We’ve talked a lot about fishing line in various articles – when to rewind, when to re-spool and what weight line to use. We should discuss the various line types that are available to the fisherman, and the pros and cons of each type and line so peoplehave a better understanding of the lines.
Let’s begin with Braided/Superline. This line is manufactured from several high-tech chemicals either woven together (braided) or fused together (Superline). They both share the same characteristics: very small diameter line, virtually no line stretch, super knot strength and lack of memory in the line. This produces an extremely strong line that is very thin. The downside: it’s hard to cut when tying knots, it will wear through the guides on fishing rods, and destroy fishing reels where the drag is set too tight.
Then we have Monofilament line (Trilene, Pro-Line, or Stren). This is the oldest and still the most-used fishing line in the world. It will stretch on strikes (almost 20%), will not damage fishing rods or reels, is easy to spool, easy to cut when changing lures, and is the least expensive. This line works for most fishermen, in most applications, for most species of fish. It also comes in the broadest selection of weight lines and colors for fishing different conditions.
Next we have Fluorocarbon Line. It has minimal stretch (5%) and is virtually invisible in the water. It is very abrasion-resistant and mildew-resistant, and it also resists UV rays. This line offers the best of the other two lines combined: it is very castable, has low line memory, is easy to cut when tying knots, and has a large choice of line weights.
So what line to buy? We recommend Monofilament for most anglers. It is the least expensive, is easily found everywhere people fish, is easy to use, will not destroy equipment and offers a very wide selection of sizes for different fishing. The stretch factor is also a plus, as it helps keep from pulling the hook out of the fish’s mouth on a strike.
Hope this helps as you get ready for the new fishing season.
Until next time…keep a tight line.
Contact Dick at hookedonfishing@comcast.net.