling it all up with cheesy line, you’d be better off giving up and heading for the fish market. After all, it’s the only link between you and a fish. Use the guide above to select the best fishing line for you and catch them up!
FAQs
What fishing line is better fluorocarbon or braid? ›
Braid combats line twist better than mono or fluoro, and if used in lighter pound tests, it will outcast them as well. That's why you see so many Elite Series pros using braid as their main line, even when drop-shotting finesse baits.
What line is better mono or fluorocarbon? ›Toughness—Fluorocarbon is more abrasion resistant than standard nylon monofilament of the same diameter. Plus, while the sun's harsh ultraviolet rays weaken nylon over time, fluorocarbon shrugs off UV with no ill-effects.
What is the best fishing line braid or mono? ›Mono line tends to be best for live bait fishing, trolling, and kite fishing. On the other hand, braided line works well for bottomfishing and jigging, fishing kelp, fishing structure, and casting plugs and lures.
What is the difference between Floro and mono? ›Fluoro has greater density, making it harder, stiffer and more abrasion resistant. With these three characteristics, you'd be sold on fluorocarbon any day of the week as they all contribute to the overall strength of the leader. Mono is less dense, absorbs water and is prone to abrasion damage.
What is the top rated fluorocarbon fishing line? ›1. Best Overall - Seaguar Invizx. If you're on the quest for the best fluorocarbon line that has lured in anglers in droves, then the Seaguar Invizx wraps up your search. It's the go-to option when you need to spool up sensitive, easy-casting, and clear fluorocarbon.
What color fishing line is best? ›Yellow. The high-vis yellow color is great for anglers who watch their line to detect bites. The bright color makes it easy to see from above and slight bites are easily noticed.
What is the strongest fishing line? ›Because it's the most opaque and visible of the line types, many anglers choose mono or fluoro in clear water. Because braid floats, it's a viable choice for floating lures. Because it's the strongest of the lines (by diameter), it's the obvious choice when fishing in extremely thick or coarse cover.
What is the best leader mono or fluoro? ›It all depends on what type of fishing you're doing and in what environment. A fluorocarbon leader is your best bet if you're fishing in clear water or targeting finicky fish. Still, a mono leader works fine if you're just out recreationally fishing.
What color braided line is best for fishing? ›Green or dark grey colored braided line will match the environment you are fishing in and still give you the visual reference needed to know where your line is. The truth is, if your line gets close to the fish, the fish will feel it in the water before they see it.
What is the strongest mono to braid knot? ›Generally speaking, the best knot to tie braid to mono leader is considered to be the Double Uni Knot. While the Double Uni Knot is one of the simplest line-to-line connections that can be used with two lines of relatively similar diameter, there are a few other knots that you may want to try in certain situations.
What are the 3 most popular types of fishing lines? ›
What Are the Three Main Types of Fishing Line? Anglers have three main options when it comes to fishing lines. They include monofilament lines, braided lines, and fluorocarbon lines. Depending on their unique characteristics, they are most effective for different fishing methods, tactics, and conditions.
Does fluorocarbon last longer than mono? ›There is no official answer for the life of these products, but we've compared estimates from various fishing publications and have gathered that monofilament has an average shelf life of two to three years, while fluorocarbon lines can last up to seven or eight years without losing its edge.
What is fluorocarbon line best for? ›Comments: Fluorocarbon makes up just over a quarter of the fishing line market. It excels in clear water applications and its low stretch and greater durability make it popular for hard hook sets and fishing in cover.
Why is fluorocarbon better than mono? ›Over the long term, fluorocarbon is extremely resistant to the elements as well, unlike monofilament. Overtime, U.V. rays, rain and humidity, and extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can cause monofilament to break down and lose strength. Fluorocarbon is much more resistant to these conditions over the long term.
What is the strongest knot for braid to fluorocarbon? ›The Double Uni Knot is the best and easiest knot to tie braided line and fluorocarbon together. Another reason to use a fluorocarbon leader is that it's made from a very durable material.
What is the best knot strength for fluorocarbon line? ›So, what is the best knot for fluorocarbon? Sunline recommends using the Tornado HH Knot. We recommend this knot for fluorocarbon because the knot strength of the Tornado HH knot is nearly 100 % of straight strength. Meaning the knot has the same tensile strength as the line.
What are the disadvantages of fluorocarbon? ›The drawbacks of fluorocarbon can be summed up in a single word: inflexible. This is essentially a hard line which is what makes it water and abrasion resistant. However, there can be several serious issues that derive from this that an angler must be aware of. The first of these issues is knot failure.
