Lines
A fishing line is a cord used or made for angling. Important parameters of a fishing line are its length, material, and weight (thicker lines are more visible to fish). Factors that may determine what line an angler chooses for a given fishing environment include breaking strength, knot strength, UV resistance, castability, limpness, stretch, abrasion resistance and visibility.
Modern fishing lines intended for spinning, bait casting reels, float or bottom fishing are almost entirely made from artificial substances, including nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, also called fluorocarbon), polyethylene, Dacron and Dyneema (UHMWPE).
The most common types can be found in Fishing Planet Store:
- Monofilament lines are made of a single strand. Fishermen often use monofilament because of its buoyant characteristics and its ability to stretch under load. Its ability to stretch is a disadvantage because it makes the angler's contact with the fish less direct and hook-sets less powerful than with a non-stretchable line.
- Fluorocarbon lines are made of the fluoropolymer PVDF and it is valued for its refractive index, which is similar to that of water, making it less visible to fish. Fluorocarbon is also a denser material, and therefore, is not nearly as buoyant as monofilament. Anglers often utilize fluorocarbon when they need their baits to stay closer to the bottom without the use of heavy sinkers.
- Braided lines are also known as 'superlines' for their small diameter, lack of stretch, and great strength relative to standard nylon monofilament lines. But you should be aware of their high visibility and buoyant characteristics.
- Saltwater lines are more powerful fishing lines, braids designed for sea fishing conditions.
Choosing the right line, according to target fish, fishing style, fishing environment, chosen lure or bait requires some experience. Next table shows the main characteristics for each type of line. If you don't want to go on "try & error" path, you may find some suggestions in tips&tricks section.
Line type | Tensile strength | Stretch | Visibility in the water | Abrasion resitance | Buoyancy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monofilament | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Moderate |
Fluorocarbon | Good | Low | Nearly invisible | Very good | Low |
Braid | Excellent | Nearly absent | High | Moderate | High |