Many a beginner angler is faced with the problem of selecting the best fishing line. The fact that you have various fishing lines available in the market further confounds the newbie. You can choose the one that works for you from the common types available in the market, like monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines.
But which one is best for you? Each of these lines has different uses. You don’t have one choice that fits all. While most anglers understand the braided line well, the other two are always up for debate. This section will try to demystify the two most commonly misunderstood fishing lines- the monofilament and the fluorocarbon.
Monofilament lines
The Monofilament is made up of a single strand of nylon. Different types of nylon are blended by manufacturers to give you varying degrees of attributes such as strength, abrasion resistance, stretch, and density.
Let us take a look at some of its attributes-
Application
Fluorocarbon lines
Fluorocarbons lines are made from a family of compounds that include fluorine, chlorine, and carbon. Like the monofilament, they are also a single strandline.
Some of its attributes are-
Application
General observations
Both these types of lines come into their own in different conditions and while fishing for different types of fish. For the beginner angler though, the following can observations can be helpful-
Casting ease
The monofilament lines are easier to cast and do not tangle. The fluorocarbon lines, on the other hand, need a certain degree of proficiency for accurate and tangle-free casting. If you are new to fishing, it is recommended to go for monofilament lines. You can move to other kinds of lines after getting some practice.
Cost
The fluorocarbon lines are the more expensive of the two. But the high cost is somewhat offset due to its other advantages like abrasion resistance and durability.
Backlash
The fluorocarbon line is prone to backlashing while casting. Due to this, it is unsuitable for newbie anglers. The resulting tangle due to backlashing may make the line unusable. Since it is costlier, this trait can make it expensive for the newbie.
The monofilament line, on the other hand, is more forgiving. In case the line becomes unusable, its lesser cost makes it dispensable.
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Our verdict
Monofilaments were in use for a long time before the other lines came into the market. Fishermen used it to catch different kinds of fish in various conditions. They are one of the most commonly used lines by fishing enthusiasts around the world.
Fluorocarbon lines are relatively recent. They are getting extremely popular due to their various inherent benefits. Still, you will find experienced fishermen using both these types of lines. It pays to understand that fluorocarbons are a good substitute for braided lines in certain scenarios.
Despite their disadvantages when compared to the fluorocarbon lines, the monofilaments are frequently used, when the condition warrants. They are often used in conjunction with braided or fluorocarbon lines for their ability to float and stretchiness.
They are the preferred choice while fishing in muddy waters. For a newbie, it is recommended to use the monofilaments. It is easy to cast, less expensive and forgiving. When you get more experienced, you can follow the policy of ‘horses for courses’.
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