Braid vs. Monofilament vs. Fluorocarbon: Which Fishing Line is Right for You

Do you find ever yourself wondering which type line you should use when your fishing? Does it even matter what line I use? Let’s explore this.

It’s difficult to determine the “best” fishing line. This largely depends on your specific fishing situation, the species of fish being targeted, and the angler’s personal preference. Each type of fishing line – monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided – has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best fishing line is the one that works best for your specific needs and preferences. What’s important is to experiment with different types and brands to find the one that works best for you.

In general, a good starting point for determining line strength is to use a line that is roughly equivalent to the weight of the fish you’re targeting. For example, if you’re targeting a 10-pound fish, you’ll want to use a line with a pound-test rating of at least 10 pounds. However, keep in mind that other factors, such as the fishing conditions and your personal preferences. This may require you to adjust your line strength accordingly.

Larger and stronger fish require thicker and stronger lines to avoid breakage. Whereas, for smaller fish such as panfish, you can use lighter lines.

Your next steps are to take into consideration is the type or reel and its size as well as your rod power. For example are you using an ultralight rod and reel, or a medium-heavy rod and reel combination? What are the water conditions you’ll be fishing in? Are you fishing in heavy cover? If so, you’ll need a stronger line such as braided line, or braided line with a flourcarbon leader to avoid break-offs.

Similarly, if you’re fishing in clear top water, think about using a thinner and less visible floating line such as monofilament to avoid spooking the fish.

What are the three main types of fishing lines:

Monofilament

If you walk into a WalMart or any other box store with fishing gear, literally, every rod and reel combo will come with mono line rated for that pole’s power already spooled on the reel for you.

So lets get into it.

Monofilament fishing line, also known as “mono,” is a type of fishing line made from a single strand of material, usually nylon. Mono is known for its flexibility, low memory, and high knot strength. It is available in a range of diameters, with thinner lines being more sensitive and easier to cast. Thicker lines are stronger and better suited for larger fish.

Mono is a popular choice among anglers due to its versatility and relatively low cost compared to other types of fishing line.

There are several advantages to using monofilament fishing line:

• It floats!  This great for topwater action.
• Versatility: Monofilament is a versatile fishing line that can be used for a wide range of fishing applications, including freshwater and saltwater fishing.
• Low memory: Monofilament has low memory, which means it doesn’t retain the shape of the spool it was wound on, making it easier to cast and reducing the likelihood of tangles.
• High knot strength: Monofilament has high knot strength, which means that knots tied in the line are less likely to slip or break.
• Stretch: Monofilament has a certain amount of stretch, which can help to absorb shocks and make it easier to fight fish.
• Cost: Monofilament is generally less expensive than fluorocarbon or braided lines, making it an affordable option for many anglers.
• Easy to handle: Monofilament is easy to handle and tie knots with, making it a good option for beginners.

There are some disadvantages to using monofilament fishing line:

• Stretch: Monofilament has more stretch than other types of fishing line, which can make it more difficult to detect subtle bites or changes in the bottom structure.
• Visibility: Monofilament is more visible in the water than fluorocarbon or braided line of the same diameter, which can spook some fish, particularly in clear water or when targeting wary species.
• Degradation: Monofilament can degrade over time, particularly when exposed to sunlight or water. This can weaken the line and make it more prone to breakage.
• Thickness: Monofilament is generally thicker than other types of fishing line of the same strength, which can make it less sensitive and reduce casting distance.

Overall, while monofilament fishing line is still a popular all-purpose fishing line choice among anglers. While it does provide a good balance of strength, sensitivity, and ease of use, it may not be the best choice for all fishing situations. Anglers should consider the specific needs of their fishing style and the species they are targeting before choosing the right type of fishing line for their needs.

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon fishing line, also known as “fluoro,” is a type of fishing line made from a fluorocarbon polymer. Fluoro is known for its high abrasion resistance, low stretch, and low visibility in the water. It is also denser than mono. This can help with sensitivity and sinking rates. Fluoro is often used in situations where fish are particularly wary or where maximum invisibility is desired.

It is also commonly used as a leader material in conjunction with a braided or mono mainline. Fluoro can be more expensive than mono, but its advantages in certain fishing situations can make it worth the investment for many anglers.

