Fishing line is made using materials such as nylon, plastic or carbon, and different types of line are used for particular applications. Fishermen select fishing line based on strength, weight, visibility in the water and flexibility. Ultimate Fishing explains, "The wrong type of fishing line for the fish you want to land can result in the one that got away."
Test
All fishing line is rated according to the tensile strength in pounds, which translates to the test weight of a particular line. In terms of fishing, test is the amount of pressure required to break the line by pulling it apart at one point. In basic theory, 20-lb. test line would be required to land a fish weighing 20 lbs, and would be an advantage when landing a fish weighing 15 lbs. However, there are numerous accounts of fish weighing 60 lbs being landed on 20-lb. test line. This is possible because 20 lbs of constant pressure during the course of a fight tires the fish to the point where it can be landed. The duration of a fight with a 60 lb fish could be shortened by using 30-lb. test line, because the additional strength would allow a fisherman to pull harder with less risk of breaking the line.
Monofilament
Monofilament line is made from a liquid plastic that is extruded through tiny holes under pressure. The diameter of the hole determines the test weight of the line. Colors, such as green, blue and fluorescent are added during production, or omitted to produce clear line.
The properties of monofilament combine to afford strength, stretch and flexibility not available with other types of fishing line. In discussing sword fishing, Fisherman's Outfitter states, "Mono allows some stretch in the system, which gives a little cushion against pulled hooks." These characteristics make monofilament the line of choice for many types of casting and bait fishing in freshwater and saltwater.
Braided
Braided line is made from carbon fiber strands that are braided into one fishing line. The line has a small diameter compared to similar test monofilament, is more expensive and possesses high abrasion resistance that is a factor with long tooth species, such as barracuda and tuna. However, braided line has properties similar to stranded wire, and the lack of stretch makes it unfavorable for certain soft mouth species. Fishing rocky contours or thick weed beds with this type of line may not only cost a lure if the line gets hung up, but the entire length of line that's played out. For these reasons, experienced fishermen are selective in their use of braided fishing line.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon line is made using carbon-based material that makes the line virtually invisible in the water. It is stronger, but less flexible than monofilament and does not stretch to the same degree. For this reason many fishermen prefer fluorocarbon line as leader, since it's almost impossible for fish to see, and has less tendency to tangle around the main fishing line the way monofilament does in certain situations.
Fly Line
Fly line is made by blending liquid polymer and nylon fiber and extruding the mixture through dyes that create hollow fishing line. This characteristic allows the line to float, which is ideal for presenting flies. Most fly line is tapered, which reduces resistance and increases the distance of casts. The line is made in several colors, including tan, green and black, and most fly line is rated between 1-lb. and 15-lb. test.
Dacron
At one time dacron fishing line was the standard of the sport fishing industry. It remains in use as backing on fly reels and trolling reels in order to reduce the amount of expensive line needed to fill a reel. Dacron is not pliable and does not stretch, which makes it impossible to use when casting, and it is readily visible in the water. The line is primarily used in commercial fishing for tying nets and rigging shellfish traps.
Member Comments