Fishing could be pretty challenging if you do not equip yourself with enough knowledge and information. If you think learning the techniques is all the sport requires, think again. The final result could depend on many factors, including luck and the appropriate fishing gear, notably the rod and fishing lines. In today’s article, we’ll introduce 5 types of fishing lines and how they can help you step up your game. We’ve also included a few tips to choose the perfect fishing line.
Monofilament Lines
Monofilament fishing line, so-called “mono,” is the cheapest, most basic, and widely used type of angling string. Monofilament is an excellent well-around type that is slick and slightly elastic. It is manufactured from nylon and kept uncoiled; thus, it is pretty sturdy. Also, it is floatable, which might be beneficial or detrimental based on specific use. Monoi lines are often rolled onto pre-spooled reels. 
You could utilize mono fishing lines with either a spinning or baitcaster gear. It works well in freshwater, foreshore, onshore, or off a dock. It’s also an excellent angling line for common fish varieties such as carp and flounder, as well as catfish, little mackerel, bass, and bream. Throwing lines is a more active angling method, and the targeted creatures are smaller. Therefore, a lightweight and responsive string is perfect when catching along the lakeside.
Pros:
- Reasonable price.
- Widely available.
- Moderate stretches with excellent shock absorption.
- Abrasion resistance.
- Evenly round for seamless spools.
- Simple to tie.
- Available in many colors.
Cons:
- Not as powerful as different forms of line.
- Occupies more space on the spools.
- Easily breaks down as time passes under direct sunlight.
- More noticeable under the water than different kinds, irrespective of color or tone selected.
- Some fish bites are hard to detect due to their stretching ability.
- Vulnerable to “line memory,” which can cause tangles inside the spool and reduce throwing reach.
Braid Fishing Lines
Braided fishing line, which is also constructed of synthesized polyester filaments like nylon or Darkon, is sturdier than mono ones and, as a result, is more commonly used for catching bigger fish. It also provides zero elasticity, allowing fishers to experience every movement made by the animal on the other tip of the string. People introduced braided lines to the marketplace to substitute horsehair strings from the 19th century. Anglers back then once utilized organic materials, including cotton, flax, and silk, to make braided wires. However, since its introduction to the world, artificial plastic filaments have entirely substituted traditional fibers. 
This fishing line type is ideal for marine angling, such as trolling for swordfish, giant Mahi, barracudas, and giant grouper offshore. Skip braided line if a few line elasticity is necessary, as in whenever trolling for fish species, especially those like carp. Elasticity may function as a shock reliever, significantly impacting the performance when catching a soft-mouthed salmon.
Pros:
- Highly sturdy.
- Can load more string onto the spool.
- Sinks more quickly and projects further.
- Do not degrade under daylight.
- Less noticeable to the fish than mono ones.
- No elasticity helps you feel when a fish takes the bait.
- No elasticity means better bait movements.
- No line memory, providing further casting distances.
Cons:
- Too sturdy, making it trickier to cut.
- A slippery surface; thus, it’s hard to tie knots.
- Less abrasion resistance than mono ones.
- Make your rod extra heavy.
- Not as affordable as mono lines.
Fluorocarbon Lines
The fluorocarbon fishing line is produced as a solid thread similar to mono. However, the fluorocarbon particles are more densely compacted; therefore, the line is more robust and substantially heavier compared to nylon. Fluorocarbon is an extensive class of substances that includes organic fluorine, chlorine, carbon in different forms, and other synthetic fibers produced from hydrocarbons. Yet, when using this fishing line type, we’re working with a substance-related to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). 
Since it goes under the water quickly, this fishing line is ideal for deep-sea angling techniques, including bobbing or underwater bouncing. It’s also great for trolls since it features slight elasticity but is not overly elastic. Fluorocarbon fishing line is now the most widely utilized as the leader, a little piece of higher quality angling string that connects to the primary strand at one tip and the snare or bait at the other. Leaders can maximize your odds of snagging and catching fish while saving you from throwing an entire spool of heavy line.
Pros:
- Almost 100% hidden from the fish.
- Less elasticity than mono lines.
- High abrasion resistance, waterproofness, and density.
- Sinks quickly under the water, resulting in less drag and making it simpler to deliver your bait to the desired position.
- More responsive, allowing you to detect even the slightest nibbles and tickling your bait’s underside.
- Minimize string fraying from the fish’s teeth if employed as a leader.
Cons:
- Thicker, and more susceptible to line memory.
- Most difficult to control fishing line type.
- Higher price compared to different types of lines.
- Uncertain quality since different companies offer different qualities.
- Call for pre-moisturization when tying knots.
Wire Lines And Copolymer Lines
A wire could be utilized as a casing string, whether mono or braided. Additionally, if utilized as a leader component for teethed species such as mackerel and albacore, wire fishing lines may be very effective in angling. When achieving lower layers, wire fishing lines also work wonders, especially in the case of trolling. However, when angling utilizing wires, you’ll need to strengthen your spools for better reeling. 
Copolymer casting string, which is simply a better rendition of mono lines, is another type of fishing line. It is created using the identical method but with 2 or multiple composition materials rather than one (typically another type of nylon). This allows makers to fine-tune their formulas and adjust the line’s features to specific applications. But when do you use this type of line? The straightforward answer is “Whenever and wherever you wish.” It works well on all reels and is ideal for deep-water techniques such as bobbing and suspension configurations. There are also several formulas that are appropriate for surface angling. With their high adaptability and outstanding characteristics, they are among the best types of fishing lines nowadays. There is no reason why anyone would refuse to use the copolymer, except that they’re more expensive than others. Yet, the investment pays off.
Pros:
- Less elasticity compared to monofilaments.
