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The complexity of materials and performances of
fishing lines provide bass anglers with many options these days.
Choose the proper line for a specific situation,
and you are going to hook and land more fish. Choose the wrong
line, and you are going to be frustrated or brokenhearted at the
end of the day.
There are key differences to understand about the
three types of lines, with stretch being the most important. Monofilament
provides about 15 to 30 percent stretch, while fluorocarbon is
about half that, and braid has none.
The less a line stretches, the more sensitive it
is. The more a line stretches, the more forgiving it is when playing
big fish. Because of these variances, anglers need to match their
rods to the lines they are using. Designed for high-stretch monofilament,
stiff rods are not as applicable for fishing braid or even fluorocarbon.
If you get too aggressive with a low-stretch line, you can literally
take the hook or lure away from a big fish.
However, low stretch can be a tremendous asset when
making long casts. With braid's small diameter, durability
and sensitivity, you are going to feel more strikes and get a
sure hookset.
That is when I like Berkley's FireLine, especially
when fishing around grass. It casts farther than monofilament
of equal breaking strength, and you can horse fish to the boat.
The FireLine also provides positive hooksets and cuts through
the grass like a knife.
I also like FireLine on my spinning gear because
it gives me more strength in less diameter than monofilament or
fluorocarbon. It does not kink or loop into a mess when fished
on spinning gear like some monofilament lines do. Braid also is
a good choice for fishing Carolina rigs because of the sensitivity
it provides. I like to make long casts with Carolina rigs because
the braid allows me to feel the bottom better and get instant
hooksets on long casts.
Visibility is another factor to consider when choosing
a fishing line. Braided lines are opaque, therefore they stand
out in clear water. Monofilament lines blend in with their surroundings,
and they are not as noticeable, whereas fluorocarbon refracts
light and becomes nearly invisible underwater.
For that reason, I always tie a leader with a uni-knot
to the business end of my line when I'm fishing braid on
spinning tackle and Carolina rigs.
Some anglers prefer fluorocarbon for leaders, but
I like monofilament because it does not sink as fast, and it helps
me keep the bait off the bottom.
Fluorocarbon is great for ultra-clear water situations,
but remember that it affects lure performance because it sinks
faster than monofilament and braid. For that reason, I love using
it for fishing Senkos, finesse worms and minnow-imitating soft-plastic
lures like the Mann's Shadow that I want to sink slowly
beneath the surface.
It is also important to remember that fluorocarbon
is sensitive to friction. When tying a knot, be sure to wet the
line thoroughly before cinching it tight, as this prevents weakening
the knot.
Also, do not throw topwaters on fluorocarbon because
the line sinks and pulls the bait downward, hampering its action.
Monofilament is best, and I prefer Berkley Sensation. I fish Sensation
probably 60 percent of the time. I use it for crankbaits, jerkbaits
and most other situations.
High-tech lines will never take monofilament's
place entirely, but they offer advantages in special situations.
On the other hand, a quality monofilament is a good all—purpose
line and will serve you well, regardless of how you fish. |
