The Unsung Hero of Your Setup: Fishing Line Explained
I’ve got the rods and reels paired up in the garage for tomorrow’s trip, but the job’s not done until I’ve spooled them with the right line. Think of your line like the tires on a truck. You wouldn’t use racing slicks to go mudding, and you wouldn’t use big mud tires for a highway road trip. The line you choose is just as important as the lure you tie on, and using the right one for the situation is critical.
Monofilament Fishing Line: The Old Standby
Monofilament, or “mono,” is a single strand of nylon. It’s the classic line most of us grew up with.
Pros & Cons of Monofilament
Pros: It has stretch, which is very forgiving on hooksets. It floats, making it ideal for topwater lures. It’s also very affordable and easy to manage. Cons: The stretch makes it less sensitive, and it’s thicker than other lines at the same strength.
When to Use Monofilament
It’s the perfect line for beginners. It’s also my top choice for topwater fishing and for crankbaits, where a little stretch helps keep treble hooks pinned.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line: The Invisible Leader
“Fluoro” is made from a material that has a light-refractive index very similar to water, making it nearly invisible to fish.
Pros & Cons of Fluorocarbon
Pros: It’s virtually invisible, has very little stretch (making it sensitive), and is extremely abrasion-resistant. Cons: It’s stiff, which can make it hard to manage on spinning reels, and it’s more expensive. It also sinks, which is bad for topwater lures.
When to Use Fluorocarbon
Use it in clear water conditions, for finesse techniques, and anytime you’re fishing around sharp rocks or wood. It’s also the best material for a “leader.”
Braided Fishing Line: The Super Line
Braid is made of multiple strands of synthetic fibers woven together. It’s a high-performance super line.
Pros & Cons of Braid
Pros: It has zero stretch, providing incredible sensitivity. It’s extremely strong for its diameter, so you can cast farther. It also cuts through vegetation like a knife. Cons: It’s highly visible to fish, has no stretch (which can rip hooks out), and requires a special knot to attach a leader.
When to Use Braid (and the Braid-to-Leader Knot)
Use braid when you’re fishing in heavy grass or other vegetation. Its strength and cutting power are unmatched. Because it’s visible, you should almost always attach a 3-6 foot “leader” of fluorocarbon or monofilament to the end using a knot like the Double Uni or FG Knot.
Captain Sal’s Recommendation for Beginners
Keep it simple: start with 8-10 lb monofilament line. It’s the most versatile, forgiving, and affordable option. As you advance, you can start experimenting with braid and fluorocarbon for specific techniques.
Choosing the right line completes the holy trinity of rod, reel, and line that we introduce in our Beginner’s Guide to Fishing Gear.
-Captain Sal
