The 12 Best Fishing Lines

Any and every avid angler knows the importance of having high-quality, appropriate gear. “Appropriate gear” includes everything from clothing and shoes to the fishing rod, reel, and line. The whole point of fishing is getting a worthy catchy, and the best way to do that is to head out equipped with the best gear possible.

To help you narrow down your decision of which line you should use, we’re taken the time to list a few of our favorites. Each of our suggestions is affordable, reliable, and appropriate – just what you need to land a catch.

Top 12 Fishing Lines:

1. Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line

Available in an array of attractive colors including green, white, red, and yellow, this Power Pro fishing line is a top choice for anglers all around the country. Each spool of the line comes packaged in an innovative box that allows users to spool their reel directly from the box. They also come with a built-in cutting edge.

In addition, all colors of the line are braided in fashion, which makes them more sturdy and durable than other lines on the market. The line has almost zero stretches and can stand up against the weight of large fish such as bass.

The lightweight design of this line makes it easy to sense what’s happening on the end of the line – users can tell when a fish bites and even feel whether or not their spool is spinning properly based on the way the line moves.

2. Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament Fishing Line

From Berkeley, this fishing line is a favorite within the fishing community. It’s available for purchase in three different colors: clear, fluorescent/clear blue, and low-vis green, as well as in a number of lengths ranging from 110yd to 9,000yd.

The line is made with high-quality materials and has been designed by anglers for angers to provide the best fishing experience possible every time. It has been crafted to resist twisting and kinking and cast smoothly. Users are benefited by this line’s sensitivity, which alerts them to line movement and allows them to tune in to when they have a bite or when their line has become tangled or stuck.

Moreover, each spool of Berkeley line is strong and versatile. It can be used for fishing in a variety of locations and for catching a plethora of fish species. It’s also compatible with a wide variety of bait types.

3. Daiwa J-Braid Grand X 8

Daiwa’s line is known for its high-quality and reliability – and the Daiwa J-braid line is no exception. Available in a wide range of weights from 6 to 120, it’s as versatile as its users and their desired catches.

It can be purchased in a few different colors in order to appeal to each unique user’s taste. It also boasts a braided construction that consists of 8 different strands, providing the ultimate strength and stability.

Without stretch and featuring a high linear strength and abrasion resistance, the line is able to be used faithfully and without worry of breakage, fraying, or bending and twisting. In addition, the thin diameter of this line means that it has a lightweight feel that won’t weigh users down.  It also means that the line lays evenly on the spool and is casted without any resistance or difficulties.

4. KastKing Extremus Braided Fishing Line

Created by KastKing, this high-quality fishing line is reliable in a variety of circumstances and has an incredibly versatile range of uses. It’s available in a handful of eye-catching colors, with each one having a braided makeup, which adds to the line’s strength and durability. It can be used in both fresh and saltwater conditions and can withstand rough waters, plants and debris, and large fish.

Each spool of line is made of 4 strands of polyethylene fibers and has a thin diameter. The line has been generously coated with a layer of petroleum-based serum that prevents color fading and reduces the amount of water that is absorbed.

In addition, the line has zero stretch and is extremely sensitive, allowing users to feel even the smallest, most gentle bites from sneaky fish. As a bonus, the line is spooled on biodegradable wheat straw spools that are easy on the environment.

5. Berkeley Trilene Big Game Line

Berkeley’s Triline Big Game fishing line has been trusted within the fishing community since its initial launch some years ago. This is due to its high-quality craftsmanship and reliability. It is made using a shock-resistant design that gives users the ultimate control over their line and ensures that even the biggest catches can be successfully reeled in.

It boasts abrasion resistance that is top-of-the-line, making it ideal for fishing in rough areas where there are sharp edge or an abundance of debris. This line has a controlled amount of stretch and an impressive knot strength.

Adding to these great features is the range colors that the line can be purchased in. Users can choose from clear, brown, green, and blue.

6. Sufix Superior

The bright color of this line is the first thing that’s noticed. However, the line boasts an impressive amount of other good qualities.

It is a high-strength and durable line that boasts a fast recovery, thanks to its controlled stretch. The line is resistant to abrasion and suitable for use in choppy waters and areas that are prone to snagging and debris. This incredible strength also makes it the perfect line to use when attempting to land large catches in both salt and freshwater outlets.

To ensure the quality of this line, it has been tried and tested by professionals. In fact, it’s even been rated top line by The Professional’s of Sport Fishing Magazine for the 130 lb. class. Its composition is braided and durable.

7. Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line

Crafted by a brand that is known for its consistently high-quality products, this high-impact fishing line is perfect for tackling game fish who put up a ton of resistance. It’s been made to be shock resistant in order to protect the arms of the user and is recommended for saltwater fishing but can be used for freshwater fishing, too.

