Fishing Line

When it comes to the composition, length and weight of a fishing line, the sturdier and longer the better. Weight, however, depends on the fish being targeted. Larger fish that put up a fight would require a heavier line, whereas smaller fish easier to reel in might only need a light but firmer line.

First, several factors must be considered: breaking strength and knot strength, which refer to the toleration endured under tension; UV resistance, the degree of resilience toward ultraviolet radiation; castability, the amount of springing action that allow lines to be directed outward and in a controlled direction; limpness and stretch, or flexibility and durability; abrasion resistance, the ability to not burn or lacerate the skin of either fish or angler; and the level of visibility that fish are able to notice the line underwater.

This last one has become a major concern for many anglers and influenced ongoing developments in the manufacturing of fishing lines. Most modern fishing lines are created through the combination of artificial and/or synthetic materials for the purpose of manipulating line consistency to meet all the requirements outlined in the previous paragraph. Nylon, Polyethylene, Dacron, Dyneema, copolymers (common in the typical fly fishing line), and fluorocarbons are among the commonly used substances. Monofilaments formed into single strands are considered the most preferred, although fluorocarbons have their attraction, too. Since they have a consistency much like water, fluorocarbon-made fishing lines are very difficult for fish to see underwater, so angler stealth is enhanced. Many popular brands feature this substance for just this reason: the Berkley fishing line (one of the few brands with also a monofilament fishing line in existence), the Maxima fishing line, the Gamma fishing line, and the Daiwa fishing line, among others. The Sufix fishing line is known for its Clear and Neon compositions, along with the extreme length ranging from 250 yards to 330 yards. The Power Pro fishing line and Gamma fishing line boast moss green to blend in with greater depths where light decreases to the point of blackness. Lines that are made in colors that are natural to the environment tend to blend in or disappear altogether.

The Stren fishing line, distinct for being the Super Braided™ fishing line, and the similar Lead Core fishing line are far from weak, as substance combination adds strength regardless of size or the diameter of the fishing line. This is much like Dacron fishing line diameter, which varies with size, but the integrated fiber ensures firmness regardless. A fishing line diameter table shows this as well as how variation in size contributes durability, flexibility and fishing line comparison in terms of overall strength.

The issue with fishing line knots comes into play within the particular fishing environment, since results would be different in each one. All fishing lines are appropriate and of quality standing, as long as each one is used when and where it was designed.