Fishing Line

When buying fishing line, start by matching the line type to the way you fish. Monofilament is a great all-round choice because it is affordable, easy to knot and has stretch, which helps absorb lunges from hard-fighting fish. It is ideal for many coarse, carp and general-purpose setups. Fluorocarbon is best when low visibility matters. It sinks well, is harder for fish to see underwater and offers good abrasion resistance, making it popular for hooklengths, leaders, clear water and cautious fish. It is usually stiffer than mono, so choose the right diameter for your presentation. Braided fishing line has very little stretch, giving excellent sensitivity and direct contact with your lure or rig. It is strong for its diameter, casts well and is widely used for lure fishing, predator fishing, spod work and situations where bite detection is crucial. Many anglers use braid with a fluorocarbon or mono leader for extra stealth and abrasion protection. Always check the breaking strain, diameter and reel capacity before buying. Lighter lines can improve presentation and casting distance, while stronger lines are better around weed, snags, rocks or larger fish. For best results, replace worn or damaged line and regularly check the first few metres for frays, flattened sections or weak knots.