Every year its assortment only increases, which, of course, benefits fishing lovers.
There is just one caveat: choosing fishing line is becoming increasingly difficult. In this regard, it would be more correct to at least consider and understand what types of fishing line exist and what characteristics they have.
Purpose
The following advantages are typical for braided cord:
- Doesn't stretch– and this is the most important advantage of the braid. Undoubtedly, every material is subject to deformation. Only for this species the probability of stretching is so small that it is practically not noticeable. The fisherman's braided line captivates with its ideal sensitivity to the bait. When using it, you can also understand the nature of the bottom surface.
- Heavy-duty braided fabric can handle the load, which exceeds the permissible weight by 2 times.
Braid is endowed with quite significant advantages compared to other types, but disadvantages are not excluded. The existing disadvantages of this fishing line do not allow beginners to fully experience all its positive qualities.
Disadvantages of braided cord:
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon fishing line is used as leashes for feeder, spinning and other equipment.
The main advantage of such a fishing line is its invisibility in the water.
Considering that the leash is fixed to the fluorocarbon, the fish that has shown interest in it does not notice the fishing line and does not feel in danger. This is the main factor that motivates you to attack the bait.
The disadvantages include the following: 
- High price– the main disadvantage, but since it is used for leashes, it will be quite enough for 5 m, and for the price this option is within the acceptable range.
- Does not withstand loads well enough. If we compare fluorocarbon and monofilament, then the first is 2 times inferior in strength. Here you can solve the issue by purchasing a thicker (the same 2 times) fishing line than the main braid or monofilament.
- Material too hard, which provokes the spreading of nodes. In this case, you can minimize this nuisance by tying special knots for fluorocarbon fishing line.
- Has memory– poor elasticity of the material entails memory of stretches, deformations and bends of the fishing line. This disease is practically incurable. All that remains is to frequently replace the fluorocarbon leash with a new one.
Of course, it is better to use fluorocarbon line for the leash, but this is not essential.
Knowing the characteristics various types fishing line let's summarize.
What to use with what gear?
For spinning fishing, regular monofilament is most often used, and for jigging, only braided cord is recommended.
The presence of a fluorocarbon leader is of particular importance when fishing with braided lines., a leash made of this transparent material also wouldn’t hurt on a monofilament line.
The best option for the main fishing line would be to use high-quality non-stretch monofilament. And, of course, the presence of florocarbon leashes.
There is an opinion that monofilament is suitable as a leash material. This condition is feasible taking into account the fact that the bait is at the very bottom, and the fishing line is practically invisible on the surface. In this regard, it is the one that is most often used. However, if you use fluorocarbon, the result will clearly not be worse.
The ideal option is to use monofilament thread; braided thread is excluded. The use of a fluorocarbon leash would also be appropriate here.
For ice fishing, only fluorocarbon fishing line is used. Presented today a large number of cords, but often when fishing for holes they also use monofilament.
When choosing a fishing line, you need to take into account all its pros and cons so as not to be disappointed in your purchase. It is the fishing thread that connects all the elements into one, secretly delivers the bait to the right place and gives the angler a connection with what is happening under water.
Useful video
Video on how to choose the right fishing line:
Video about braided fishing lines:
Hello dear readers of the blog "Fishing for Beginners"
This publication will discuss the properties of fishing line, which have a serious impact on the behavior of the gear, and therefore on the quality and results of fishing.
Before you start reading this note, I recommend that you read the previously published article on fishing line materials by clicking on.
Fishing line is a thread made of artificial or natural fiber that connects all elements fishing tackle and is the link between the fisherman and the object of fishing.
In sport and recreational fishing, two types of fishing lines are used:
monofilament- one-piece monolithic thread made of synthetic fiber (nylon, nylon, fluorocarbon).
braided (braided cord)– a multi-strand thread consisting of many ultra-thin fibers woven together.