It can be purchased in a variety of colors, each one boasting an impressive clarity that creates ultra-low visibility and makes it easy to snag catches. The line is also sold in a number of different weights and spool sizes, which makes finding the perfect Stren High Impact Fishing Line a walk in the park. The option to buy spools of larger sizes can be a great tactic for avid fishers to save money long-term.

When it comes to construction, each spool of the line has been created with care to ensure maximum performance.

8. KastKing Mega 8 Braided Fishing Line

Sold in a sleek black package with gold accents and boasting an impressive build, everything about this fishing line screams luxury. The line is available in a number of colors and sizes so that users can choose their perfect product.

Each spool of line has been made using a new and improved, more rounded thread design that seamlessly welds 8 strands of fine MultiTuf fibers. The combination of the thread design and the braided style in which the line has been formed creates a high amount of friction reduction and improved precision.

The line has zero stretch and has been coated in petroleum derivative coating that preserves colors and prevents water from being absorbed and impacting casts. It is also incredibly sensitive, allowing users to respond to bites on even the heaviest of lines.

9. SpiderWire Stealth Superline Fishing Line

SpiderWire’s line of fishing lines is one of the most diverse spools on the market in terms of colors. It’s available in camo, blue, red, and white, green, and clear, with the blue option blending in perfectly with blue water and saltwater oceans.

The composition of this line is extremely durable thanks to its braiding but manages to maintain its thin diameter, which effectively aids in quiet, precise casting. The thin diameter is made possible by the use of multiple Dyneema PE fibers that have been woven together snuggly.  It doesn’t stretch and boasts an incredible sensitivity to even the smallest of bites and tugs.

Each spool is coated in a specialty protective barrier that prevents the line from absorbing water and from having its colors fade.

10. RUNCL PowerFluoro Fishing Line

RUNCL’s PowerFluoro line is a hybrid line crafted from a powerful combination of copolymer and fluorocarbon; copolymer is used for the core while fluorocarbon is used for the outer coating. Together these two components make for a spool of line that is durable, shock-resistant, resistant to abrasion. The knot strength of this line is quite impressive, too.

In addition, this line is known for its high light refractivity, which is nearly identical to that of the water, making it almost invisible to fish who happen to be passing by the line while it is cast. It is also non-absorbent and can be used for ice fishing, as it won’t freeze or break in cold conditions.

Every inch of line boasts low stretch and high sensitivity, as well as a consistently uniform diameter for ease of casting.

11. Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line

Available in sizes and weights to suit virtually any type of fishing, the Onyx Braided Line by Piscifun is a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts. With a minimal stretch and high sensitivity, this line is ideal for catching both small and large fish. Going alongside this, it has low memory.

It is also ideal for instances where bait needs to cut through the water and reach its target depth quickly and smoothly, without disrupting the fish in the area. This is thanks to its round shape and unmatched smoothness.

Moreover, it is resistant to abrasion and has impressive knot strength, which is credited to the makeup of the line – 4 strands of polyethylene material. This material boasts long-lasting colors and can withstand extended exposure to saltwater.

12. Hercules PE Braided Line

Boasting an affordable price and good reputation, Hercules’ PE Braided Line is a good general line for a variety of purposes. Each yard of the line is composed of 4 strands of a super line that has been braided to improve strength and durability. It has low memory and is conducive to larger casts and covering more distance.

The line is abrasion-resistant and made of the world’s strongest PE fiber; it is also covered in a layer of the protective coating that helps enhance and maintain the line’s color. Knots formed with this line are known for their strength and how well they stay in place.

Adding to its appeal, the line can be used in a variety of places including those with dense seagrass coverage and debris. It can effectively be used for surf fishing, fishing live bait, and tossing surface iron. 

Buy the Best Fishing Line: A Buying Guide

Diameter

It’s important to consider the diameter of your fishing line. The thicker a line is, the more chance there is of fish spotting it. You want a line that is thick enough to support the weight of your fish but that also won’t be obscenely noticeable to potential catches.

Abrasion Resistance

There are a number of things in the water that can cause line abrasion and, a line that has fallen victim to abrasion is one that can’t be trusted which is what makes abrasion resistance an important factor. Any line chosen should have a high resistance to abrasion; the best way to ensure this to buy from a high-quality, well-known brand.

Buoyancy

How buoyant you want your line to be will depend on what kind of fishing you want to do. Fluorocarbon tends to be heavier and sink rather than float, which can make it a good choice for jerk baits. Monofilament line is often lighter, which means that it floats.

Color

While line color isn’t the be-all-end-all factor of fishing line shopping, it can be important. Since lines come in such a wide variety of colors, it’s crucial to choose one that suits your needs the best. For example, you may choose a blue line for fishing in the open ocean or a green line for fishing in murky, dingy water. A clear line is a good choice for fishing in almost any location.

Yellow or bright, lime green lines are used occasionally but only in specific circumstances such as those where the water is so dirty that fish will not be able to see line period – regardless of what color it is. The good thing about using a bright line in this kind of water is that you, as the fisher, can see your line and keep track of it.