There are several advantages to using fluorocarbon fishing line:

• Low visibility: Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in water, making it a good choice for fishing in clear water or targeting wary fish.
• Abrasion resistance: Fluorocarbon is highly resistant to abrasion, making it a good choice for fishing in areas with rocks, weeds, or other obstacles.
• Sinks quickly: Fluorocarbon is denser than water and sinks quickly, which can help to get lures and baits down to the desired depth faster.
• Low stretch: Fluorocarbon has less stretch than monofilament, which can help to increase sensitivity and make it easier to set hooks quickly.
• Durable: Fluorocarbon is very durable and has a long lifespan, making it a good investment for serious anglers.
• Can be used as a leader: Fluorocarbon is often used as a leader material in conjunction with a braided or monofilament mainline, providing the benefits of low visibility and abrasion resistance to the leader.

There are some disadvantages to using fluorocarbon fishing line:

• Stiffness: Fluorocarbon is stiffer than other types of fishing line, which can make it more difficult to cast and handle, particularly in colder temperatures.
• Memory: Fluorocarbon has some memory, which means that it can retain the shape of the spool it was wound on, making it more prone to tangles and reducing casting distance.
• Knot strength: Fluorocarbon can be difficult to tie knots with, particularly for anglers who are used to tying knots with monofilament or braided line. It also has lower knot strength than other types of fishing line, which means that knots may be more prone to slipping or breaking.
• Price: Fluorocarbon is generally more expensive than monofilament or braided line, which can make it less accessible to some anglers.
• Low stretch: While the low stretch of fluorocarbon can be an advantage for sensitivity and hook setting, it can also be a disadvantage in situations where shock absorption is needed, such as when fighting large fish or when using lighter tackle.

Overall, the fluorocarbon fishing line is a good choice for anglers who need low visibility and abrasion resistance. This is necessary when fishing in clear water or around a structure. It is also a good choice for anglers who need a sensitive line with low stretch, such as when fishing for species with delicate bites.

Braid

Braided fishing line, also known as “braid,” is a type of fishing line made by weaving together multiple strands of synthetic material, such as Spectra or Dyneema. Its known for it’s high strength, sensitivity, and small diameter compared to mono or fluoro lines of the same strength.

This line is extremely durable and resistant to abrasion and provides a popular choice for fishing in heavy cover or around structures. Braid has very little stretch, making it easier to feel bites and set hooks quickly, but also requires some adjustment to the angler’s technique.

Braid can also be more visible in the water than fluoro or mono, so it is often used in conjunction with a fluoro leader. Braid can be more expensive than mono or fluoro, its advantages in certain fishing situations make it a popular choice among serious anglers.

There are several advantages to using braided fishing line:

• High strength: Braided fishing line is stronger than monofilament or fluorocarbon line of the same diameter, which means that anglers can use a thinner line while still maintaining the same strength.
• Sensitivity: Braided line has very little stretch, which means that it is extremely sensitive and allows anglers to feel even subtle bites or changes in the bottom structure.
• Low diameter: Braided line has a smaller diameter than monofilament or fluorocarbon line of the same strength, which makes it less visible in the water and allows for longer casts.
• Abrasion resistance: Braided line is highly resistant to abrasion, making it a good choice for fishing in areas with rocks, weeds, or other obstacles.
• Durability: Braided line is very durable and has a long lifespan, making it a good investment for serious anglers.
• No memory: Braided line has no memory, which means that it doesn’t retain the shape of the spool it was wound on, making it easier to cast and reducing the likelihood of tangles.

There are some disadvantages to using braided fishing line:

• Visibility: Braided line is highly visible in the water, which can spook some fish, particularly in clear water or when targeting wary species.
• Price: Braided line is generally more expensive than monofilament or fluorocarbon line, which can make it less accessible to some anglers.
• Knot tying: Braided line can be difficult to tie knots with, particularly for anglers who are used to tying knots with monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
• Wind knots: Braided line is more prone to wind knots than other types of fishing line, particularly when casting in windy conditions.
• No stretch: While the lack of stretch in braided line can be an advantage for sensitivity and hook setting, it can also be a disadvantage in situations where shock absorption is needed, such as when fighting large fish or when using lighter tackle.

Overall, braided fishing line is a great choice for anglers who need high strength, sensitivity, and low visibility. Other factors like fishing in heavy cover or targeting species with delicate bites. It is also a good choice for anglers who need a line that can handle the wear and tear of frequent use.

