When deciding on line types and sizes, you first have to understand your options, the characteristics of each and differences between them. Typically, when bass fishing you will be throwing one of three types of line.
- Monofilament
- Fluorocarbon
- Braided line
Now, let’s get into the differences in them. For starters, a common question for beginners is: “What is the difference between Monofilament line and Fluorocarbon line?” Well, here are the answers.
Fluro vs Mono
Mono:
- Made from a nylon material
- Is more buoyant and likely to float
- The line stretches slightly
- Is often tinted due to nylon material
- The line is supple
- Great for top water lures
Fluoro:
- Made from fluoropolymer
- Sinks in the water
- Line is stiffer with little stretch
- Nearly invisible in the water
- Perfect for lures and baits used under the water
Braided Line
Braided line is made of synthetic plastic fibers that are braided together to form the line itself—hence the name. Braided line is also a lot more visible than fluro and mono. Typically for bass fishing, you will see braid in dark green shades, or perhaps neon green/yellow.
Best Fishing Line for Bass
Now that you know the basic physical characteristics and differences between the three most common bass fishing lines, how are you supposed to know when to choose one over the other? One way to get an idea on which line you’ll want to be using is by deciding based on the fishing technique or type of rod/reel you’re using.
Best Fishing Line for Spinning Reel
The majority of anglers will recommend using braided line on spinning reels. A light, braided line is going to work better for a few different reasons. First off, braided line has no memory which means a lot less tangling – allowing for father casting distances. Braid is also more sensitive which is beneficial for most spinning reel tactics.
Braid can sometimes be expensive, so you can use mono or old line as a backing to fill the reel. You only really need around 100 yards of braid. Using thick mono will take up space on your spool and will not slip as easy as braid does.
A little tip for the reader, try using neon yellow braid. When fishing in stained water or windy, overcast conditions, that dark green is going to be tricky to locate. With the bright neon colored line, you’ll be able to track your line a lot easier and therefor see how your bait is reacting and see when fish are biting even when you may not be able to feel it.
Best Fishing Line for Bait Caster
When fishing a bait caster, the best line to use is going to vary more often than when fishing a spinning rod. There are a few different ways to break it down, one being the weight of the line. If you’re looking for an all-around line for a wide range of baits and styles, 15-pound fluorocarbon can be a great line in most scenarios. Many anglers will also resort to much heavier Braid when fishing very thick weeds and Lilly pads. This is to help keep pressure on a fish when it digs into the weeds – you need a strong line to pull the fish out.
Bass Fishing Line Weight
Line weight can be a huge factor in your success fishing, for multiple reasons. The first being obvious, strength. Most of line you’ll use for bass will be from 8-15lbs. When fishing a crankbait for example, 10-pound to 12lbs is perfect, 15lbs for shallow running crankbaits and jerk baits. Tip: the lighter your fluorocarbon line, the deeper down it will allow you to get that crankbait.
When flipping with fluorocarbon, it’s important to match your line with the weight of your bait and thickness of cover, but you will most likely be in the 17-pound to 25lbs fluorocarbon range. Some anglers even through 65lbs braid when throwing topwater in thick lily pads and weeds
Top Water Fishing Line
For top-water, monofilament is the best option for open water presentations – while braid is better for throwing frogs or buzz baits with cover underneath. You can use braid for any top water, but at least having a monofilament leader will be beneficial for visibility and shock absorption purposes. Steer clear of fluorocarbon when throwing top water baits is because it sinks will throw off your top water presentation.
Best Fishing Line for Bass
Remember these line tips and apply them the next time you’re out bass fishing – you’ll be sure to have a more comfortable, and hopefully successful experience on the water!
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Additional Resources:
Perch Fishing Rig
How to Fish a Carolina Rig
The Difference Between Spinning and Casting Rods
