When shopping for fishing line, there actually are only a few categories of fishing line to choose from. These are monofilament, braided, fluorocarbon, superline and trolling fishing line, each with specific characteristics. Understanding the makeup and uses of each type of line can help you decide which is right for you.
Monofilament
Today, monofilament fishing line is, by far, the most popular type of fishing line. Invented by DuPont Corp., monofilament line is made of nylon. The term monofilament comes from the manufacturing process, in which nylon is extruded through a die to form a single strand. Monofilament line comes in a wide range of sizes, weight strengths and colors. It ties easily, producing strong knots and has relatively little stretch. This line is also inexpensive and readily available at tackle shops and sporting goods stores.
Braided
Prior to the development of nylon monofilament line, braided fishing lines were commonly used. Often made of Dacron, this type of line is actually produced by braiding smaller filaments to produce the final line. Braided lines tend to fray easily and often have poor knot strength. They still hold a niche position in the marketplace with certain types of fishermen including those targeting catfish, trolling for big game fish or using it as backing line for fly fishing.
Superline
Recently, newer manufacturing processes and materials, such as Spectra, Kevlar and Dyneena, have introduced a newer form of braided line to the market. Referred to as "superlines" or "microfilaments", these specialized fibers are extremely thin and strong. In "Fused" superline, all the fibers within the line are fused together. The characteristics of Superlines let lures dive deeper and faster, improve sensitivity, allow for farther casts, and provide higher breaking strengths at smaller line sizes. They do require certain types of knots, such as a Palomar knot, to prevent the line from slipping. Superlines are among the most expensive fishing lines sold today.
Fluorocarbon
A polymer, fluorocarbon is virtually invisible in water making it very effective when trying to present bait as naturally as possible. Unlike nylon fishing line, which can absorb water that can weaken it or cause it to stretch, fluorocarbon will not absorb water, making it much more sensitive. It is also unaffected by sunlight and chemicals that may degrade other fishing lines and is resistant to abrasion, making it a good choice for rough fishing conditions. Like superlines, fluorocarbon is denser, so it sinks faster and allows lures to dive deeper. Because fluorocarbon tends to be stiffer than nylon, bait casting reels may need to be adjusted to accommodate this line.
Trolling Line
Trolling line is specifically designed to be towed behind a boat when fishing deeper waters. These lines consist of a lead wire core surrounded by a woven Dacron sheath that is usually color-coded in 10 yard increments. Trolling lines are generally heavier than other lines and require a more substantial rod and reel. The additional weight within these lines allows them to sink deeply, while at the same time presenting bait smoothly, without needing a large weight at the end of the line.
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