Line properties
The properties of the fishing line are considered to be its characteristics manifested under various kinds of influences on it (mechanical, chemical, ultraviolet, etc.) or other circumstances. For example, to determine the tensile strength of a fishing line, it is necessary to stretch it; the possibility of long-term use of the fishing line in direct sunlight, without harm to it, indicates its resistance to ultraviolet radiation, and increased chemical resistance allows the use of fishing thread in salt water, maintaining its performance characteristics in chemically aggressive environment.
Important properties that must be taken into account when purchasing and using monofilament and braided cords include:
- tensile strength;
- impact strength;
- knot strength;
- extensibility;
- residual deformation (memory);
- abrasion resistance – wear resistance;
- visibility;
- age of the fishing line.
There are also other qualities of the fishing line: elasticity, calibration accuracy, friction coefficient and some others that indirectly affect its behavior during fishing, but not so significant as to dwell on them. Particular attention is paid to the characteristics of the fishing line during competitions in sport fishing, where time is counted in minutes and even seconds, and every little thing can cost a lot.
Despite the fact that fishing line produced in the fishing industry has only two types - monofilament and braided, it is designed for a wide range of applications, including different conditions and possibilities of its operation. Therefore, different types of fishing lines are endowed with properties that are oriented according to their direct and narrow purpose.
For example: the leader line has a relatively high tensile strength; marine - resistant to salt water and ultraviolet radiation; match - has the ability to sink.
For this reason, when choosing a fishing thread, you have to ignore some of its qualities, giving preference to the properties necessary for a given fishing method and type of gear, taking into account the conditions and specifics of fishing, as well as the weight and habits of the fish.
For example, when increased strength of the tackle is required, it is often necessary to neglect the elasticity of the fishing line, and to connect it with accessories, use special crimping tubes or other devices, since the thick thread is very stiff and does not tie into knots well.
In cases where it is not possible to combine the necessary qualities in one solid fishing line, a combined installation is used, in which a high-quality wear-resistant fishing line of increased strength, called a shock leader, is used for the section of the thread that is in constant contact with the guide rings of the rod, and for the rest - less demanding thread. You can also use an undemanding, but thicker fishing line for the shock leader.
If it is necessary to have inconspicuous tackle of increased strength, a braided cord is used as the main fishing line, and fluorocarbon or nylon monofilament is used for leashes.
Very often, when choosing a fishing line, the question arises: which one is better, braided or monofilament? To answer this, let’s look at the most important properties of both in order, comparing them.
Tensile strength of fishing line
The ability of a fishing line of a certain diameter to withstand the maximum permissible tensile load is called its breaking strength. In other words, the tensile strength of a fishing line is determined by the threshold value of the tensile force, up to which a fishing line of a certain diameter retains its integrity. Tensile strength measured and marked in librah - lb or kilograms - kg. and corresponds to the fishing line of the established diameter.
One libra - "Lb" is equal to one pound =0.4536 kg. Most manufacturers measure and designate the line diameter in millimeters - "mm", and its length is marked in meters - "m" or by yards - "yds", one yard - 1 yard = 91.4 cm = 0.914 m
For example, the inscription: "Diameter - 0.25 mm 11 lb", indicates that monofilament with a diameter of - 0.25 mm can withstand a maximum tensile load of 11 lb, corresponding 4.99 kg.
It is not always possible to check in a store whether the strength declared by the manufacturer is consistent; for this you need to have a special tool - a dynamometer, an analogue of which is a spring hand scale (steelyard), with the help of which it is possible to check the breaking strength of the fishing line with approximate accuracy.
If we compare high-quality monofilament and braided fishing line of the same diameter, we can confidently note that braided fishing line , produced from polyethylene fiber, is at least 2 times stronger than nylon monofilament.
Impact strength
Impact strength– counteraction to thread thinning under short-term shock breaking load.
An obvious example of this phenomenon often occurs during a power cast, when the line loses the ability to freely come off and sharply slows down the bait, which is flying with high acceleration. At this moment, a short-term force occurs that can break the fishing line and shoot the bait.
