Choosing the right fishing line matters as much as choosing the right bait or spot. Different line types have different strengths, and some fit certain species and techniques better than others. Here's a look at the main line types and where each one shines.
Fluorocarbon Line
Fluorocarbon is known for being hard for fish to see underwater because its refractive index is close to water's. It's also abrasion resistant and sinks, which helps with bottom presentations and deeper water. Fluorocarbon works well for:
- Bass (largemouth and smallmouth): Bass can be line-shy in clear water, especially around docks, rock and grass. Fluorocarbon's low visibility and toughness are a big advantage there, either as a main line or as a leader on braid.
- Walleye in clear water: A fluorocarbon leader helps when walleye get finicky.
- Redfish and other inshore species: Wary inshore fish in clear, shallow water often call for a fluorocarbon leader.
Shop 100% fluorocarbon line or ice fluorocarbon line and leader.
Monofilament Line
Monofilament is a single strand, usually nylon. It's easy to handle, forgiving and affordable, which makes it great for beginners. It floats better than fluorocarbon, so it suits topwater lures, and its stretch absorbs shock during the fight. Mono works well for:
- Trout: Stretch helps protect light line and keeps hooks from tearing out of a trout's soft mouth.
- Panfish (bluegill and crappie): Light mono is inexpensive, easy to tie and works well with small jigs and bobbers.
- Crankbaits and topwaters: A little stretch helps keep fish pinned on treble hooks.
Shop Reaction Tackle monofilament line.
Braided Line
Braid is made from several strands woven together. It's very strong for its diameter and has almost no stretch, so you can feel light bites and get solid hooksets at long distances. Braid works well for:
- Walleye: Walleye often hold near bottom and bite lightly. Braid helps you feel those subtle taps.
- Catfish: Big catfish pull hard and live around snags. Braid's strength helps you pull them out of cover.
- Striped bass: Stripers make long, strong runs. Thin braid holds more line on the reel.
- Pike and muskie: Braid handles hard strikes and heavy lures. Always use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader, because pike and muskie teeth can cut braid, mono and light fluorocarbon.
- Frogs and heavy cover: Braid cuts through weeds and pulls fish out of the thick stuff.
Choose 4-strand braid for value and abrasion resistance, or 8-strand braid for a rounder, smoother line that casts quietly.
Specialty Lines
- Ice fishing braid: An 8-strand braid with a water-repelling coating to help prevent freeze-ups in cold conditions, in 4 to 30 lb test.
- Hollow core braid: A 16-strand braid with a hollow center, so you can splice leaders or join lines without bulky knots. Popular for big game and saltwater.
- Lead core line: A braided sleeve over a lead core that gets lures deeper. The multi-color version changes color every 10 yards, so you can repeat the depth that's working. Popular for walleye, trout and salmon.
- Copper trolling wire: Heavier than lead core and sinks deeper. A Great Lakes favorite for salmon and trout.
Understanding what each line does best can improve your odds on every trip. Explore our full selection of fishing line, and read The Angler's Lineup for a side-by-side comparison.
