Fishing line explained: monofilament vs fluorocarbon vs braid
Line is the one thing between you and every fish, and the label on the spool doesn’t tell you much. Almost every line you’ll see is one of three types, and each behaves differently in the water.
The three main types
| Monofilament | Fluorocarbon | Braid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stretch | Usually stretchy | Varies by product | Very little |
| In the water | Floats or sinks slowly | Sinks | Tends to float |
| Visibility | Moderate | Hard to see in water | Easy to see |
| Thickness for its strength | Thicker | Thicker | Much thinner |
| Price | Least expensive | More expensive | More expensive |
Monofilament
A single strand of nylon and the classic all-round line. Its stretch makes it forgiving when a fish surges or a hook-set is late, and it’s easy to tie and handle. Many anglers use it for bobber fishing, topwater lures and general fishing, and it’s a good first line.
Monofilament line
A spool of mono in the weight range for your rod is the simplest place to start.
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Fluorocarbon
Harder to see in the water and denser than water, so it sinks. Anglers often choose it in clear water, as a leader, and for baits fished near the bottom. It’s usually stiffer and costs more than mono.
Fluorocarbon line and leader
Many anglers buy fluorocarbon in small spools to use as leader material.
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Braid
Woven from many fine fibers: very thin for its strength, with almost no stretch, so you feel bites and set the hook fast. It’s popular for fishing heavy cover and long casts. Because it’s easy for fish to see, many anglers add a mono or fluorocarbon leader. Braid can slip on a bare reel spool, so a little mono backing underneath is common.
Braided line
If you try braid, pick a weight your reel is rated for and plan on a leader.
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Picking a line weight
- Line strength is listed in pound test. Lighter line casts farther and is harder for fish to see; heavier line handles bigger fish and cover.
- Most rods list a recommended line strength, and reels list how much line of a given strength they hold. Choosing a line inside the rod’s range that also suits the reel is the easiest way to pick. Braid is much thinner for its strength, so check the reel’s braid capacity if it lists one.
- Match the fish and the place: light line for panfish and trout, heavier for bass in weeds or catfish.
Line wears out with sun, nicks and knots. Check the last few feet often and retie or replace it when it feels rough.
Frequently asked questions
Which fishing line is best for beginners?
Many anglers start with monofilament: it's inexpensive, forgiving because it stretches, and easy to tie and handle on a spinning reel.
Why do people tie a leader to braid?
Braid is very visible in clear water and has almost no stretch, so many anglers add a short monofilament or fluorocarbon leader between the braid and the lure.
Does fluorocarbon sink?
Yes. Fluorocarbon is denser than water, so it sinks, while monofilament and most braid tend to float or sink slowly.
More guides
- Choosing a rod and reel
- Beginner tackle box checklist
- Fishing public water
- Fishing safety
- Bank and pier fishing
- Bait and lure basics
General information from anglers’ experience, not professional advice. Prices and products change; check the product details before you buy, and check your state’s current fishing regulations before you fish.