What is the thinnest and strongest braid? ›Hydra 8X fishing braid brings you the toughest yet thinnest diameter fishing braid the industry has ever seen. Offering zero stretches for increased sensitivity, superior knot strength, water-proofing, and UV resistance. We also use colorfast dye for better color retention compared to other braids.
What pound braided line should I use? ›General Rules for Braid
For freshwater, you should go with a 10 or 15 lb test. For saltwater, 30 or 50 lb test is standard.
Thin braids can last up to three months, which out of all the braid sizes, is the longest time without having to go back to the salon––a gift in and of itself. Because of the smaller parting sections, you have more access to your scalp, allowing you to wash and moisturize your hair more thoroughly.
What color fluorocarbon line is best? ›
In most scenarios, a clear fluorocarbon or monofilament line will be the safest and most reliable option. If your goal is to reduce the visibility of the line under the water, go with a clear line or a line color that blends with the water.
What color is easiest for fish to see? ›On one end of the spectrum, reds and oranges are most readily absorbed in water, so these colors are most visible in shallow water. Darker blues and purples penetrate the deepest. Yellow and greens are in between.
What lures are best for braided line? ›Braided Fishing Line
Although you can cast your topwater lures farther with monofilament, throwing surface lures such as buzz baits and plastic frogs on braided line is the best option because it floats well and has better hook-setting power since it has low stretch.
1. Monofilament Line. Advantages : Monofilament is the most popular type of fishing line and comes in a great variety of strengths and colors. Mono is less expensive than other lines, stretches to absorb shocks, is abrasion resistant, and uniformly round in cross section, which helps keep it neat on the spool.
What fishing line lasts the longest? ›Braid. Braided fishing line has the longest shelf life of all the line types. With a careful watch over it and some luck, braid could easily last you a decade.
What fishing line has no memory? ›Most braided lines have little memory and don't coil significantly on a spool. Nylon monofilament lines are especially prone to coiling, with cheap bulk products, and strong high-diameter lines, more likely to have significant memory.
What line is best for a leader? ›Heavy Monofilament and Fluorocarbon
Single-strand nylon monofilament line is familiar to most fishermen as basic fishing line. It also sold in formulas specifically designed for use as leaders with qualities such as extra abrasion resistance and clarity.
Although there's not an exact science for the ideal leader length, I typically use leaders between 13″ – 26″.
What is the best size for braided fishing line? ›It should roughly match the weight of the species you are fishing for (e.g. use line in the 30-pound test for tuna in the 30-pound range). A typical line to cast for trout would be 4-pound test. Consider braided line of 30-pound test or more if you go after large game fish.
Can fish see fluorocarbon line? ›Clear monofilament is a good choice if you are concerned about fish being able to see your line underwater. While the properties of fluorocarbon may make it less visible underneath the surface, clear monofilament works well in all situations.
When should you not use braided fishing line? ›
While braid lines' taut pressure is useful for wearing out smaller game, their lack of stretch makes them far less ideal for fighting bigger game like tuna or swordfish. If you're trying to catch a bite that's upward of 600-1,000 pounds, their strength can easily rip the line in two, damaging both the rig and the fish.
Do you need to soak braid before spooling? ›Braid does not need soaking like you do with mono prior to spooling up. Thread your braid through the eye on the but section of the rod. Double check that your spool is as far forward as possible. Tie a slip loop knot in your braid.
What is the best braid to swivel knot? ›The Trilene Knot, also known as the Two Turn Clinch Knot is great for tying line to snaps, swivels, hooks and lures.
What kind of fishing line sinks the best? ›For starters, understand that braids and monofilament float. Fluorocarbon sinks. With fluorocarbon, you're getting low visibility, thin diameter, and good sensitivity.
What line is best for topwater? ›For topwater braids, there is no better line than Sunline X-Plasma braided line, Asegai. The plasma coating on the line actually repels water so it does not get wet and sink. The line is super strong and very smooth. It ties great knots and leader knots.
What is the most versatile fishing line? ›Mono is the most versatile option and is likely the best choice for trolling. Fluorocarbon is similar to mono. It's abrasion-resistant and invisible but can be difficult to handle. Braid is sensitive and strong but not stretchy.
How often do you Respool fluorocarbon lines? ›Everyone I know who uses fluoro, uses them for leaders. However, if you are one of the few who spool entire reels with fluoro, given its characteristics, it is probably the line that needs to be refreshed most often—at least every year, if not twice a year.