- Strengthen shock stability
- Securing knots and casting are a piece of cake.
- Less line memory.
- More powerful than monofilaments for their dimensions.
- Better abrasion resistance.
Cons:
- More costly.
- Could degrade if sitting under direct sunlight.
- Rapidly get overheated.
Fly Fishing Lines
Fly lines are available in a variety of weights. These do not relate to snapping ability but rather to the weight of the string, which must be compatible with the fishing rod. The fly lines are attached to a leader known as a tippet, which is available in various snapping points. As its name claims, this fishing line is best for the fly fishing method. You can use fly fishing lines in both fresh and saltwater. 
Fly fishing lines are commonly employed to attract steelhead, lingcod, and sockeye. However, they are also helpful to capture pike, branzino, flounder, panfish, and catfish. Sometimes, they could also hook sea fish like grouper, crappie, coho, speckled trout, and sea bream. Although these lines are best for angling “main target” fish like trout, many fly fishermen capture other species like minnows, bluegills, and rudds. Pros:
- Better wind resistance due to the heavier weight.
- Easy setup.
Cons:
- Higher price.
- More splashing.
See also: What is Fly Line Backing and How Much Do You Need?
What Makes The Best Fishing Lines For You?
When it comes to choosing which line type to utilize, it all boils down to each angler’s taste and the fishing technique they want to adopt. However, there are numerous aspects to consider to ensure that you make the right choice. Below are 7 factors that everyone should consider when selecting their fishing line.
Line Strength
A test is a unit of measurement for the power of an angling string, and it is specified in pounds. Therefore, when selecting a fishing line, it’s advisable to take into account the size of the fish for which you are angling.
For instance, if your goal is catching salmon weighing about 30 pounds, choose a fishing line featuring a test of 30 pounds. Meanwhile, it’s the golden rule of thumb to use a 4-pound test angling string if you’re going after trouts.
See also: Fishing Line Weight Chart Here
If you’re chasing huge sport species, use a braided line of at least a 30-pound test. A general guideline is to fish using the most lightweight rig possible to minimize weariness and have more pleasure. Fishers should also utilize a lightweight string to catch big fish in contests where the test is indicated.
However, this necessitates prior expertise, a commitment to an extended trip, and, most importantly, excellent skill. One more thing to consider is that, even though a conventional fishing line is 100% to snap above its ratings, the competition line must snap before its ratings, or else, the results will be disqualified. Thus, if you’re about to enter a competition, choose wisely.
Target Species
Catching bluegills in ponds, catfishes at the river channel, lingcod off the coastline, or goliath grouper in the deeper sea all require a different technique and rig. Indeed, you have to choose your fishing gear, especially fishing lines, based on the type of fish you’re hunting for. As mentioned above, It is critical to select a snapping point that closely equals your prey’s typical size or weight.
Furthermore, do these fish possess lots of teeth in their mouth? Some fish’s strong jaws and teeth, such as tuna, quickly take care of most line types.
Do they battle brutally? Although certain varieties, for example, giant kingfish, will do it gently and slither away from your hook once caught, many, including mangrove jacks, possess a history of getting real physical and having you jammed in an instant.
Castability
Slick, lightweight lines are ideal for active methods of angling that involve repeated casting since they slide off the reel quicker, allowing for more precise casts spanning farther areas. On the other hand, if you do not cast frequently, you may well skip this factor.
Line Structure
The structure appeals to many species because it offers concealment while also luring smaller fish. Although most types of structures, including boulders and mangroves, could ensure a smooth operation of the fishing line, this factor may be both an ally and an enemy to an angler as it could make your line more vulnerable. It is beneficial to beef out your string type for most scenarios to prevent the string from getting snapped on sharp things.
All varieties of fishing lines could be utilized surrounding structures, but keep in mind that braided ones are prone to wear, so mono or fluoro may be a better choice.
Line Depth
While angling at greater depths, the benefits of utilizing a thin string become amplified. Slimmer threads slice into the ocean easily and offer reduced resistance, which can help you deliver your hook and baits to the seabed while also making stronger contact. Braided lines are the most outstanding choice in this case since it is considerably thinner than different varieties of line and their shortage of elasticity allows you to sense any nibble via the thread, even at greater depths. Jigging braided lines also feature line marker symbols that tell you how far under the lure you are angling.
Line Stretch
Reduced elasticity in the fishing line means more responsiveness and better hook sense, precisely what fishers want. Yet, in other cases (for example, while trolling), a bit of line elasticity is beneficial since it can function as a shock buffer and spell the difference between landing the hook in a soft-mouthed species and pulling it out.
Line Memory
When we talk about fishing lines, less memory is preferable, different from people and machines. How so? Memory relates to a line’s tendency to preserve its shape following an outside effect. Whenever a line with high line memory is set up on your rig, it “recollects” the rings that form. Lines having no memory remain smooth as they roll off your reel, resulting in reduced resistance on leads and reels, allowing for extended, cleaner throws.
Wrapping Up
That’s everything we have for you today. Indeed, as an angler, understanding different types of fishing lines and various factors affecting the lines’ performance will help your fishing trip become more manageable and a lot more successful. Among all, there is no specific fishing line that is 100% better than another. Instead, consider your fishing technique, target species, and essential line characteristics to find the best-suited fishing line. Good luck!
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Born in Lakeland, Florida, Daniel has started fishing since he was just a tiny little kid. His father was a real good fisherman, as he taught Daniel tricks and tips to catch the fish better. From those childhood memories, Daniel has built up his love for fishing. Until now, he has been participating in several bass tournaments and currently serves as the Chief Editor of fishingonsunday.com to share his precious knowledge and experiences with many more people.
