As fellow anglers, we have many of the same inquiries. What is the best fishing line, for example? What are the relative merits of monofilament, braided, or fluorocarbon lines?
The promotional hype and urban legends only add to the difficulty of weighing the merits of different line types. What does “low stretch” mono consist of, exactly? Braid that is “resistant to abrasion” Or a fluorocarbon line that is “invisible.”
To do this, here is a comprehensive review of fishing lines based on facts, research, and actual field use. If you’re just looking for a recommendation, we’ve listed a few of the best fishing lines available in the product listings below.
Best Fishing Lines
1. SpiderWire Stealth Blue Camo-Braid
From our testing, we found the SpiderWire Stealth Blue Camo-Braid fishing line to be the best overall option. This line impressed us with its smooth handling, impressive strength, and stealthy appearance when cast. The diameter of the 20-pound test line we used was fine, and it fished like an 8-pound test mono line.
We could load up the reel with much more line thanks to the thin line’s efficiency than we would with a standard monofilament, even at 20 pounds. There’s something else we really enjoy, too. Simply said, this line has superior casting abilities compared to both monofilament and braided lines. Do you wish you had the stealth to creep up on some fish?
With this line’s unusual blue camo hue, you may cast in relative anonymity in the streams and lakes we tried it in. You won’t even notice the line’s memory, which is a huge help if you’ve ever had to deal with wind knots.
Best for Saltwater Anglers
The experts at Spiderwire claim that their new Stealth Blue Camo Braid is effective for saltwater fishing since it disappears into its background. Spiderwire’s new addition to its Stealth collection, Stealth Blue Camo, is a durable, sensitive line made specifically for saltwater fishermen.
Camouflaged to blend with its aquatic environment, this fish’s skin features alternating segments of dark blue, turquoise, black, and white lines. The white sections of the line help the angler see it above water, where they can more easily notice the subtle tug of line-shy fish.
Colors
Stealth braids made of spiderwire can be found in various stealthy colors, including dark green, olive, and a light tan. The dark green one we purchased is ideal for fishing in clear, moving freshwaters like lakes and rivers.
It allows you to view the river bed and any material on it. It seems to me that the olive color is better suited to fishing in saltwater, where it is often difficult to see the bottom of the sea.
Ultra-low abrasion
Braids are used because of their ultra-low abrasion, which means the line will last for a very long time, and the greater sturdiness and stability of this product saves fishermen time worrying about having to replace it.
Low visibility against water
Monofilament is used to create the Spiderwire Stealth Braid, which can be nearly undetectable when fishing in murky water or close to plants. They are, therefore, ideal for many anglers who want to catch something without driving away the local wildlife.
Pricing
Blue Camo braid from Spiderwire is available in nine break grades and five spool sizes. The line used by Spiderwire is made from Dyneema, the strongest fiber in the world. Spools of 125, 200, 300, 1500, and 3,000 yards and pound tests of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 65, 80, and 100 are available.
The Spiderwire products in 10, 15, and 20-pound tests utilize a four-carrier weave to create the line, while the Blue Camo braid in 30 to 100-pound tests utilizes an eight-carrier design. Beginning at $14.99 and going up to $20.
Pros
- Extremely robust
- Superb for use in casting
- Dissolves into the sea
- Numerous color options to complement varying degrees of water transparency
- Superior tensile and rupturing strength
- Good control with both bait casters and spinning reels
- The hue will remain consistent for a long period.
- It’s a breeze to throw a decent distance.
Cons
- Hooks have a hard time getting caught in it.
2. Berkley Vanish Transition Fishing Line
Berkley’s Vanish Transition fishing line, made of 100 percent fluorocarbon, has a color transition characteristic that makes it clearly visible above the water’s surface yet virtually undetectable below.
The fish can’t see the line, so anglers can keep tabs on long casts and react more quickly to small strikes. It is designed to sink rapidly, has a more streamlined shape from the rod tip to the lure, and is simple to work with and knot. A moderate amount of stretch allows you to deal with larger, harder-hitting fish, yet the amount of memory required is low.
