If you're new to fishing, choosing a fishing line can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through the basics so you can feel confident and ready to hit the water. Along the way, you'll find links to articles that go deeper on each topic.
What Is Fishing Line?
Fishing line connects your rod and reel to your hook, bait or lure. The line you choose affects how far you cast, how much you feel and how well you land fish.
Best for Beginners: Monofilament
- What it is: A single strand of nylon. It's the most common and affordable fishing line.
- Benefits: Easy to handle and tie, stretch that absorbs shock during the fight, and works for many techniques.
- Drawbacks: Less sensitive than other lines, and breaks down over time with UV exposure.
- Best for: Beginners and general-purpose fishing.
Reaction Tackle monofilament comes in six colors: Clear, Hi-Vis Yellow, Hi-Vis Green, Hi-Vis Orange, Red and Blue Camo, on 350 yard, 1/4 lb and 1 lb jumbo spools. Shop monofilament.
Other Options as You Gain Experience
Fluorocarbon Line
- What it is: Made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a material that's hard for fish to see underwater.
- Benefits: Low visibility, abrasion resistance around rocks and wood, less stretch than mono for better feel, and it sinks.
- Drawbacks: Costs more than mono, and it's stiffer, so it takes a little more care to cast and tie.
- Best for: Clear water and leaders.
Our 100% fluorocarbon comes in Clear and Pink, from 4 to 200 lb test. Shop fluorocarbon.
Braided Line
- What it is: Several strands of synthetic fiber woven together.
- Benefits: Extremely strong for its size, no stretch for great sensitivity, and a thin diameter for longer casts and more line on the reel.
- Drawbacks: More visible underwater, slick for some knots, and hard to cut without braid scissors.
- Best for: Heavy cover, deep water and big fish.
Reaction Tackle offers dozens of braid colors, including No Fade, camo, multi-color and solid colors, from 6 lb 4-strand up to 300 lb 8-strand. Learn more in The World of Braided Fishing Lines. Shop braided line.
Choosing the Right Line
For beginners, monofilament is usually the best place to start because it's easy to use and versatile. As you gain experience, try fluorocarbon and braid for specific situations. For a side-by-side comparison, read The Angler's Lineup.
Understanding Line Strength
Line strength, or pound test, is roughly how much weight the line can hold before breaking. General starting points for mono or fluorocarbon:
- Panfish (bluegill, crappie): 2-6 lb test
- Trout: 4-8 lb test
- Bass: 8-15 lb test, heavier around thick cover
- Walleye: 6-12 lb test
- Catfish: 15-30 lb test
- Saltwater species: 20-50 lb test or more
Braid is much thinner, so anglers usually go heavier with braid. For example, 10-20 lb braid is a common finesse choice, and 50-65 lb braid is popular for frogs and heavy cover.
How to Spool Your Reel
- Attach the line: Tie the line to the spool with an arbor knot. With braid, start with a few wraps of mono backing or tape so it doesn't slip.
- Match the direction: On a spinning reel, line should come off the filler spool the same way it goes onto your reel to avoid twist.
- Keep tension: Pinch the line lightly with your fingers as you reel so it packs on evenly.
- Fill to the right level: Stop about 1/8 inch from the spool lip to prevent tangles and keep casting smooth.
Tips for Beginners (and All Anglers)
- Start with monofilament. Learn more in Monofilament Lines: Seasonal Selections.
- Learn a few knots. The Palomar and improved clinch will cover most situations. See The Top 5 Knots Every Angler Needs to Know.
- Practice casting in an open area. Read 5 Key Factors That Affect Casting Distance.
- Be patient. Everyone has slow days. Check out 5 Tips to Catch More Fish, Anywhere.
Ready?
Fishing is a rewarding, relaxing hobby anyone can enjoy. Start with mono, get comfortable with your gear and most of all, have fun.