A similar example would be a sweeping hook, during a dull hook, falsely taken for a bite.
All braided cords have impact strength several times higher than any monofilament line.
Line strength at knots
A property that determines the threshold strength of the fishing line at the nodes - in places of its deformation. The strength of the fishing line in the knots recommended for it by the product manufacturer is, as a rule, 20%-30% less than the strength of a solid thread, provided that the knots are tied correctly.
The quality of the knot directly affects the strength of the thread and can significantly reduce it if the knot is not tied correctly.
It is necessary to purchase a fishing line taking into account this property, since no tackle can be mounted without a knot. For example, if the tensile strength of the fishing line is 4.0 kg, then at the correct knot it will decrease by 30% - 1.2 kg and amount to = 2.8 kg. As you can see, the difference is significant. Some connections lose less strength, but these are mainly used for attaching hooks and other fishing equipment.
There is an opinion that braided fishing lines They don’t hold the knot well and if they don’t break in solid areas, they unravel precisely at the fastening points. These rumors are fueled by the erroneous opinion of people who use knots for monofilament lines on braids and do not follow the manufacturers' recommendations on the use of special braids for them.
Line stretchability 
The ability of a fishing line to increase in length under the influence of tensile force and return to its original size when it is removed.
The tensile value of the fishing line is determined at a load close to the maximum permissible. The extensibility of the fishing line is calculated by the percentage of the difference in lengths in the stretched and relaxed state to its original value.
For example, if a 50-meter thread during fishing, with a load close to the maximum, stretched to 55 m, then the difference between the lengths is 5 m, it is 10% of its original length, therefore the elongation of this line is 10%.
Knowing the elongation of a synthetic fiber product, it is easy to calculate how much it will stretch under maximum load.
Often, to determine the stretchability of a fishing line, a coefficient is used that characterizes this value, obtained by dividing the difference in lengths by its original value.
In our case, the difference in lengths of 5 m (55 - 50 = 5) divided by the original value of 50 m is 0.1 (5 m: 50 m = 0.1). Therefore, the line stretch coefficient = 0.1.
Tensile monofilament fishing line is not suitable for spinning fishing, as it poorly transmits signals about the behavior of the bait and equipment as a whole, dulling them with its stretch, and also dampens the actions of the fisherman aimed at manipulating the tackle.
For these purposes, braided cords are widely used, made from inextensible polyethylene fiber, which has increased sensitivity, transmits to the fisherman any changes in the behavior of the equipment and does not interfere with his manipulations with the bait.
Moderate elongation of the fishing line - within 10 -15% for many types of fishing is an acceptable and even favorable quality, since it can soften the shock loads on the fishing line, reel and rod, caused by certain circumstances of the fishing process.
Residual deformation (memory) of the fishing line
In fishing slang, permanent deformation is called “memory” of the fishing line.
Good memory is the case when “good” means “worse than ever” - a fishing line with a large residual deformation “remembers” its original state and strives to return to it.
Large residual deformation is characteristic of monofilament line made of nylon - a material with fairly high water permeability, which facilitates the penetration of water molecules into its structure and changes it. During the process of moisture evaporation, the structure of the material retains (“remembers”) the shape it took upon drying and subsequently tends to it.
For this reason, wet nylon line should not be transported on a reel; it must be straightened and dried before reeling. If a wet nylon line has time to dry on the reel, then when you try to straighten it, it will curl into rings that are “remembered” by it when it dries.
Residual deformation from the nylon thread is removed by soaking; for this, it is removed from the spool and placed in a vessel with water for a couple of hours.
Braided lines, like fluorocarbon monofilament, have virtually no memory.
The memory of the fishing line can be checked using the “old-fashioned” method, by carefully stretching a small piece between the nails of two fingers, lightly pressing the fiber with them. This must be done carefully so as not to injure yourself. If, after the manipulation, the deformed section of the thread is strongly twisted into a spiral, then this line has an abundance of memory.