Monofilament, Braided, or Fluorocarbon Line?

Monofilament

Often known simply as ‘mono’, monofilament has been around for decades and is the go-to standard for fishing lines. It contains a single strand of nylon, which is where it gets its name (mono = single).

It’s readily available and is manufactured by dozens of companies around the world. This being said, it’s not the best for saltwater fishing as the salt in the water has a tendency to eat away at monofilament lines.

Characteristics of monofilament lines

Stretch

Monofilament is very stretchy compared to other types of lines. This helps to absorb impact from strikes and allows the user to ensure that their fish stays hooked even while it’s putting stress on the line. Although this is good in some situations, the amount of stretch in monofilament can be unfortunate, too.

Its stretch means that it can be hard to detect strikes from less aggressive, smaller fish.

Floats

It floats, which makes it a good choice for baits that need to be on top of the water column

Visible in water

Monofilament is visible in the water. During the day, when the sunlight is reflecting off the line, monofilament can stick out and spook fish away. This is especially true if you’re using stationary presentations.

It also has a thicker diameter, which adds to its visibility.

Memory

Monofilament has memory. This means that it can easily retain the shape of the line spool, which can affect casting distance and result in tangles, backlashes, and birds nests.

Braided

Long before monofilament was braided. Braided line is as it sounds – a line that has been braided into a single unit and, of course, is made up of multiple strands. Typically, Dyneema or spectra are used to craft ‘super lines’.

Thanks to advancements in the line technology, braided lines are growing in popularity. They are smaller in diameter and much easier to handle than they were when they were first introduced.

Characteristics of braided fishing line

No stretch

The braided line has no stretch. This leads to increased sensitivity and enables you to have better hookups in deeper and more heavily covered water.

Resistant to abrasion

Braided fishing line is highly resistant to abrasion from saltwater and objects. This makes it an excellent choice for fishing off docks, around wood and rocks, and in grassy areas.

Floats

Like monofilament lines, braided lines float.

Long-lasting

A spool of the braided line often lasts twice as long as a spool of other lines. It needs infrequent replacement.

Thin diameter

Braided lines are thin in diameter, offering a high pound test and resulting in larger spool capacities.

Visible

Like mono, braided lines are easy to see in the water. They are likely to be seen by fish when users fish in clear water.

Fluorocarbon

A polymer made out of monofilament nylon alloy, fluorocarbon used to be the go-to line for fishers. Since its initial introduction, however, it had transitioned to being a practical leader line for a variety of different purposes. Many anglers have a love-hate relationship with this kind of line – especially when they’re first starting out with it.

It’s often referred to as carbon or simply Fluoro in the fishing community and offers a number of advantages over monofilament lines. These advantages can also be considered disadvantages. Regardless, though, the carbon line remains one of the most popular types and has been adapted into a prime choice for a large array of uses.

Characteristics of fluorocarbon fishing line

Sinks

The fluorocarbon line, unlike lighter lines, sinks deeper into the water column. This makes it the perfect line to use when you’re using jigs or crankbaits, or anything else that you want to stay submerged. When plastic baits are sinking, the motion gives them a gentle action that can attract fish.

Resistant to water absorption

Fluoro line does not absorb water, which effectively means that it will remain intact and strong for longer than other lines.

Stiff

This kind of line is pretty stiff, making it daunting for new anglers and those with little experience working with difficult lines. The stiffness of the line means that it can easily jump off spinning reels.

A good way to get around this, though, is by using a smaller pound test on your spinning reel than you would on a baitcaster.

It can also be hard to tie knots using this line, so extra care should be taken to ensure that expensive lures don’t fall off.

Very little stretch

This line stretches less than monofilament. Thanks to this, it tends to be a very sensitive line that can detect even the smallest, most gentle of bites.

Invisible

Fluorocarbon line is almost virtually invisible underwater; its light refraction is almost the same as that of the water which makes it blend in.

Fishing Line Care Mistakes To Avoid

Storing line under lights

Sunlight can do terrible things to fishing like – but did you know what bright indoor lights can be bad for your line, too? Well, it can. In fact, storing your line under bright light bulbs can actively deteriorate your lines and compromise their quality.

Store them away from bright lights to help maintain their integrity.

Not changing your line enough

Although today’s lines are more durable than they were in the past, they still won’t last forever. The line from last season should be changed out and if you opt to buy a cheaper line, be mindful of the fact that your line should be changed out more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Fishing line is crucial to the fisherman, fish enthusiasts, and outdoor activity lovers alike. Choosing the right fishing line can mean the difference between landing the catch or going home empty-handed.

So, this being said, be sure to choose a line that suits the fish you’re trying to catch. Ensure that the line can support your fish’s weight, is the right color, and has the appropriate amount of sensitivity and memory.

Also, remember to care for your line! A line that is well-cared for is a line that lasts.