C
hoosing the correct fishing line can
be a confusing chore for a bass angler.
With tackle store shelves brimming
with vast bundles of spools, narrowing down
the correct type and strength can certainly be
overwhelming. Here is a breakdown to help
simplify the task.
The Top Three
Monofilament
The original line of choice for anglers, the last
decade has seen its uses diminish. It still does
have a time and place. Since mono line will
stretch, as well as float, my topwater rods always
have a reel spooled up with this type. I also turn
to mono when tossing crankbaits - especially
when targeting smallmouth bass. When a
smallie hits your crank like a freight train, a line
that works as a shock absorber will help keep
that fish hooked. Other advantages to mono
are its price, suppleness, reduced line memory,
and relative clarity. Downsides include abrasion
resistance and lack of sensitivity.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon line has a long list of qualities.
Hands down, it is the most invisible of all lines,
since it has the same refractive index as water.
For those that fish crystal clear lakes or rivers, or
deal with line shy or finicky fish, this is a must to
spool up with. It is this invisibility that also lends
itself well for being used as a leader. If you want
the toughness of braid but clarity of fluoro, a
section of leader when dropshotting or jigging
is highly recommended. Fluorocarbon line sinks
due to its density. This can be advantageous for
jigging applications, as baits will reach and stay
on bottom better. For those that fish structure
that can wreak havoc on line, the abrasion
resistance of fluorocarbon is extremely high.
The lack of stretch it exhibits means a greater
sensitivity, making it an ideal candidate for light
hitting or finicky fish.
Downsides include spool memory, which greatly
increases as tensile strength does. Unless
choosing light line, I don’t recommend fluoro
for spinning reels. Knot strength can also be
compromised as fluoro is quite slippery. Ensure
correct knots are used and retie accordingly.
Braid
Braid gets the brunt of the work when targeting
bass. Due to its strength and toughness, working
heavy cover - such as trees, docks, undercuts,
and pads - is a breeze. Line diameter is thin, so
acquiring high tensile strength without the bulk
that mono or fluoro presents is achievable.
Braid also has little to no spool memory, so it
always casts far and lays flat. Braid is extremely
sensitive, allowing the angler to feel exactly what
their lure is doing, or when a fish bumps the bait.
Although braid can be more costly than mono
or fluoro, it can be used for multiple seasons,
simply by reversing it