Outstanding abrasion resistance
Nowadays, many fishermen prefer using fluorocarbon or braided lines instead of traditional monofilament. This classic mono fishing line works well for topwater plugs, buzz baits, and winter cranking.
The added elasticity and buoyancy can make all the difference with certain methods. When it comes to toughness, Berkley Trilene Big Game stands out. We’ve used this line for years and have had other tournament partners utilize it in our boat, and we’ve never once seen it break.
You’ll appreciate the sheer tenacity of this line even if you’re fishing under docks, battling a deep crankbait fish through standing timber, or grinding a finesse crankbait between stumps.
Lower stretch than some monofilaments
In many circumstances, the elasticity of the cheaper monofilament line will be comparable to that of a slinky. Too much stretch can reduce energy transfer during the hookset and dull the rod’s sensitivity, neither of which is ideal.
Because of its regulated stretch, Berkley Trilene Big Game is useful in various situations. Feel bites more clearly, set the hook more gently, and keep control of a large fish even while it’s hiding in heavy cover.
Is Berkley’s fishing line good?
You may use the Berkley Trilene fishing line for more than just fishing. But there are advantages and disadvantages to weigh before deciding whether or not to use it. Casting it from a boat will result in more fish being caught than ever simply because the fish won’t see it.
There is a size of this product accessible that corresponds to the size of hooks you require at any given time. Casting out with the Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon fishing line is significantly less hectic and more pleasant than with other lines because of the clear covering that enables underwater visibility.
Pricing
There is a wide variety of styles and variations available for this type of fishing lining. This package may be purchased for anywhere between $10.54 and $30.99. Distances might range from 20 feet to almost a quarter of a mile. The Berkley Vanish is priced similarly to standard fishing liners because it isn’t significantly larger.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Superior resistance to wear and tear.
- Excellent acting all around.
- Amazing receptivity.
- A completely secure knot with no weak points.
- It’s fantastic as the primary route and the leader.
- Available in a range of sizes
- You can pick between two low-visibility hues.
- Maximum effect resistance thanks to a proprietary PVDF composition.
Cons
- It may become entangled rapidly at times.
3. Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line
If you’re going fishing at night under a black light or fluorescent lights, you should use Stren’s clear blue fluorescent fishing line. The angler can spot the line since it will reflect the light easily. The transparent blue line is also a wonderful color for daylight fishing, but we find it best for nighttime fishing. Due to this, identical reels can be used throughout the day and at night.
If you want to go fishing with a black light, you can use any one of numerous additional high-quality monofilament lines. Berkley’s Big Game solar collector, Trilene Sensation solar, and the highly visible green Stren’s High Impact are all examples. Super8Slick V2 braided line in the moonlight color is the perfect choice for users with a blacklight.
Who is this product for?
If you’re just starting fishing or want a simple setup, Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line is a great choice. It’s a good option if you require a high or low-visibility line, and it works well for fish up to about 20 pounds.
This line could be useful for those who have trouble tying knots or are concerned about the security of their ties. Nevertheless, this may not be the best choice if you pursue a large fish and value a line free of stretch and memory problems.
Quality
The original Stren comes on an old-fashioned, poorly wound spool. On the other hand, the line is fairly consistent right off the spool, with only minor changes in diameter when run through the fingers.
Even so, when tested at various points along its length, we discovered variability in diameter of 1.36%, significantly higher than the average of 0.7% we’ve seen in the lab. The surface of the line is flat but not incredibly slippery.
Pricing
There is a wide variety of styles and variations available for this type of fishing lining. This set may be purchased for as little as $2.85 and as much as $79.99$79.99. If you’re just starting out fishing or want a simple setup, Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line is a great choice.
Pros
- Monofilament fishing line has respectable resistance to abrasion and impact.
- It’s simple to make knots
- Features a UV blocker
- Available in both wide and low-visibility varieties
- Suitable for use in both fresh and saltwater
Cons
- Troubles with line memory
4. Seaguar Smackdown Braid Fishing Line
You can make extremely precise casts with this line because of its incredible smoothness. Seaguar Smackdown’s slick nature and small diameter make it ideal for cutting through undergrowth.
