So, you want to start fishing. You’ve bought your fishing rod, you’ve found the perfect location, you’ve even got some bait ready for the big catch of a lifetime.
However, there’s one more step that you need to take before you’re finally ready to walk the path to becoming a seasoned angler, and it’s a step that many people often forget when starting out.
The next step is choosing the right line and leader combination.
This article will help you decide which type of line and leader is best suited for your needs. We’ll compare braid, mono, and fluorocarbon leaders as well as discuss their features and benefits.
As we go through this short guide, keep in mind these three things. First, the diameter of the line affects how fast it is drawn through the water. The thicker the line, the faster it gets pulled through the water.
Second, the weight of the line impacts how much drag it creates during casting. A heavy line makes the cast easier because it has less inertia once released from the hand.
Last, but not least, each material offers its advantages and disadvantages.
So, with those details out of the way, let’s get started!
Line Diameter Chart
The line chart that we have referred to on this topic was produced by the Wildlife Department of Oklahoma, which compares these three types of fishing line, and how they compare to each other when it comes to pounding test and line diameter
This is a great way of comparing the weight and length of each line with each other
Monofilament
To put it simply, the monofilament line is made up entirely of synthetic polymers. Because of this, it can be extremely flexible and very long-lasting.
This allows you to fish for long periods of time, making it ideal if you plan on going after large or deep-sea fish. It also means that you don’t need extra care or maintenance while using monofilament.
Of the three types of line that are typically used when it comes to fishing, monofilament is usually the thickest. However, this flexibility can make monofilament hard to control and handle during casting.
For this reason, most professional fisherman with enough money will use an intermediate weight line like braided or fluorocarbon for general fishing purposes when possible.
However, monofilament tends to be a lot cheaper than the other two line types, and whilst it is not optimal, it is more than adequate for most fishing tasks.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon, compared to monofilament lines, tends to be a little stronger at the same diameter but is often shorter when it comes to length. The difference between them is only about one inch per foot of line.
That said, fluorocarbon does offer a few advantages over monofilament. Firstly, it is easier to maintain. Unlike monofilament, fluorocarbon doesn’t tend to stretch, kink or break.
As such, it lasts longer than monofilament and requires very little attention or maintenance.
With this being said, although some fluorocarbons are as strong and durable as monofilament, they tend to be a bit stiffer and harder to cast, especially once you get past a certain pound threshold.
After about 50 to 60 lbs, monofilament starts being the thinner line.
Braided Line
Braided lines are usually the thinnest fishing lines when compared to fluoro and mono lines. They’re also much lighter, due to their construction.
This makes them useful in environments where you may be working with sharp objects like hooks, lures, or bait. They are also a very sensitive line, ideal for when you want to know if you have a bite on the line!
It’s for these combinations of benefits that longer lines tend to be made of braided lines, as they can stand some punishment if they are bitten down on, and its sensitive nature allows it to detect and transmit those bites back to the holder of the rod.
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
Whilst each type of fishing line has its benefits and drawbacks, it is unlikely that you will use only a single kind of line in your fishing career. Instead, you should probably use a combination of all 3.
This way, you’ll be able to choose which line type works best for your needs, whether it be for strength, sensitivity, or longevity.
Hi, I’m Tommy Bull. I can safely say that this was one of the best days of my adult life. The weather was perfect, not too hot or too cold, the lake was peaceful and still, and my bounty was impeccable.
This day is what started my love of fishing. Since then, I’ve been traveling around different lakes to see if I can match the magic of Irvine lake. No luck yet, but I remain hopeful. Until then, I can always count on Irvine lake to remind me of that feeling.
Anyway, I created Irvine Lake to teach people how to fish so that they feel more confident to go out and find their own fishing spot to embrace that feeling.
From then on, the site has grown to encompass my love of all things camping and outdoors too.
