Selecting the right fishing line matters more than most anglers realize. Different line types serve different purposes. Understanding the options helps you make better choices.
Monofilament
Mono stretches, floats, and handles easily. The stretch absorbs shock from hooksets and fighting fish. Floating helps topwater presentations. It’s forgiving, affordable, and works for most applications. Start here if you’re new.
Fluorocarbon
Fluoro is nearly invisible underwater. It sinks, has less stretch than mono, and resists abrasion. Clear water and finicky fish benefit from fluorocarbon’s stealth. The stiffness makes casting harder but transmits sensitivity better.
Braided Line
Braid has zero stretch and incredible strength for its diameter. Thin braid casts far and cuts through vegetation. No stretch means instant hooksets. The visibility makes leaders necessary in clear water but sensitivity is unmatched.
Matching Line to Application
Crankbaits fish well on mono – the stretch prevents tearing trebles out of mouths. Finesse presentations need fluoro’s invisibility. Heavy cover calls for braid’s strength. One line doesn’t handle everything optimally.
Pound Test Selection
Heavier line handles bigger fish and thicker cover but sacrifices casting distance and subtlety. Light line goes farther and fools wary fish but breaks more easily. Match strength to your target and conditions.
Line Maintenance
All lines weaken over time from sun exposure and abrasion. Check line regularly and respool before problems develop. Losing fish to old line is entirely preventable. Fresh line is cheap insurance.
Leader Options
Combining main line with leaders gives you benefits of both. Braid to fluoro covers distance casting with invisible presentation. The connection point is the weak link – learn to tie proper leader knots.
