How to Pick a Fishing Line: Types of Fishing Lines

Fishing is one relaxing and productive hobby to have. For every hobby, there is a set of equipment or gear to get you started.

Getting started correctly in fishing means you have to consider the fishing line seriously. It is what you present the lure on and what will make or break your success in catching fish.

Picking the right fishing line can be overwhelming, which is why we decided to break down the main types of fishing lines to help you further.

How to Pick a Fishing Line: Types of Fishing Lines

1. Monofilament

It’s a fishing line made of a single strand of material such as extruded nylon.

This fishing line is the most popular one since it is very affordable. Another factor in its popularity is the narrow diameter it has, which makes it less noticeable for fish in the water.

Monofilament lines comes in different colors; the most popular option is clear, but it comes in gold, white, green, blue, red, and even fluorescent.

Also, it is a perfect multi-purpose choice for beginners because of how easy it is to use. Tying knots with monofilament lines is fuss-free. Professionals, on the other hand, tend to use monofilament for catching bass only, while resorting to other types for other purposes.

Yet, there is a reason why monofilament is the cheapest.

Being the least durable, monofilament breaks down over time, especially when exposed to heat, direct sunlight, and saltwater, or if it gets stored wet. So, it is recommended that you change monofilament lines every six months to a year.

Monofilament’s stretchiness is a pro and a con simultaneously. Stretchiness equals better shock absorption against a large fish. However, monofilament’s stretchiness means less sensitivity, so you won’t feel the fish biting at your lure, and you could lose them easily.

Pros:

• Most affordable
• Good for beginners
• Narrow diameter
• Many color options
• Good knot strength
• Good shock absorption

Cons:

• Bad for the environment
• Least durable
• Loses strength when wet
• Stretchiness causes low sensitivity
• Not suitable for fishing too deep 

 2. Fluorocarbon

It’s a fishing line that is also made of a single strand of material. However, it is much newer than monofilament and has different qualities.

One of the main qualities of the fluorocarbon line is having the same refractive index as water, which makes it almost invisible underwater. This quality makes it perfect for fishing in clear water.

Fluorocarbon stretches less than monofilament, so expect better sensitivity to fish movements. Also, it has better abrasion resistance than monofilament of the same diameter, and you can use it in waters with rocks and logs.

Unlike monofilament, fluorocarbon is waterproof, and its performance isn’t affected by whether it’s wet or dry.

It is also very castable with nice hook setting power.

Fluorocarbon’s tendency to sink is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because it would work perfectly for crankbaits. However, if you need a fishing line for surface lures, this ain’t it.

Pros:

• Invisible
• Narrow diameter
• Waterproof
• Less stretch than monofilament
• Durable
• Great abrasion resistance
• Easy to cast

Cons:

• Tends to sink
• Stiff with high line memory
• Not easy to knot
• Not the best shock absorption

3. Braided

It’s a type of fishing line that has been around since the 15th century. It used to be made with cotton or linen, but now it is made of braided or woven fibers of man-made materials.

A braided fishing line has a relatively wider diameter than other lines, which makes it perfect for catching the bigger fish.

The main advantage of a braided fishing line is its strength, durability, and high abrasion resistance. It can cut through the moss, weeds, greenery, and stalks. It won’t break down under direct sunlight, either.

Also, a braided line has no stretch under pressure whatsoever, so you’ll definitely feel what’s happening at the end of the line, which makes it perfect for fishing in deep water. The no-stretch aspect adds to its hook-setting power, as well.

A braided line has the advantage of longer, more accurate casts than other types.

Pros:

• Strong and durable
• High abrasion resistance
• No stretch
• Great for long casts
• Good hook setting power
• Wider diameter is good for catching big fish

Cons:

• Expensive
• Most visible line
• Not easy to knot
• Tangles easily

Extra Information To Consider

1. Hi-viz vs. low-viz

A hi-viz line would work wonders in offshore fishing, deep-sea fishing, or when using multiple lines. Low-viz, such as brown, bronze, and green, is perfect for inshore fishing to camouflage the line underwater.

2. The pound-test

The kind of fish you’ll catch will determine how strong your fishing line should be. It should somewhat match the weight of the fish you’ll catch. If you want to catch a 20-pound fish, you should get a 20-pound test line.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the main types of fishing lines, let’s go over where they work best quickly. A monofilament fishing line is the one to pick on a budget or as a beginner.

A cool balance between low visibility and abrasion resistance would be in a fluorocarbon line.

If you need the highest abrasion resistance, a braided fishing line is a perfect pick.