Fishing line is an essential component of any angler’s equipment. It’s the connection between the angler and the fish, and choosing the right type of line can make a big difference in the success of a fishing attempt. There are several different types of fishing line available, each with their own unique properties and characteristics. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of fishing line and their respective uses.
Monofilament Line
The Monofilament line is the most commonly used type of fishing line. It is made from a single strand of plastic and is available in a wide range of diameters and strengths. The Monofilament line is known for its flexibility and ease of handling, making it a great choice both for beginners and professionals. It is also relatively inexpensive and widely available.
One of the main advantages of a monofilament line is its high stretch. This allows the line to absorb the force of a fish’s twists and turns, reducing the chance of the line breaking. However, its high stretchability means that the line is less sensitive than for example a braided line, making it more difficult to detect a bite.
Another advantage of a monofilament fishing line is its visibility. It is visible in the water, which can make it easier to detect when a fish is biting. This can be especially useful for beginners who are still learning how to detect a fish bite.
One of the main disadvantages of a monofilament line is that it’s not as abrasion resistant as other types of fishing line, which can make it more prone to breaking when fishing in heavy cover.
Another disadvantage is its susceptibility to UV damage. Exposure to sunlight can cause the line to weaken and become brittle over time. This can be a problem for anglers who spend a lot of time fishing in very sunny conditions. It must be mentioned that this type of line is easier noticed by the fish.
Fluorocarbon Line
A Fluorocarbon line is a type of fishing line that is made from a fluoropolymer. It is known for its low stretch and high abrasion resistance. The Fluorocarbon line is a popular choice for anglers who are fishing in difficult conditions, such as heavy cover or with large lures.
One of the main advantages of the fluorocarbon line is its low stretch. This makes it a great choice for hook sets, as it allows for better sensitivity and control. The Fluorocarbon line is also highly resistant to UV damage.
Another advantage of the fluorocarbon line is its low visibility. This makes it less visible to fish, which can be an advantage when fishing in clear water or when trying to catch wary fish. The Fluorocarbon line is also denser than the monofilament line, which allows it to sink faster and stay in the water longer.
One of the main disadvantages of the fluorocarbon line is its cost. It is typically more expensive than a monofilament line, and the cost can add up quickly if you are using a lot of line. The Fluorocarbon line is also more difficult to handle than a monofilament line, which can be a problem for beginners.
Braided Line
Braided line is a type of fishing line that is made from multiple strands of material that are braided together. It is known for its high strength and low stretch. Braided line is a popular choice for anglers.
One of the main advantages of a braided line is its high strength. It is much stronger than a monofilament line of the same diameter, which can be an advantage when fishing with large or strong fish. Braided line is also more abrasion-resistant than a monofilament line, which can be an advantage when angling in heavy cover or around rocks.
Another advantage of a braided fishing line is its sensitivity. Because it is made from multiple fibers, braided line has a smaller diameter compared to monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. This means that it can transmit even the slightest movement or bite, making it easier to detect when a fish is biting.
Braided line also has a higher knot strength compared to monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. This means that it can hold more weight and withstand more pressure, making it a great choice for heavy-duty fishing such as deep sea fishing or fishing for large game fish.
One of the main disadvantages of a braided fishing line is its visibility. Because it is made from multiple fibers, it is often more visible in the water than other types of fishing line. This can be a problem when fishing in clear water or for fish species that are easily spooked. Additionally, braided line is more prone to tangling so it may require more maintenance.
Wire fishing lines
Wire line is a type of fishing line that is made from a thin, flexible wire. It is commonly used in deep-sea fishing and can be used to catch large fish such as tuna and marlin. The wire is extremely strong and can withstand the pressure of large fish, making it a great option for anglers who are targeting these species.
Wire line is also very versatile and can be used with a variety of fishing methods. It can be used with a conventional reel or with a trolling reel. Additionally, it can be used with a variety of different types of lures and baits.
One of the biggest advantages of a wire line is its strength. It is able to withstand the pressure of large fish and can handle the weight of heavy lures. Additionally, wire line is able to withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean, making it a great option for anglers who are fishing in saltwater.
Wire line also has a low stretch, which makes it a great option for hook sets. The low stretch also helps to prevent the line from breaking when a fish is hooked.
Wire fishing lines have a few cons too. One of the main disadvantages is the visibility of the line in the water. Wire lines are much more visible than other types of fishing lines, making the line more susceptible to fish thus lowering the possibility of a catch.
Another disadvantage of wire fishing lines is their lack of sensitivity. Because wire lines are made of metal, they do not have the same level of sensitivity as monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. This can make it harder to detect bites and can lead to missed opportunities.
Wire lines are also more prone to tangling and damage from rocks and other debris in the water, which can lead to frustrating and time-costly repairs or the need to replace the line altogether.
Fly-Fishing Line
Fly-fishing lines are a specialized type of fishing line that are designed for use with a fly fishing rod and reel. They come in a variety of different types, each with their own unique characteristics and advantages. Some of the most popular types of fly-fishing lines include weight-forward floating lines, double-taper floating lines, and sinking lines. The discipline of fly-fishing by many is regarded as the most prestigeous, skill-demanding and difficult form of fishing.
Weight-forward floating lines are the most popular type of fly-fishing line and are designed to help the angler cast farther and more accurately. They have a heavier front section, or head, that helps to load the rod and a thinner rear section that allows for easy casting.
Double-taper floating lines are another popular type of fly-fishing line and are designed to be more versatile and easier to control. They have a uniform taper throughout the entire line, which allows for smooth and precise casting.
Sinking lines, as the name suggests, sink beneath the surface of the water. They are designed for use in deeper water and are ideal for fishing in rivers and streams. They come in a variety of different sink rates, which can be tailored to the specific fishing situation.
In addition to these artificial made types of fly-fishing lines, there are also natural fly-fishing lines that are made from materials such as horsehair, silk, and feathers. These lines are more traditional and are often used by fly-fishing purists.
In conclusion, there are many different types of fishing line to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The type of fishing line that you choose will depend on the type of fishing that you plan to do, as well as your personal preferences. Monofilament or braided, fluorocarbon or wired, or fly-fishing – all lines are great options, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It is important to research different types of fishing line before making a final decision, and to always use a line that is appropriate for the type of fishing that you plan to do. And don’t forget – quality is the key.