There is no difference in durability between freshwater and saltwater applications when using the best-braided fishing line. The abrasion resistance is particularly impressive while fishing over rock piles, over jetties with barnacle-covered stones, or in streams filled with lumber.
This braid is made of eight ultra-thin micro-weave strands woven into a perfect sphere, allowing it to unwind effortlessly from a reel. This braided main line made very little noise as it ran through the guides of any rod or smacked along the lip of a spinning reel.
When compared to the 2-pound-test mono, the thickness of this brand’s lightest braid (10-pound test) is comparable. This braid’s tensile strength is exceptional. Because of the identified components, a lure can be cast with pinpoint accuracy when using this braid.
Abrasion
Dock pilings, logs, rocks, and submerged brush are some of the hard structures that benefit from this coating. From the looks of it, Smackdown just bounces off of these kinds of things with minimal damage.
Although your braided line may ultimately wear out from continuous abrasion in one location, it must stand true sufficiently in these scenarios that you can free yourself from the tangle without the line snapping. After you’ve finished, check your line and retie if required.
Ultra-Thin Diameter
The Seaguar Smackdown braid is particularly notable for its narrow diameter. Seaguar also includes specifications to back up its claims. They say the 20 LB Smackdown is comparable in diameter to the 6 LB monofilament line, which is quite a brag.
The diameter requirements for the Seaguar Smackdown 20 LB test are 0.185 mm (or 0.017 inches). In contrast, the diameter of a 20 LB Power Pro Maxcuatro is just 0.019 mm. They’re interchangeable, except that the Maxcuatro employs only four strands.
Round & Smooth Profile For Casting
Among the 8-strand weave’s many benefits is the rounded appearance it imparts. Using four strands, you can reduce the diameter, but the resulting pattern will have coarser edges. Seaguar Smackdown braid’s rounded profile adds a smoothness that increases casting distance. A lower coefficient of friction means less wear on your line guides and reel spool.
Longevity
Seaguar’s Smackdown braid performed admirably throughout the course of multiple excursions, with no noticeable color loss or fraying of the line. Though it comes at a higher cost, its lengthy lifespan may make its upkeep unnecessary. By the way, it is common to use a fresh line after every year.
Pricing
These fishing liners can be found in various styles and colors. You can choose your favorite color fishing line. This package may be purchased for anywhere between $20.32 and $48.37. The tiny diameter of the Seaguar Smackdown braid is one of its most distinguishing features. Seaguar also includes specifications to back up its claims.
Pros
- The line only occasionally snags inside the spool when casting.
- Quickly and easily cuts through weeds
- Infrequent requirement for replacement
- The color stays true for far longer than other high-visibility braids
- That it has such a narrow diameter is a huge plus for anglers.
- Almost no line wear and tear
- Strong, slip-proof knots are guaranteed with eight strands.
- In addition to enhancing sensitivity, zero stretch
- There is a stealth grey option that won’t stand out as much to fish.
Cons
- Spools are difficult to load
- Expensive
5. PowerPro Braided Spectra Fiber Line
PowerPro is one of the market’s most well-known and well-respected braided line brands. It has been successfully catching fish for many years and deserves its stellar reputation. The eight-strand design ensures its durability and performance in various environments thanks to the high-quality Spectra fibers used in its weaving. The good stuff is here.
Overall, 8-15lb is great for freshwater, surf, and boat fishing for smaller fish and lighter line-rated combos, 15-30lb is great for medium lure and bait fishing apps, 30-50lb is great for traditional reels, heavier surf, and predator fishing, and 50-100lb is great for small to medium-sized sharks, big predators, and huge catfish.
What’s Best about PowerPro Spectra?
For clear water environments like ponds and lakes, where getting a bite might be difficult, a 10-20lb Moss Green is a good choice. High Vis Yellow, on the other hand, has the reverse effect, making it easier to see what your line is doing in low light, on the water, or in various other conditions.
We have fished widely with PowerPro, successfully landing enormous catfish on the higher breaking strains and countless smaller fish in both saltwater and freshwater on the lower breaking strains. An eight-stranded braided line is hard to beat for general purposes on a moderate budget.
