Anglers have long debated the use of monofilament fishing line versus braided fishing line. Both types of line are effective for fishing plugs, although weather, water clarity and technique dictate which one is ideal in a given situation. Ideally, anglers should be prepared to try both types of line and choose the one that best suits the conditions.
Water Clarity
Clear water conditions often make fish skittish and spooky. Wary game fish are often turned off by highly visible lines and will refuse to bite even the most enticing offering. When the water is crystal clear, monofilament line is the best choice. Mono is transparent, making it more difficult for fish to see. Monofilament is a better choice when fishing to highly pressured fish or during low water conditions. Anglers should also consider using monofilament on extremely bright days when light penetrates deep into the water.
Casting
Whether you are casting plugs from shore or from a boat, the more distance you can cover, the better your chances of catching fish. Casting distance is critical when you need to get the lure out to submerged structures or drop-offs. When comparing monofilament and braided lines, it's clear that braided line is superior for casting long distances. Its thin diameter allows braided lines to spool smoothly off the reel and cut through the air with less resistance than mono.
Trolling
Trolling is a popular technique for fishing plugs in open water. Trolling enables the angler to cover large expanses of water and locate fish at specific depths of water. When trolling, it is essential to get plugs far enough behind the boat that the fish are not scared by the sound of the motor. In some cases, several hundred feet may separate the rod and lure. Monofilament line is a nylon-based material and therefore stretchy in nature. The more line you have out, the more difficult it becomes to get a solid hook set. Braided line has no stretch, making it an ideal choice for anglers trolling long lines.
Structure
Whether you are casting plugs or trolling them, it is important to consider the type of structures present in the water. Areas with submerged timber, shelves and dense vegetation are difficult to fish without occasionally snagging bottom. In areas where snags are likely, monofilament provides enough elasticity to protect the line from instantly breaking during an unexpected snag. Braided lines are prone to breaking at the knot upon sudden impact but are much more abrasion resistant than monofilament lines.
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