Are you planning on making your fishing debut soon? In that case, you are probably considering suitable equipment, and fishing lines are an integral part of every angler’s gear.
Two types of lines are the most popular out there – braided and monofilament. Today, we are trying to identify the winner of the braided fishing line VS monofilament battle. Keep reading to discover insightful information that will help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Differences Between Braided and Monofilament Fishing Line
Which Line Is Stronger?
The first thing we will analyze is the strength of the fishing lines. Depending on how you plan to fish, they can both be a suitable choice. However, there is one key difference that gives the advantage to the braided line.
If you are fishing from the kayak, or even from the shore, the chances are you will encounter and pull out a lot of structure. It won’t be surprising if you come across mangroves, oyster bars, and even docks.
That is where monofilament lines may not perform up to expectations. Once they hit a structure, tiny abrasions may form and damage the line. As a result, you may lose your catch, which would be a great shame, especially if you feel that you were about to catch big fish.
On the other hand, braid has excellent abrasion resistance. That should give you peace of mind regardless of your fishing plans and location.
Braided lines have another advantage – they manage to maintain better durability with a smaller diameter. That means they would deliver better pound for pound performance without taking the unnecessary space on your spool.Are Braided Lines Also More Durable?
Strength is important to prevent mishaps during the angling trips, but durability also plays a role in deciding which of the two lines is more suitable for your needs.
Now, if you are a casual angler that doesn’t go fishing more than once a month, monofilament lines can be a good choice. They should last long enough to be a smart investment.
However, if you frequently head on angling expeditions, you want to take the durability to the next level. That is what a braided line will secure as you probably won’t have to worry about replacing it for a long time.The Importance of Stretch
Here is another area where the two lines are quite different. Braided lines have no stretch, and that might make them a good choice for beginners. The fact that it has no stretch implies maximum sensitivity, which means that you should be aware of every bite. Additionally, this also gives you a better chance to successfully pull the fish if it is stuck into weed or another structure.
Now, monofilament lines have the stretch some anglers like. It makes it more suitable for people who target tarpon or other large fish. Some also argue that it fits their style better, which is why this ultimately comes down to your preference.How Far Can They Cast?
Casting distance is important because it gives you a better chance of catching the fish that gets afraid easily. The math is simple – braided lines have a small diameter, which ensures large casting potential. If you know that fish in your area get spooked easily, you want to cast the line as far as you can. That particularly applies to fishing from the boat.
The extra yards secured by the braided line also secure the element of stealth that you may need for some fish.Are They Easy to Use?
It does seem like we made braided lines a clear favorite up until this point, but monofilament also has its advantages.
The truth is that monofilament lines are more popular than braided for one simple reason – they are more suitable for beginners. That is the case because they are easier to use.
If you are a newbie, you are looking for a line that is simple to cut and tie. That is where monofilament lines deliver, and it is the reason why most people stick to it. We wouldn’t say that braided lines are too complicated either, but it may be a challenge to deal with a knot, and they require a bit more skill overall.Which Line Is More Affordable
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, there is no doubt that monofilament can be a great choice for an average angler. Think about it like this – you can purchase hundreds of yards of mono lines for less than $10.
Braided lines may have better durability, but they are also twice as much expensive. And if mono lines can do a job that would meet your expectations, there is no reason to waste extra cash.
How They Blend in with the Water?
Ultimately, this will depend on the exact line you select, but many anglers agree that monofilament lines are clearer than their braided counterparts.
That can be vital if you are fishing in shallow water that is only several feet deep. In those cases, you need maximum clarity so that the fish can’t notice the line.
As we mentioned, visibility will also be affected by other factors, including water depth and line color.
Why Should You Choose Monofilament Line
Now that we’ve discussed the performance of both lines in various categories, it is time to discuss their advantages and drawbacks. Let’s start with mono lines, which are the more popular choice for fishers worldwide.
The primary reason they are so widespread is their price and cost-effectiveness. If you count your expenses yard for yard, they are more affordable than braided lines. That is something that attracts beginners who avoid investing too much in their equipment right from the start.
Beginners also do not like challenging lines. If they need to untangle their line, they need to be able to do that easily. Mono lines enable effortless cutting and tying, which makes them easy to use.
Anglers who are looking to catch large fish may need admirable stretch quality and know strength, and that is where monofilament line also meets expectations. These lines can also handle hard and sudden hits and the risk of breaking when that happens is reduced.
Finally, the general rule is that mono lines have impressive clarity, which is why they are suitable for clear and shallow waters, but also cautious fish. If you encounter smart species, you may have more chances to catch them with a mono line.
It is a shame that they usually do not have impressive casting potential as that can affect your plans for catching the fish of your dreams. Mono has a relatively thick diameter, and sometimes it won’t allow you to get enough line on the spool to suit your fishing plans.
The overall durability of a mono line is also not impressive, especially if you use it often. It is, however, strong and provides a good value for the price.
Monofilament Line – Pros and Cons
Pros
- A great choice for beginners as it is easy to use
- Affordable price is the reason why its use is widespread throughout the world
- It can do a great job in handling hard hits
- It has impressive clarity and can be suitable for clear and shallow waters
Cons
- It has a thick diameter, which means you can only get a limited amount on the spool
- Its casting distance might not be that impressive
- Their shelf life is not admirable
Why You Should Choose Braided Lines
If you want to buy a braided line, it is recommended to have at least some fishing experience. That is because it will take some skill to adjust the drag and other things properly.
However, if you are a skilled angler, investing in a braided line can be an excellent long-term investment. They are not only long-lasting, but they are also exceptionally strong. That makes them suitable for dealing with weeds, rocks, and other structure, and pulling the fish from them.
Their strength is even more impressive if you consider they have a thin diameter. Thanks to that, the spool can hold a lot of line, which ensures impressive casting distance. If you are looking for a line that has low visibility, you need to be careful because braided lines tend to be visible, especially in shallow and clear water.
Braided Lines Pros and Cons
Pros
- Thin diameter allows you to get plenty of line on the spool
- The above advantage also allows admirable casting distance
- They can do a good job in pulling the fish from weeds and other structure
- Excellent sensitivity because of the eliminated stretch
- Very durable and strong for its thinness
Cons
- You should be ready to pay more than for mono lines
- It may take some time and skill to adjust everything properly
- Some braided lines have a high visibility level when in clear waters
Final Thoughts
If we would focus solely on the quality of the line design, we would probably tell you that braided lines are a better choice. However, other characteristics imply that there is no clear winner in the braided fishing line VS monofilament battle.
Braided lines are more durable and have better casting distance, but monofilament lines are more affordable and easy to use. The latter makes them more popular because beginner anglers stick to them, and they make the majority of the fishing population. We advise you to consider the specific features of both, as well as your fishing plans before you make the final purchasing decision.
