Up until the 1930s, the majority of all fishing lines were made from natural fibers such as spun horsehair or silk. Luckily we have come a long way since then and there are now an abundance of fishing line materials to choose from. The type of line you choose will have a major impact on your saltwater fishing success so in today’s blog we outline the 3 most popular types of fishing line for saltwater fishing and how to choose between them.
How to Choose the Best Line for Saltwater Fishing
Monofilament lines
Monofilament lines are much stretchier than other options available which makes them easy to handle. They are also inexpensive and hold knots well which makes them particularly popular for new anglers. On the downside, monofilament lines are less resistant to abrasion than either braided or fluorocarbon lines which means they should generally be used only when you are out of the range of any kinds of structures that they may become tangled up in. They also tend to degrade over time when exposed to sunlight so if you choose monofilament, be sure to replace it as necessary.
Braided lines
Braided lines are decidedly tougher than monofilament and because of their lack of stretch, anglers can better detect bites and fish around structures. They are also thinner than monofilament and fluorocarbon lines of the same strength and their suppleness allows for greater casting distance.
Fluorocarbon hybrid lines
The major benefit of fluorocarbon is that it is rendered nearly invisible underwater due to its refractive index that is nearly identical to water, making it an ideal choice for clear water where fish are particularly wary. It is also ideal for constructing leaders as it is resistant to abrasion and will stretch less than monofilament.
Ultimately, the type of line you choose will depend on the type of fishing you plan on doing and your own personal preference.
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