Ethan Clarke
Fishing lines are flexible, high-tensile cords used in angling to tether and pull in fish, in conjunction with at least one hook. Traditional fishing lines were made of silk, while most modern fishing lines are made from synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene, or polyvinylidene fluoride (also known as fluorocarbon). They may come in monofilament or braided (multifilament) forms. Monofilament fishing lines, also known as mono, are made from a single piece of plastic, usually nylon, that's stretched out and set into a thin tube. Braided fishing lines, on the other hand, are made from synthetic polymers such as polyethylene or gel-spun fibres like Dyneema and Spectra.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stretch | Stretchy line keeps tension better as you fight a fish. It also takes some of the punch out of big head shakes. However, stretch gives you less precision and feedback, and makes setting the hook tougher. |
| Shock Strength | Having some stretch is that your line is less likely to snap under sudden pressure. |
| Abrasion Resistance | All modern lines are pretty abrasion-resistant, but more high-end materials tend to handle scratches better. |
| Buoyancy | Some lines float in the water, some sink. Floating or buoyant line is great for topwater fishing. Sinking line stays taut in water, giving you more precision at depth. |
| Visibility | If a fish sees your line, it can get spooked and put off biting. To avoid this, people usually use low-visibility lines in clear water. |
| Material | Traditional fishing lines are made of silk, while most modern lines are made from synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride ("fluorocarbon"). |
| Type | Monofilament, copolymer, fluorocarbon, superbraid/GSP/PE/HPFE/UHMWPE, spectra, dyneema, braided, cofilament, thermally fused, chemically fused, wire lines. |
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What You'll Learn
Nylon monofilament fishing lines
Monofilament fishing lines, also known as "mono", are a type of fishing line made from a single plastic thread, usually nylon, that is stretched out and set into a thin tube. Monofilament fishing lines have been used since the 1930s and remain the most popular type of fishing line. They are characterised by their low cost, ease of use, smooth casting, and ability to hold knots effectively. Additionally, monofilament lines exhibit relatively low memory, making them simple to untangle in the event of backlashes or "bird's nests". These lines are recyclable, which is a beneficial feature.
In terms of buoyancy, nylon monofilament lines are highly buoyant, making them ideal for surface lures but less suitable for bottom baits. They are available in a variety of colours to enhance visibility, allowing anglers to match the depth and shade of the water they are fishing in. However, nylon monofilament lines have a shorter lifespan and are weaker than other lines of similar diameters.
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Braided fishing lines
The production process of braided fishing lines involves taking thin strands of high molecular weight polyethylene, which is the same material used for milk cartons and plastic bags, and weaving them together using special machines. The number of strands in a braided line can vary from four to sixteen, and this affects the line's characteristics. For instance, a lower number of strands results in higher abrasion resistance, while a higher number of strands creates a thinner line.
However, braided lines do have some drawbacks. They are highly visible underwater, which can spook the fish. To mitigate this issue, anglers often use a transparent leader made of monofilament or fluorocarbon lines to avoid scaring the fish. Braided lines are also challenging to tie knots with and may be susceptible to being cut by toothy fish.
In terms of colour, braided fishing lines are typically dyed bright colours, which helps anglers visually detect bites and determine the approximate location of their bait or lure in the water column. Rainbow-coloured braided lines are particularly useful for deep-sea fishing or deepwater jigging. The dyeing process is followed by various treatments, including the application of silicone resin, to enhance the line's abrasion resistance.
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Fluorocarbon lines
Fluorocarbon fishing line is a popular choice for anglers due to its many advantages, including increased sensitivity, invisibility, strength, and abrasion resistance. While it is more expensive than monofilament lines, it offers better performance and longevity, making it a preferred option for those seeking an effective long-term investment.