How often should you Respool fluorocarbon? ›Most weekend anglers tend to change braid about once a year, fluorocarbon a few times a year, and monofilament about the same once or twice a year. Returning to the part about how much a lost fish would impact you, most anglers tend to change line out before a tournament.
Why does my fluorocarbon keep breaking? ›Fluorocarbon line will fracture if not fray as with monofilament. The hardness of the line makes it vulnerable to "cracking", however, and it is at these cracks that weak spots develop. These cracks can occur if a bass wraps your line around a rock, a dock pillar or any other object.
Can you use just fluorocarbon as a main line? ›For freshwater, fluorocarbon coated monofilament makes a great main line for many fish especially walleye and trout. The sensitivity allows you to feel bites better for walleye and helps your line remain undetectable to the highly aware trout. Fluorocarbon leader line makes the best low-visibility leaders.
What cast further braid or fluorocarbon? ›
Line material changes distance
A 30-pound braided fishing line throws a lot farther than a 20-pound fluorocarbon does. That sort of goes against the last rule but keep in mind a 30-pound braid has a smaller diameter and the material has less drag on the cast.
The Best Lures Use With Fluorocarbon
The line is also effective for fishing swimbaits, swim jigs, soft plastic jerkbaits and shaky head rigs. Fluorocarbon is the premier choice for all the popular finesse tactics including drop shot rigs, wacky rigged worms,Ned rigs, Neko Rigs, and tube baits.
The drawbacks of fluorocarbon can be summed up in a single word: inflexible. This is essentially a hard line which is what makes it water and abrasion resistant. However, there can be several serious issues that derive from this that an angler must be aware of. The first of these issues is knot failure.
Why not to use braided line? ›While braid lines' taut pressure is useful for wearing out smaller game, their lack of stretch makes them far less ideal for fighting bigger game like tuna or swordfish. If you're trying to catch a bite that's upward of 600-1,000 pounds, their strength can easily rip the line in two, damaging both the rig and the fish.
Why use fluorocarbon or braid? ›The fluorocarbon provides two more advantages.
Fluorocarbon is stiffer than braid, which will keep your bait from fouling on casts. This is especially important when casting in the wind or when using baits that tumble in the air. 5. The obvious advantage to fluorocarbon is its near invisibility in the water.
The stronger braid allows anglers to pull fish from structure quickly where mono might give the fish time and distance to wrap a few roots. Braid's sensitivity makes it a great line for working plugs and lures, particularly crank baits or spinner baits that have movement, and for bottom fishing.
Why does fluorocarbon line break so easily? ›Fluorocarbon line will fracture if not fray as with monofilament. The hardness of the line makes it vulnerable to "cracking", however, and it is at these cracks that weak spots develop. These cracks can occur if a bass wraps your line around a rock, a dock pillar or any other object.
How often should you change fluorocarbon fishing line? ›How Often Should You Change Fluorocarbon Lines? Fluorocarbon lines may be changed at least once a year, though they can last much longer: Heavy fishers should change it up to 3 times a year. Moderate fishers can change it 1 to 2 times a year.
What is the best color fishing line to use? ›Yellow. The high-vis yellow color is great for anglers who watch their line to detect bites. The bright color makes it easy to see from above and slight bites are easily noticed.
What knot is best for braided line? ›Palomar Knot: Because the line is doubled over when passed through the eye of the hook, the Palomar knot is often considered to be the best terminal knot to use with braided line.
What is 20 lb braid mono equivalent to? ›
For example, you can buy 20lb test Power Pro braided fishing line at a diameter of . 009” which is equivalent to 6lb mono at the same diameter.
Which fishing line sinks best? ›Fluorocarbon sinks ~2.5x faster than monofilament. This matters more if you're using one of these as a main line, but probably not as much if you're using one of them for just leader material with braided line for your main line.
How strong is 30lb braided line? ›Among the questions I sought to answer: How strong is each of these lines? That is, each is rated as “30-pound” test, but in fact, almost none break at that claimed strength. In fact, as the results show, one 30-pound line broke as high as 66.8 pounds.
How strong is 10lb braided fishing line? ›10-lb Braid Strength. After several knot strength tests, the FG knot tied to 20lb leader using 5lb braid held up to 11lbs of pressure. This is plenty of pulling structure to handle fish on the flats or open water. On the other hand, 10lb braid tied with 20lb leader held up to 20lbs of pressure.