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3 Different Types of Fishing Line: What You Need to Know

Last Updated October 13, 2022 by Tony Barker

Fishing lines are an essential part of your angling gear. Whether you’re going to catch some regular small fish or you’re angling competitively, the fishing line plays an important role in determining your catch rate.

Not every type of fishing line is suitable for every angler, and to help you choose the best fishing line according to your needs, we’ve devised a comprehensive guide for you.

In this guide, we are comparing types of fishing lines, their pros and cons, and if they’re the right fit for you.

Let’s dive in!

braided fishing line float

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Characteristics of Different Types of Fishing Lines

Before understanding the different types of fishing line and their capabilities, you first need to understand the significant, influential characteristics that determine the fishing line’s usability.

Understanding these qualities can help you decide what line would be best for your particular case:

  • Memory: The ability of the line to retain its shape is called memory. If your wire loses memory quickly, it can affect the cast-off rate adversely. 
  • Stretch: The amount of tension your line can withstand is called the stretch of the fishing line.
  • Shock Strength: The more shock strength your fishing line has, the less prone it is to snapping due to tension.
  • Buoyancy: This factor determines whether your line will float or sink under different circumstances.
  • Visibility: Fishing lines are made to be invisible so that you can lure fish towards the bait quickly.
  • Abrasion Resistance: The resistance against scratches and getting cut off by sharp materials

What Are the Different Types of Fishing Lines?

There are three different types of fishing line used according to the angler’s needs and the location where you’re going fishing.

The three main types used in bass fishing, freshwater fishing, and saltwater sea fishing are:

  • Monofilament fishing line
  • Braided fishing line
  • Fluorocarbon fishing line

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on all three of these fishing lines and every pro and con you need to consider before buying one for yourself.

1. Monofilament Fishing Line

The multi-purpose monofilament is the most standard fishing line that’s great for any use. This line is made from nylon as one continuous filament that’s not twisted. It’s great for year-round use and is smooth in its texture.

Monofilaments usually come in pre-spooled reels that are readily available anywhere. They provide a little stretch but are extremely buoyant.

This lightweight attribute can be useful or a disadvantage depending on the angling situation. 

Pros
  • Monofilament fishing lines are the most affordable lines you can get on the market and you can find them in almost any location.
  • It’s easy to knot this line against your rod and the hook itself, making it a sturdy option.
  • It’s abrasion-resistant and can resist a large amount of pressure against pointed rocks and rough surfaces.
  • It can easily absorb stretches
  • Available in a variety of colors so you can pick your choice to camouflage within the water body you’re fishing in
  • Spools around smoothly; available in pre-spooled reels
Cons
  • While it isn’t as strong as other fishing lines, it takes up the most space on the spool due to its relatively thicker dimensions.
  • Due to its nylon materiality, exposure to sun rays is susceptible to break it down gradually
  • Despite its almost transparent nature, some fish easily detect monofilament fishing line, which in turn scares them away
  • Monofilament lines are prone to line memory, which adversely affects their ability to be cast off and directed properly
  • The stretch of these lines proves detection of some fish to be challenging

2. Braided Fishing Line

The braided fishing line is also made up of synthetic materials such as nylon or Dacron. It’s more potent than monofilament lines; hence it’s widely approved by anglers worldwide for any fishing.

It’s little to no stretch property, making it easier for anglers to detect fish, making it an excellent choice for fishing larger species.

Before synthetic materials, natural material such as horsehair or silk was used to make braided fishing lines. This is the best choice for saltwater game fishing; however, it’s not recommended for soft-mouthed fish angling.

Pros
  • Has smaller dimensions in comparison to monofilament lines but has great strength
  • Isn’t that buoyant so sinks faster and casts farther
  • It isn’t susceptible to UV break down
  • Less visibility to fish than monofilament lines
  • No stretch enables you to make better lure movements and sense when the fish bites
  • It has no line memory, which makes it great longer casting distances
Cons
  • Due to its strength, it’s relatively difficult to cut
  • Less abrasion-resistant in comparison to monofilament lines
  • On the more expensive end of fishing lines
  • Can weigh your rod down to some extent
  • The line is very slippery, making it hard to knot and get the hang of

3. Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

The fluorocarbon fishing line is built the same way as monofilament lines, where it’s extruded as one continuous piece. However, the fluorocarbon molecules are packed tightly together, making the line visibly denser and more massive. 

Made with polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), fluorocarbon fishing lines sink quickly. Hence, they are great for jigging and bottom bouncing.

They’re incredibly useful when used as leaders and can increase the chance of hooking and catching fish without using your entire spool. 

Pros
  • Due to their PVDF nature, they are practically invisible to wish no matter what the water type is like
  • They are less stretchy than monofilaments and sensitive, making it relatively easier to detect fish bites
  • Due to their density, they are incredibly abrasion-resistant and can withstand the sharpest and roughest interactions.
  • They sink faster than all other types making it easier for you to adjust the luring depth
  • It can help reduce the line fraying when used as a leader
Cons
  • They are very expensive when compared to other line options
  • A hassle to maintain due to their line memory
  • Tying knots require lubrication before use

Conclusion

We hope that with our comprehensive guide on the different types of fishing line, you were able to identify the best one for you according to your needs.

The type of fishing lines you use significantly impacts whether you’ll succeed at making your big catch, and we hope through this guide, you’ll choose the best one for you.

Category: Blog

About Tony Barker

My name is Tony and I’m the creator of this blog. As a person who has always been passionate about fishing and outdoor life, I started this website to share my experience and interest in fishing with other like-minded people. Here I will share with you the tips and tricks I have accumulated in a lifetime of fishing.

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