What Kind of Line Should I Use?
Understanding what different kinds of fishing lines do can help anglers maximize time on the water with greater success. (Photo: Alan Clemons)
By Mark Menendez
The sweet smell of spring is in the air. Many anglers are dealing with the “fever.” Fishing fever can be a 12-month issue for dedicated anglers. Some anglers will be getting tackle ready for the upcoming season. Fishing line must be addressed. What style of line will fit my needs? Should I change my line from last season?
Technology has helped anglers with line choices. Anglers can choose from, braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. These three categories cover the spectrum of fishing conditions and techniques. Let’s take a look at each line and review characteristics of the lines.
Braided line was developed years ago. Braided Dacron was utilized as fishing line in and around the World War II era. This technology has been improved with new superior fiber. Today’s braided line has no stretch. This lends this type of line to deep water techniques or extreme cover fishing. Anglers have adapted this low stretch highly abrasive resistant line into other techniques as well.
In recent years, topwater angling has received a boost due to braided line. Thirty-pound Kanzen braided line has the same diameter of 10-pound monofilament line. This braided line will allow anglers the ability to reach schooling fish on a long cast. The lack of stretch will insure a good hook up from topwater baits at distance. This braid also floats. This property gives added action to floating lures.
Monofilament line is the universal line. This nylon based product has been the most popular style of fishing line since the 1950′s. It comes in many colors to match water conditions. As anglers gain fishing skill, they tend to become very aware of the action of their lure. If the vibration of the lure changes, then they set the hook. Monofilament has up to 30 percent stretch in some formulas. This will reduce sensitivity and aid in better hook ups for techniques such as crankbaits.
Anglers will feel the strike after the fish has completely engulfed the lure. The detection of the strike will be a bit slower to the angle due to line type. This will allow the fish to get a better hook up on the lure. Line diameter has a heavy effect on the depth in which a crankbait runs. Choosing 8- to 10-pound Senshi monofilament will allow for maximum depth from a crankbait. A square bill crankbait is designed for deflecting into heavy cover. Twenty-pound Senshi line will have a larger diameter to help lift the bait in the water column. The 20-pound line will also have the benefit to move a heavy fish from the targeted cover.
The latest category of fishing line, fluorocarbon, was developed in 1971. Fluorocarbon has helped anglers identify more strikes and land more fish. Fluorocarbon line has low stretch, high abrasion resistance, and extreme sensitivity. Seaguar brought this technical line to the American fishermen in 1992. This line lends the angler the ability to feel those extremely light strikes from inactive fish.
Techniques such as Texas-rigged soft plastics, Carolinarigs, and drop shotting all benefit from fluorocarbon line. Fluorocarbon line does not refract light as well as monofilament. This property makes it almost invisible underwater. High knot strength is also found in this style of line. InvisX carries a high abrasion resistance factor as well. Flipping soft plastics to heavy cover, anglers may utilize 20- to 25-pound InvisX to handle heavy bass from the thickest cover.
Anglers need to be aware of several factors concerning fishing line care. Heat is the major factor that can weaken line. All line should be stored in the most temperature constant room in the angler’s home. Monofilament needs to be kept away from chemicals such as gasoline, sunscreen, and insect repellent. These substances can damage the nylon line. Monofilament needs to be kept out of sunlight as well. Braided line needs to be kept away from moisture. Fluorocarbon is very resilient line. Keep it stored with lower temperature guidelines.
Anglers should also be aware of fishing line etiquette. A responsible angler will always dispose of all unwanted fishing line. This includes all replaced line, old line retrieved while angling, and all snippets from knot tying. Discarded line can be harmful to wildlife, fish, and outboards motors.
Choosing the correct line for the angling job is very important. It is also important for all anglers to recognize the dangers of discarded line as well.
Mark Menendez of Paducah, Ky., competes on the Bassmaster Elite Series and Professional Anglers Association tours. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and www.Markmenendez.com
