Pros and Cons of the Three Main Types of Fishing Line

You are on a quest to find a new fishing line suitable for your baitcasting or spinning reel. However, standing in front of countless options can be overwhelming. Knowing the different types of fishing lines and their respective advantages and disadvantages is essential before making your decision.

The Types of Fishing Line

• Monofilament: A single strand of nylon, often referred to simply as “mono.”
• Fluorocarbon: A single strand of polyvinylidene fluoride, known for its low visibility.
• Microfilament: Comprised of fused or braided strands of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, commonly called “braid.”

Additionally, there are copolymer or hybrid lines, which consist of a blend of complementary resins or materials, combining the strengths of their monofilament and fluorocarbon counterparts.

Pros and Cons

This section outlines the beneficial and disadvantageous aspects of monofilament, fluorocarbon, and microfilament fishing lines.

Monofilament Fishing Line

• Pros:
  • Good knot strength
  • Compatible with a wide range of common fishing knots
  • Smooth and easy to cast
  • Low visibility in water
  • Good color retention
  • Generally good abrasion resistance
  • Floats on the surface
  • Economically priced
• Cons:
  • Absorbs water, altering properties when wet
  • Mid to high stretch levels
  • Retains memory from previous shapes
  • Degrades with UV light exposure
• Comments: Mono has historically been the most popular line type, making up over a third of market share today. Its user-friendly nature and low-cost advantage contribute significantly to its continued use.

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

• Pros:
  • Extremely low visibility beneath water
  • Sinks due to density
  • Low stretch providing solid performance
  • Excellent abrasion resistance
  • Resistant to UV light deterioration
  • Good knot strength
  • Does not absorb water, ensuring consistent performance
• Cons:
  • Stiffer than monofilament, especially in stronger varieties
  • Sinking quality may be less advantageous in some fishing scenarios
  • Typically more expensive than mono, with costs being about 50 percent higher
• Comments: Fluorocarbon accounts for over a quarter of the fishing line market and excels in clear water conditions. Its low stretch and durability make it a preferred choice for rigorous fishing environments.

Microfilament (Braid) Fishing Line

• Pros:
  • Minimal to zero stretch
  • Much thinner than comparably strong mono lines
  • Does not absorb water
  • Floats and is exceptionally supple
  • No memory, simplifying usage
  • UV deterioration resistance
• Cons:
  • Abrasion resistance can be questionable (some products may be coated)
  • Color fades over time
  • Limited to specific knot types (like Uni and Palomar)
  • Highly visible in water
  • Can be challenging with older reel types
  • Tangles might be difficult to manage in lighter strengths
  • Generally more costly than mono (about 50 percent higher)
• Comments: Available since the early 1990s, microfilament lines have gained substantial popularity, now commanding roughly a third of the market. Their increased sensitivity for detecting strikes, effective hook sets, and distance casting capabilities are key benefits, although some variants do exhibit fading in color.