Fluorocarbon is a polymer called polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which differs from the nylon used in monofilament lines. This polymer exhibits excellent resistance to deterioration caused by various substances, including sunlight, gasoline, battery acid, and insect repellents. Additionally, fluorocarbon line does not absorb water, making it ideal for cold weather fishing as it prevents freezing in rod guides and baitcast reel spools.
The refractive index of fluorocarbon is nearly identical to that of water, rendering it almost invisible to fish. This property, coupled with its sensitivity, makes it highly effective in increasing bites, especially in clear water. Its sensitivity stems from the tightly packed molecules that transmit more energy, providing anglers with enhanced feedback and the ability to detect light bites or their lure ticking the bottom.
Fluorocarbon's strength and abrasion resistance make it suitable for fishing around structures and deep-water fishing. It is also a top choice for bass fishing, where its invisibility and sensitivity boost bite rates, particularly in heavily fished waters. Anglers should be mindful that fluorocarbon line is less malleable than monofilament, requiring specific knots like the Uni/Ginner Knot, Double Uni Knot, Palomar Knot, and Snell Knot for secure connections.
Overall, fluorocarbon fishing line presents a versatile and durable option for anglers of all skill levels. Its unique properties, including invisibility, strength, and sensitivity, make it a valuable tool for various fishing applications, from bass fishing to deep-water exploration.
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Copolymer fishing lines
Copolymer lines are more expensive than monofilament lines, but their characteristics and performance more than make up for the higher cost. They are stiffer and more sensitive, allowing anglers to detect even the lightest of bites. They also have greater knot strength and abrasion resistance than monofilament lines.
Copolymer lines are made in a similar way to monofilament lines, but with two or more materials instead of one. This process removes most, if not all, imperfections from the line, creating an extremely transparent product. Most copolymers sink, which allows for greater trolling depths, and they work well with suspending rigs and lures.
Some popular brands of copolymer line include Berkley, Gamma, P-Line, Yo-Zuri, and Kastking. Copolymer lines are great in most water conditions and for numerous fishing tactics for virtually every species. They are also just as susceptible to solar and heat damage as monofilament lines and will need to be changed with similar frequency.
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Plastic coatings
However, nylon monofilament lines have limitations, such as reduced abrasion resistance compared to other materials. As a result, alternative plastics and coatings have been introduced to enhance the performance of fishing lines. One such alternative is copolymer, which is an improved version of monofilament. Copolymer lines are made from two or more materials, typically different forms of nylon, allowing for tailored characteristics. They offer lower stretch while maintaining shock strength and ease of knot tying and casting.
Fluorocarbon is another plastic coating option that has gained popularity. Fluorocarbon lines are made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a fluoropolymer with a refractive index similar to water. This reduces its visibility to fish, making it an attractive choice for anglers. Fluorocarbon lines also have a harder surface, increased abrasion resistance, and are denser than nylon, making them ideal for keeping baits closer to the bottom without the need for heavy sinkers.
More advanced plastics like Spectra and Dyneema are also finding their way into the fishing line market. These materials offer superior strength and are often used in braided fishing lines. Braided lines are constructed by weaving together thin strands of high molecular weight polyethylene, resulting in a line with excellent strength and visibility, making them ideal for deep-sea fishing. The visibility of the line aids anglers in detecting bites and locating their bait or lure in the water column.
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Frequently asked questions
Fishing line is any flexible, high-tensile cord used in angling to tether and pull in fish, in conjunction with at least one hook.
Traditional fishing lines are made of silk, while most modern lines are made from synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride (also known as fluorocarbon).
Monofilament fishing line, or "mono", is a single piece of plastic, usually nylon, that’s stretched out and set into a thin tube. Monofilament fishing line has been around since the 1930s and is still the most popular line on the market.
Alternatives to nylon monofilament fishing line include copolymers, fluorocarbon, or a combination of the two materials. Copolymer fishing line is made from two or more materials, usually different forms of nylon. Fluorocarbon fishing line is made from the fluoropolymer PVDF and is valued for its refractive index, which is similar to that of water, making it less visible to fish.
