What to Consider with Fishing Lines

Yet another choice every fisherman must make is the type of fishing line to use. There are several basic choices fishing lines that are used by most fishermen in the country. Here is a description of the three most common fishing line choices:

• Monofilament. This is a fairly inexpensive fishing line choice, which is probably why about two-thirds of all fishing line sold in the country is monofilament. It was introduced in the late 1950s as a thinner and stronger option for fishing lines at the time, and has immediately became very popular. However, there are stronger choices available if you will be fishing in areas where weeds and plants - not to mention strong fish - could snag and perhaps snap the line.
• Superlines. Th ese were introduced in the 1990s, offering incredible flexibility to fishermen. They were both extremely thin and strong at the same time. Fishermen could easily tie knots with superlines, another advantage. Compared to monofilament, superlines are thinner and thus less visible to fish. The lines are said to be 10 times stronger than steel, making superlines, an ideal choice for bigger fish.
• Fluorocarbon. First introduced in Japan, these fishing lines are designed to be nearly invisible in water. Fluorocarbon lines don't absorb water and are resistant to sunlight and gasoline, among other materials that can break down fishing lines.
• Braided. Braided fishing lines are mostly about strength, which is offered by the braiding. Braided lines don't have much give - they don't stretch at all. Also, because these lines are a little thicker, like fused fishing lines, they can be seen more easily by the fish.

Choosing the Capacity of Fishing Lines

It's important that fishing lines match the reel s being used. If the reel is designed for line with only a certain capacity, or weight limit, then the capacity of the fishing line must match. Check the information contained on the reel line package before you make a purchase. For example, if the fishing reel line capacity is 8/110, that means the reel can handle up to 110 yards of 8-pound test line. Trying to catch a bigger fish on a line without sufficient capacity can mean a snapped. Also, be careful not to match up a high capacity with a reel that is extremely lightweight.