Sensitivity
If you want to catch more fish, you must time your casts better. The sensitivity of a line is the amount of force it can feel before snapping. If you’re fishing in swift water, you won’t miss a bite thanks to the incredible sensitivity of the Power Pro Spectra Braided Fishing Line.
Durability
To be considered durable, a product must resist repeated use under varying situations, such as whether a person is angling for large fish or is simply messing with the bait. Besides its extended durability, this fishing line’s exceptional strength makes it virtually indestructible.
Casting
While it’s true that some anglers report more success when using braided lines, this may be due more to the angler’s skill than the line itself. PowerPro 50 lb test line is a monofilament with a 12 lb test diameter, meaning it throws very well for its tensile strength.
Pricing
A dizzying variety of styles and colors are available for these fishing liners. This kit can be purchased for anywhere between $12.00 and $194.73.
Pros
- Perfect for landing delicate panfish with a secure hookset.
- Stronger-than-average diameter ratio.
- Suited to both light and high-duty applications.
- A must-have for those who want a more effortless cast.
- Powerful, professional, spectral braid with high sensitivity.
- This fishing line is built to last, and you can catch a big fish.
- Minimal extension.
- Extremely shaky recall.
- As a result, the line’s strength is exceptional.
Cons
- For large fish, the lightweight line is not recommended.
6. Sufix 832 Advance Superline
Anglers unanimously agree that Sufix is the superior fishing line for spinning reels. Despite its small diameter, it is the strongest and longest-lasting fishing line on the market. It contains eight strong fibers: seven Dyneema fibers and one GORE performance fiber.
These advanced fiber technologies create powerful knots that can withstand a lot of force and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Braided lines are frequently used in murky waters or areas with masses of vegetation.
As a covert fishing tool, it might not be the best. However, strength is more important than visibility in a particular body of water.
Why Sufix 832 Advance Superline?
Sufix allows it to pass undetected through the water. The high abrasion resistance of this material makes it a popular choice for primary fishing lines. They would utilize a barely visible leader to maintain anonymity while fishing in open water.
Rubbing can cause the line to snap while fishing near rocks or docks. Braided lines are resilient enough to deal with snagging and friction. In terms of sensitivity, Sufix is unrivaled as well. It won’t give in anyway and is sensitive to even the smallest bites and tugs.
Because of its hydrophobic properties, Sufix is very simple to disinfect. Water and grime will bead up and roll right off, saving you the hassle of scrubbing. You may make it last longer and more effectively by using it in various ways.
Full of Qualities
Braided fishing lines like Sufix 832 Advanced Superline include all the standard features that fishermen have come to expect. Despite being quite robust and thin, it doesn’t stretch at all. Rather expensive to use as a backup; however, a fluoro leader can help with fish that are easily spooked.
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline in tests up to 50 lbs. is the line of choice for most offshore fishermen. Power Pro appears to perform as well as, if not better than, its competition when using heavier line sizes. This may be because, in more demanding situations, Power Pro upgrades to a six or 8-strand weave.
Pricing
One can choose from stunning styles and variations when shopping for fishing liners. The cost of this bundle varies from $24.80 to $29.68. All the standard features of braided fishing lines are present in Sufix 832 Advanced Superline, making it an excellent choice for any angler.
Pros
- Braids based on 8-fiber technology
- Superior resistance to wear and tear
- Color-preserving TGP Technology
- It has a narrower diameter than other braids.
- Deflection of water with a hydrophobic coating
- Robust, long-lasting, and perceptive
- Greater range for casting
Cons
- Knots can’t get much stronger than braid.
- Wind knots might be difficult for some fishermen
- Colors tend to fade with time.
The Final Thoughts
The best fishing lines of 2022 are detailed in this article. Despite its obvious importance, fishing line is often disregarded by anglers. If you don’t have the appropriate line, your fishing trip could end in disaster. It’s important to consider what kind of fishing you like before making a purchase.
Regardless, we covered a wide range of products in our evaluation to increase the likelihood of finding something that works for you. If you’re trying to decide whether the product is right for you, we hope our tests and reviews can assist. Go out there and show off your fishing prowess by bringing in a catch.