Does expensive always mean better? Sometimes it does, sometimes it’s just a gimmick. Every line has advantages and disadvantages, before you string up your reels make sure you do your research. The wrong fishing line can be the difference between a trophy picture and a picture of the sunset on social media!

Monofilament

Monofilament fishing line is a type of fishing line made from a single strand of material, typically nylon, which is known for its strength, flexibility, and sensitivity. Monofilament line is used by many anglers for its versatility and ease of use and is suitable for a wide range of fishing techniques and applications.

There are several benefits of using monofilament fishing line, including:

• Sensitivity: Monofilament line provides good sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel even the slightest bites and nibbles from fish.
• Stretch: Monofilament line has a certain amount of stretch, which can be beneficial in absorbing shock and reducing the chances of losing the fish.
• Versatility: Monofilament line is versatile and can be used for various types of fishing, including freshwater, saltwater, and big game fishing.
• Affordability: Monofilament line is typically less expensive than other types of fishing lines, making it an economical choice for anglers.
• Knot strength: Monofilament line can be easily tied into strong knots, making it a reliable choice for securing lures and hooks.

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon fishing line is a type of fishing line made from a material that is composed of fluoropolymer resin. Fluorocarbon line is known for its low visibility, high sensitivity, and high abrasion resistance, making it a popular choice for anglers who need a strong and stealthy line for fishing. Fluorocarbon line is often used as a leader material or for fishing in clear water, as it is less visible to fish than other types of fishing line, such as monofilament.

The benefits of using a fluorocarbon fishing line include:

• Low visibility: Fluorocarbon line has a refractive index that is similar to water, making it less visible to fish.
• High abrasion resistance: Fluorocarbon line is durable and resistant to abrasion, making it a good choice for fishing in heavy cover or around rocks and other obstacles.
• High sensitivity: Fluorocarbon line transmits vibrations well, allowing anglers to feel even the slightest bites and nibbles.
• High knot strength: Fluorocarbon line has high knot strength, so it is less likely to break when tied into knots.
• Sink rate: Fluorocarbon line sinks faster than monofilament line, making it a good choice for fishing in deep water or for fishing with baits that require a fast sink rate.
• Diameter consistency: Fluorocarbon line has a consistent diameter, making it less likely to twist or coil, and providing a more controlled, stable presentation of the bait or lure.

Braid

Braid fishing line is a type of fishing line made from multiple strands of braided materials, typically Spectra or Dyneema, which are known for their strength, sensitivity, and low stretch properties. Braid line is known for its high strength-to-diameter ratio, which means that anglers can use a smaller diameter line that still has the strength to handle larger fish. Braid line is often used by anglers who want a line that provides good sensitivity, allowing them to feel the lightest bites, and a fast retrieve, as it has minimal stretch. Additionally, braid line is popular for fishing in heavy cover and around rocks and other obstacles, as it is less likely to break than monofilament or fluorocarbon lines.

• Sensitivity: Braid fishing line has a thin diameter and high sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest bites or nibbles.
• Strength: Braid fishing lines have high tensile strength and can handle a lot of weight and pressure, making them ideal for catching large fish species.
• No Stretch: Braid has almost no stretch, which makes it easier to detect bites, set hooks, and feel the bottom structure, leading to more successful hook sets and fewer missed fish.
• Durability: Braid fishing lines are made of strong and durable fibers that resist abrasion and have a longer lifespan than monofilament lines.
• Versatility: Braid fishing lines are suitable for a variety of fishing styles and techniques, including spinning, trolling, and baitcasting.
• Low visibility: Braid lines have a small diameter and low visibility in the water, making it less likely for fish to be scared off or spooked.

Benefits of using a leader

Using a leader while fishing has several benefits, including:

• Tension control: A leader helps to control the tension on the fishing line, allowing for a more natural presentation of the bait or lure.
• Knot protection: A leader protects the knot that connects the fishing line to the hook or lure from being damaged by rocks, logs, or other obstacles in the water.
• Bite detection: A leader provides a visible separation between the fishing line and the bait, making it easier to detect when a fish bites.
• Line visibility: A leader can help reduce the visibility of the fishing line in the water, making it less likely to scare off fish.
• Abrasion resistance: A leader can also help to protect the fishing line from abrasion and other damage that can occur when fishing in rough or rocky conditions.

Does line color matter when fishing

The color of fishing line can matter when fishing in certain conditions, such as:

• Water clarity: In clear water, a low-visibility line, such as green or blue, can help reduce the visibility of the line to fish, making it less likely to scare them off. In murky or stained water, a high-visibility line, such as yellow or orange, can make it easier for the angler to see the line.
• Light conditions: In bright sunlight, a low-visibility line may be less visible to the angler, so a high-visibility line can be used to make it easier to see the line. In low-light conditions, a low-visibility line can be preferred to reduce the amount of light reflection and glare.
• Species targeted: Some species of fish are more sensitive to light than others and may be more likely to be scared off by a high-visibility line.

Ultimately, the choice of fishing line color will depend on the specific fishing conditions and the species of fish being targeted. Experienced anglers may also have personal preferences or habits when it comes to the color of their fishing line. 

Some of the negative effects of high visibility lines can be reduced by using a lower visibility leader such as fluorocarbon. 

Final Thoughts

With all the different types of fishing lines on the market, it is hard to tell which ones work and which ones are a gimmick. Sometimes experience is the only way to tell. Using different leaders on a main line is a good way to get some of the benefits of both lines but you will also lose some. Comfort, style of fishing, and species of fish will all make a difference in which set up is best.