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Walk into a tackle shop and you’ll face dozens of fishing line options. Monofilament, braided, fluorocarbon. Different colours, different weights, different prices. For beginners, it’s genuinely confusing.
Here’s what matters: each line type has specific characteristics that make it better or worse for different situations. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right line for how you fish — and avoid expensive mistakes.
The Three Main Line Types
Modern fishing line falls into three categories, each with distinct properties:
Monofilament (Mono)
The original and still the most widely used. A single strand of nylon polymer that’s been around for decades.
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Key characteristics:
- Stretch: Up to 25% under pressure — acts as shock absorber
- Visibility: Available in clear, green, blue; moderately visible in water
- Memory: Tends to retain coiled shape from spool
- Knot strength: Excellent — easy to tie secure knots
- Abrasion resistance: Moderate
- UV degradation: Weakens in sunlight over time
- Buoyancy: Near-neutral; sinks slowly
- Cost: Cheapest option
Best for:
- Beginners (most forgiving)
- Topwater lures (floats)
- Treble hook baits (stretch prevents hooks tearing out)
- General freshwater fishing
- Float/bobber fishing
Drawbacks:
- Memory causes tangles and coiling
- Needs replacing annually due to UV damage
- Less sensitive than other options
Braided Line (Braid)
Multiple strands of synthetic fibres woven together. Dramatically different properties from mono.
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Key characteristics:
- Stretch: Virtually zero — maximum sensitivity
- Strength-to-diameter: Exceptional — 3-4x stronger per diameter than mono
- Memory: Zero — comes off spool straight
- Visibility: Opaque; visible in clear water
- Knot strength: Requires specific knots (slippery)
- Abrasion resistance: Variable; can fray on rocks
- Durability: Excellent UV resistance; lasts 3-5+ years
- Cost: Higher initial cost, but longer lasting
Best for:
- Heavy cover fishing (vegetation, timber)
- Topwater (sensitivity and hooksets)
- Deep water jigging
- Long-distance casting
- When sensitivity is crucial
Drawbacks:
- Visible to fish in clear water
- Can cut fingers if you’re not careful
- Requires specific knots
- No stretch means less forgiveness
Fluorocarbon (Fluoro)
A polymer that’s nearly invisible in water. Often used as leader material.
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Key characteristics:
- Visibility: Refractive index closest to water — nearly invisible
- Sink rate: Sinks approximately 3x faster than mono
- Stretch: Less than mono, more than braid
- Abrasion resistance: Highest of all line types
- Memory: More than braid; can coil
- Sensitivity: Good — better than mono
- UV resistance: Excellent
- Cost: Most expensive
Best for:
- Clear water fishing
- Finesse techniques
- Leader material with braid mainline
- Wary, pressured fish
- Bottom contact presentations
- Around rocks and structure (abrasion resistance)
Drawbacks:
- Expensive — often used just as leader
- Stiffer than mono; less beginner-friendly
- Sinks — not ideal for topwater
Quick Comparison Chart
| Property |
Mono |
Braid |
Fluoro |
| Stretch |
High (25%) |
None |
Low |
| Visibility |
Moderate |
High |
Very Low |
| Sensitivity |
Low |
Excellent |
Good |
| Abrasion Resistance |
Moderate |
Variable |
Excellent |
| Knot Strength |
Excellent |
Requires special knots |
Good |
| Lifespan |
6-12 months |
3-5 years |
1-2 years |
| Cost |
£ |
££ |
£££ |
| Best For Beginners? |
Yes |
After basics mastered |
As leader |
What Line Weight Should You Use?
Line is rated by “test” — the weight it can hold before breaking. Match your line to your target species:
| Species |
Mono/Fluoro |
Braid |
| Panfish/Crappie |
2-4 lb |
Not typically used |
| Trout |
4-6 lb |
8-10 lb |
| Smallmouth Bass |
6-8 lb |
10-15 lb |
| Largemouth Bass |
8-12 lb |
15-30 lb |
| UK Coarse (general) |
3-6 lb |
— |
Beginner recommendation: Start with 6-8 lb monofilament. It’s versatile enough for most freshwater situations and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
When to Replace Your Line
Old line loses strength and causes problems. Watch for these signs:
Visual signs:
- Discoloration (yellowing, cloudiness)
- Visible nicks, frays, or rough spots
- Flat spots or damage
Feel:
- Rough texture when running through fingers
- Dry, brittle feel
Performance:
- Tight coils that won’t straighten (memory)
- Reduced casting distance
- Frequent tangles
- Knots failing unexpectedly
Replacement schedule:
- Monofilament: Every 6-12 months, or after heavy use
- Fluorocarbon: Every 12-18 months
- Braided: Every 2-4 years (inspect regularly)
Understanding Leaders
A leader is a separate section of line between your mainline and your lure or hook. Why bother?
Common leader setups:
- Braid mainline + fluoro leader: Best of both worlds — braid’s sensitivity and casting with fluoro’s invisibility near the bait
- Braid mainline + mono leader: Adds shock absorption for fish with soft mouths or when using treble hooks
When beginners need leaders:
- Using braid in clear water (fish can see braid)
- Fishing around sharp structure
- Targeting line-shy species
Leader length: 2-4 feet is typical for general fishing. Use longer (6-12 feet) in ultra-clear water, shorter in stained water.
Common Line Problems and Solutions
Line Twist
Cause: Incorrect spooling, reeling while drag slips, lures that spin
Solution: Re-spool correctly, use swivels with spinning lures, trail line behind a moving boat to remove existing twist
Memory Coils
Cause: Line sitting on spool too long (especially mono)
Solution: Replace old line, soak in warm water before fishing, use line conditioner, choose low-memory lines
Wind Knots (Tangles)
Cause: Line coming off spool faster than leaving the rod tip
Solution: Close bail manually after casting, feather line with your finger, don’t overfill spool
Line Colour: Does It Matter?
Clear water: Use low-visibility options — clear, blue, green, or fluorocarbon
Stained/murky water: Colour is less critical; even hi-vis is often fine
When visibility helps YOU: Hi-vis yellow or orange line makes it easier to watch your line for bites — useful for certain techniques. Just add a clear or fluoro leader.
The Beginner’s Best Choice
If you’re just starting out, here’s the simple answer: 6-8 lb clear monofilament.
Why mono for beginners?
- Most forgiving — stretch compensates for mistakes
- Easiest to tie knots
- Works on all reel types
- Cheapest to replace while learning
- No special techniques required
Once you’re comfortable with basics, you can explore braid for specific applications or add fluorocarbon leaders. But there’s no rush. Monofilament has been catching fish for decades and will continue to do so.
Final Thoughts
Line is your only connection to the fish. It deserves more thought than most beginners give it — but not overthinking.
Start with mono, learn how it behaves, replace it regularly, and tie good knots. That foundation will serve you well no matter where your fishing journey takes you.
Pre-Spooled and Ready
Our Kids Fishing Starter Kit comes pre-spooled with the right line weight for beginners — no guessing, no spooling hassle. Just open the box and start fishing.
See the Kids Fishing Kit →
