Braided Fishing Line; Your Guide to Choosing the Right Braid
Braided fishing lines have gained significant popularity among anglers for their high strength, minimal stretch, and thin diameter. Made by weaving multiple strands of synthetic fibres like Spectra or Dyneema, they create a single, strong line. To ensure you choose the right braided line for your specific fishing needs, it is important to consider several key factors.
Pound Test and Strength
The pound test rating is a primary consideration. Braided lines are available in a wide range, from as low as 5 pounds to over 100 pounds. This rating indicates the amount of weight the line can withstand before breaking. The choice of pound test should be based on the type of fish you will be targeting and the fishing conditions you expect to encounter. Lighter ratings are suitable for smaller fish and finesse techniques, while heavier ratings are necessary for larger species or fishing in heavy cover.
Line Diameter
The diameter of the braided line is a crucial factor. Braided lines have a smaller diameter compared to monofilament or fluorocarbon lines of the same pound test. This thin diameter provides several advantages, including increased casting distance, better sensitivity, and improved lure action. A thin diameter also allows for higher line capacity on your fishing reel.
Colour and Visibility
The colour of the braided line can significantly impact your fishing success. Braided lines are available in various colours such as green, yellow, white, and multicolour. In clear water, a low visibility colour like green may be preferred, while in murky water, a high visibility colour like yellow may help you track line movement. Some braided lines come with a coating that provides additional resistance to fading or colour bleeding.
Smoothness and Abrasion Resistance
Look for braided lines with a smooth and tightly woven construction. This helps to minimise friction and enhance casting distance. High quality braided lines are also designed to be highly resistant to abrasion, allowing them to withstand rubbing against rocks, structures, or the rough mouths of fish without fraying or breaking.
Knot Strength and Tying
Knot strength and tying ease are important considerations when choosing a braided fishing line. Some braided lines can be more challenging to tie than others, and it is recommended to test different knot types with the specific braided line you plan to purchase to ensure secure and reliable knots.
Braid vs. Monofilament and Fluorocarbon
When choosing a fishing line, it is important to understand the differences between braided line and other popular alternatives like monofilament and fluorocarbon. Each material has unique properties that suit different fishing styles and conditions.
Stretch: Braided line has virtually zero stretch, which provides incredible sensitivity and allows for powerful, direct hook sets. In contrast, monofilament line is quite stretchy, offering some shock absorption but less direct feel. Fluorocarbon has a low stretch, providing a balance between sensitivity and shock absorption.
Diameter: Braided line has a much thinner diameter for a given pound test rating. This allows you to spool more line on your reel and achieve longer casting distances with less wind resistance. Both monofilament and fluorocarbon are thicker than braid, with fluorocarbon being slightly denser.
Visibility: Braided lines are opaque and are highly visible in the water, which can be a disadvantage in clear conditions but an advantage for anglers who need to see their line move. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater due to its refractive index, while monofilament is more visible but is available in clear options.
Abrasion Resistance: Fluorocarbon is generally the most abrasion resistant, making it ideal for fishing around sharp rocks or snags. Braided line has good abrasion resistance, but its woven structure can be susceptible to fraying. Monofilament offers fair abrasion resistance.
Buoyancy: Braided line is buoyant and floats, making it suitable for topwater lures. Monofilament also floats, while fluorocarbon sinks, making it a great choice for fishing deep water or subtle presentations.