What Type Fishing Line Do You Recommend For Various Baits?

Each bait type serves a different purpose or is presented in a unique way. So having rod & reel combos with specific purposes in mind or tailored for a mission really helps. I write about this in the sub section below this. Now this is far from a comprehensive list, but we’ll cover a few bait type here.

• Buzzbaits
  With buzzbaits, you will want a heavier monofilament line in the 15lb to 25lb range. You’re going to want the added buoyancy that the thicker mono line provides, and it floats too.
• Spinnerbaits
  You can use either 17lb to 25lb mono or 17lb to 25lb flouro. Which one is better? I recommend using monofilament because of its buoyancy. Mono floats and this will allow you to keep your spinner baits closer to the surface avoiding the “high-tip” that you use with fluorocarbon to keep your spinnerbait close to the surface.
• Chatterbaits
  Go with 17lb to 25lb monofilament or flourocarbon line. Either will work great with chatterbaits.
• Frogs and Toads
  Braided line is the winner here. Use 40lb to 65lb braid. Typically you’re going to fish a frog in heavy cover. Braided line is what you’re going to want for this.
• Wacky Rigs
  4lb to 8lb fluorocarbon works great with wacky rigs. Like any finesse rig, use a heavier fluorocarbon line if you’re working heavy cover
• Drop Shots
  I suggest using 6lb to 10lb fluorocarbon for your drop shot line on your finesse rig. However, if you are going to be drop-shotting in a heavy cover area go with 12lb to 15lb test line. Check out my “Master the Drop Shot Rig: Tips and Techniques for Success” posting to find out more.
• Texas and Carolina Rigs
  For these two rigs use 15 lb to 20 lb fluorocarbon. Now.., you can use braided line, but tie on a fluorocarbon leader.
• Shallow Crankbaits
  I’m gonna say roll with 15lb to 20lb flouro for shallow crankbaits. Why do this? Fluorocarbon lines are less visible, it has a lower stretch to it, and has greater abrasion resistance compared to monofilament. That abrasion resistance comes in handy in shallow with the heavier cover. You will also want to stick with the heavier lines since you’re pulling your crankbait through heavy cover and all the snag opportunities that present.
• Medium Diving Crankbaits
  With medium diving crankbaits, use 10lb to 15lb fluorocarbon. Also, you might want to use a medium action rod with a soft tip for better hook sets. The benefits of using flouro are it’s invisible, it sinks, and again, the greater abrasion resistance.
• Deep Diving Crankbaits
  For deep diving crankbaits, you’ll want to use 10lb to 15lb fluorocarbon. And why this? Use fluorocarbon for all the same reasons you would use it for medium diving crankbaits.
• Lipless Crankbaits
  10lb to 17lb flouro. Lipless baits operate the same as the medium and deep diving crankbaits.

What If I Need To Switch Line?

That’s a good question there Skippy! If your using a spinning reel. You can always carry spare line spools or spools for your reel. You can order these from the reel manufacturer.

However if your using a baitcast or spincast reel. You are out of luck! You could carry spare reels set up with a different line types and swap reels as needed. But the easier answer is to just have multiple rod and reel combos.  All my fishing rigs have a specific purpose with varying types of line.

My 7′ Okuma ROX Spinning Combo has 14 lb test monofilament on it for top water action, while my 7′ Abu Garcia spinning combo has 15 lb test flourcarbon line for sinking lures like crankbaits. I have a medium-light finesse rig that I run 10lb braided line on. I use that rig for things like a Ned rig or Tokyo rig.

Having multiple rod and reel combos with different lines allows me to change rods depending on the types of lures I want to use or varying water conditions.

How do I keep track of what line and line strength  is on each my fishing rigs. Its simple. Being an old guy, looking at the tape is easier than trying to read the markings on the rod without my glasses. We got ourselves some rolls of colored electrician tape. Green, blue, white, yellow and red.  Then I just cut me a 2-3 in piece of yellow for a medium power rod and wrap it around my rod. Next I cut a similar strip of white tape and wrap it next to the yellow and take a black sharpie and write 10 M for 10 lb Monofilament line.

When I need to switch, I can look at a pile of my rods and I find at a glance pick out which one I’m looking for.

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