Fishing lines can vary in length, material and weight. Thick, sturdy lines are more visible to fish, while lighter lines can wear or break. A good line depends on its strength, castability, stretch, visibility and resistance. Most common fishing lines are made from nylon and similar substances, or fluorocarbon, which is less visible to fish and has become popular in recent years. In addition to invisibility, fluorocarbons, which are made from fluorine boned to carbon, are great for clear water fishing, clearly visible above water and are not affected by the sun's ultraviolet rays, so it will last longer than other lines.
What to Look for
When choosing the right line, you should take into consideration the rod and reel as well as your casting technique. Limper lines allow for more sensitivity for catching smaller fish, but the line can break sometimes because it has too much stretch. Many manufacturers are making line that combines a balance for sensitivity and the ability to absorb an unexpected strike of a fish. But if you are not sure, it is best to choose a heavy line, especially if you are a novice angler. More experienced fisherman prefer light line for the challenge of hooking the big one.
Most stores that deal in fishing equipment try to make it easier for shoppers by advertising ultra-light line for small fish, or "big game" line for larger fish. Lines are also specially designed for cold weather and ice fishing. Look for line that can endure the scuffing and normal wear that comes from repeated casting. Most of the premium lines offer products that resist abrasion. You want a line that you can see but fish can't. Newer products try to solve this problem by offering clear blue fluorescent line that is easy to see when casting, but is nearly invisible to fish under water. Clear lines work in streams and lakes, whereas brighter gold lines are good for people who want to see when a fish strikes or for conditions at night. Moss green is good for waters that have heavy vegetation.
Common Pitfalls
Monofilament lines lose up to 20 percent of their strength when absorbing water. That is why you have the increasing popularity of fluorocarbon line, which doesn't lose its strength under water. Still, monofilament lines are lower in price. Braided lines, which are small in diameter to balance strength and sensitivity, easily become weak and are very limp, making them tougher to cast.
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