Braided fishing line is popular among anglers. It has increased durability and strength over other lines. There are many brands offering an angler a choice at casting, abrasion, and price. In other words, today an angler gets to choose. Some anglers choose casting performance over other features.
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For other anglers, durability is of the most concern. Some lines target budget anglers. There is a braided line specific for spinning reels. So what line is best for your use?
Why Use Braided Line?
The increased sensitivity makes braids a good choice for most situations. You can detect bites easier with the line. This is due to the braid having no or very little stretch. The bite transmits right to the rod and reel. The downside of this aspect of the line is when setting the hook.
Having no stretch will tear the hooks out of the fish’s mouth. So use a leader with a braided line if the problem arises. Fluorocarbon and monofilament have some give or stretch. This will stop pulling out hooks most of the time.
Braided lines are of a small diameter. Also, some braids are made with a coating. This makes the line smoother. Casting distance is affected by both. But the diameter is a big difference. The spool holds more line meaning it does not go as low on the spool. This reduces friction coming off the spool. Plus the smaller diameter has less friction on the guides. This improves casting distances.
The braided line has the best durability of all fishing lines. The material and construction lead to lasting longer. It outperforms mono in all situations except abrasion. Fluorocarbon will do better against rocks but not anything else. Rubbing across rocks will damage the braided fishing line.
Under normal fishing, the line can be spooled onto another reel. Spool it onto the second reel from the first. The line closest to the spool comes out on top. This cannot be done with other lines since they have too much memory. An expensive braided line is cost-effective for this reason. The quality is important if you use this method. Cheap lines fray, fade and deteriorate faster.
When to Use Braided Line
Use a braided line for durability and sensitivity. Anglers wanting a line with long life will find braid best. It will not need changing as often. Bass fishermen hitting the weeds and brush piles get the extra strength. The braid holds up well in the weeds. These are the two main features people like about braided lines.
There are other advantages to using the line. The small diameter to strength ratio gives anglers strength with smaller lures. A 20 lb braid has a diameter of 6 lb. monofilament. A 1/4 ounce lure casts and has better action with the braid. If bass fishing 6 lb. mono is not used but 20 lb. braid fits the purpose.
Musky fishing puts heavy demands on the line. The repeated casting of heavy lures and fighting the fish take a toll on lines. Braid with the woven design withstands the force best. Also, the diameter allows using a 50-80 lbs line on the reel. Mono or fluoro at the strength will not cast well or far.
More on Braid
Since braid has better strength and other features. What is the downside of the line? The line is slippery causing knots to slip apart. Knot tying must be done right. The Palomar and improved clinch knots are the best. The manufacturer will specify which to use. Using a poorly tied or wrong knot on a braided fishing line will fail.
Rocks and gravel tend to damage the braid. If you bottom fish a lot such as catfish. Braid is not a good choice. The line rubs on the bottom near the sinkers from the current. This weakens the line. Since it costs more, changing line often will get expensive.
Braid is visible to fish so a leader is needed. Besides, if snagged it will be hard to break off. It will cut fingers if wrapped around your fingers while pulling trying to break the line. Also, the high break strength puts more pressure on the reel and rod. The reel will take more of the pressure. The parts wear faster, this includes the line guide, gears, and bearings. The rod eyes wear faster also.
Is braid needed for how you fish? Fishing where braid’s qualities are needed use the line, if not opt for monofilament.
Check Braided Fishing Line Prices at Bass Pro
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Line Tensioner Tools
You have problems with backlashes and wind knots? Improper line tension is a major cause of the problems. A low cost line tensioning tool will solve many line problems. Invest the few dollars and make your fishing enjoyable.
Waterproof Knot Tying Chart at Bass Pro
Summary
A braided fishing line is good for situations. When you need high breaking strength, sensitivity, and durability in a line. Choose the line by how you fish. Fishing weeds and lay-downs or musky fishing are two good examples of when to use braid. Brook trout in a clear stream is better with a clear mono or 2-4 lb fluorocarbon. Take a common-sense approach to buy a fishing line. The line will perform better and you will catch more fish.
John McIntyre