Monofilament

• Monofilament is the most popular type of fishing line. It consists of a single strand of nylon, usually clear, which is extruded through a mold. Monofilament varies in quality depending on price, but in general monofilament is inexpensive compared to braided and fluorocarbon lines. Good monofilament is limp, which makes it easy to cast.
  
  All monofilament line stretches. This makes it harder to set the hook in a fish if a lot of line is out, but it also makes monofilament more forgiving of mistakes, such as applying too much pressure to a fish.
  
  Some monofilament lines are manufactured to reflect sunlight in such a way that they are visible above water, and clear underwater.
  
  Monofilament is a good choice for beginners and experts for baitcasting, spinning, and spincasting tackle.
  
  

Braided

• Braided lines are manufactured by weaving together thin strands of synthetic materials. They are expensive compared to monofilament lines. Braided lines are not clear, but they are thinner diameter than monofilament for the same strength of line, which makes them less visible to fish. Braided lines have low knot strength compared to monofilament, and special knots must be used to keep the line from breaking.
  
  Braided lines have little stretch, which allows for easy hooksets, but which is unforgiving of angler mistakes, such as applying too much pressure to a fish.
  
  Braided lines are not good lines for beginners, but are good lines for experts, especially on baitcasting tackle.
  
  

Fluorocarbon

• Fluorocarbon is similar to monofilament, but heavier and more abrasion resistant. Fluorocarbon is also stiffer than monofilament, which makes it difficult to cast. The great advantage of fluorocarbon over both monofilament and braided lines is that fluorocarbon is virtually invisible underwater. Fluorocarbon is expensive compared to monofilament line and not as good of a choice for beginners.
  
  

Breaking Strength

• Lines are rated based on breaking strength, such as 4 lb. test and 30 lb.test. The line is guaranteed to break at tension less than its rating.
  
  The advantage of lines with low breaking strength is that they are easier to cast and less visible to fish than heavy lines. Only step up to a heavy line if you expect to catch big fish or need to cast heavy lures.
  
  

Choosing Line

• Choose your line to match your fishing tackle and the fishing conditions. If you fish primarily in a muddy river, you may not want to spend extra money on fluorocarbon instead of monofilament, because line visibility is not an issue. If you need to cast light lures a long distance, a light monofilament on spinning tackle is your best choice. If you are fishing in flooded brush, you may need the abrasion resistance of fluorocarbon. If you only fish for bluegills that weigh one quarter of a pound, you do not need to buy 60 pound test braided line.
  
  If you are unsure of which line best matches your local fishing conditions, ask around. Tackle shops can be a big help, but be careful about proprietors who want to sell you a line that they can not normally move.
  
  

Leaders

• A leader is a small length of line used at the terminal end of a fishing line, to which the hook is attached. Use leaders to take advantage of the best properties of two different kinds of line. For example, using a five foot fluorocarbon leader at the end of a braided fishing line allows the angler to cast with braided line, but take advantage of the invisibility of fluorocarbon to present her lure to the fish.
  
  

Fly Line

• Fly lines are sold by weight and must be matched to the fly rod. In addition, fly lines have varying tapers, and may sink, or float, float with a tip that sinks, or other configuration. Beginning fly fishermen should consult their instructors to determine the correct line to purchase.