Timely measures to prevent the manifestation of residual deformation will eliminate the troubles associated with it during fishing.
Abrasion resistance – line wear resistance
There is something else like the ability of the fishing line to prevent abrasion of the surface layer, thereby maintaining the integrity of the entire thread for a long time. Any synthetic fiber has relatively high wear resistance, depending on its material.
Of all the materials used in fishing lines, fluorocarbon is the most abrasion resistant.
To increase the wear resistance of nylon fiber, its surface is strengthened by applying fluorocarbon as an additional layer or spraying it by diffusion.
Visibility and camouflage properties of fishing line
The visibility of the fishing line directly depends on such important operational properties of the material as light transmission and transparency.
The light transmittance of a material is characterized by its ability to transmit direct and diffuse light, not only the visible part of its spectrum, but also infrared and ultraviolet rays.
Transparency of a fiber is the ability to transmit light without changing its direction. Both properties depend on the optical density of the fishing line material and its refractive index (the index of refraction of light). If we compare monofilament line made of nylon and fluorocarbon, the latter has greater invisibility, since it has high light transmittance and light refractive index close to water, due to which it practically “dissolves” in water.
By dyeing synthetic fibers in colors that match the environment, the desired camouflage effect is achieved. This direction has two options - painting transparent and matte raw materials. In the first case, the faint color serves as a tint to the transparent fishing line, enhancing its invisibility in the water. The second option is when the matte fiber is painted in one or more colors.
It is worth noting that nylon fiber undergoes a special treatment before painting, after which it becomes dull, due to which certain qualities are lost and its service life is reduced. Old anglers don't trust matte lines.
If visual control over the condition of the bait or fishing line is necessary, then you have to neglect its camouflage, using bright fluorescent colors visible in the water.
To catch wary fish, use transparent fishing line or leashes made of fluorocarbon, which is invisible in the water.
If it is necessary to disguise the tackle to match the color of the bottom or the surrounding landscape, use a non-transparent brown, black, green or multi-colored vein.
Due to the nature of their production, braided fishing lines have low light transmission and transparency, so dyeing is the only way to hide them from the observant eyes of aquatic inhabitants.
Age - shelf life of monofilament fishing line
The age of a fishing line refers to consumer properties that have a significant impact on all its qualities. Any fishing line is a product of chemical production and has a certain period of operation and storage, after which it loses its properties and, above all, its strength characteristics.
As already mentioned, aging occurs due to the effect of ultraviolet radiation and ambient temperature on chemical fiber, which cause a process of thermal-oxidative destruction (destruction) in the air - the fishing line dries. Dark packaging, which protects it from drying out under the influence of ultraviolet rays, and low storage temperatures extend the life of synthetic fiber products.
Many fishermen practice storing expensive fishing lines in the refrigerator, where there is neither heat nor light. “Not fresh” - dried monofilament fishing line loses its transparency, as evidenced by dull spots on its surface.
All the pros and cons of braided fishing line
Braided fishing line It surpasses monofilament in all strength characteristics, has increased abrasion resistance, and has no stretching or residual deformation. These qualities allow it to be used effectively in spinning fishing and fishing trolling, where the ratio of pros and cons, when choosing the necessary set of properties, is inclined in its favor.
Some properties, the origin of which braided fishing line owes to its special multi-core structure, are not in its favor:
- the high drag coefficient, which prevents long casting, does not allow it to be used effectively with light baits;
- The specific weave of the fibers of a braided cord allows solid particles that fall on the cord during fishing to get stuck in them, thereby increasing the abrasiveness of the fishing line. This fact entails rapid abrasion and wear of the guide rings of the rod and the line roller of the reel;
- weak camouflage properties are reflected in the results of catching cautious fish;
- the high price of the product limits the possibility of its alternative use;
- increased tendency for knots to twist and tangle causing inconvenience.
Line marking
Despite the fact that different designations and units of measurement are used to mark fishing line, adopted in the country of the product manufacturer; yards, pounds, inches, libra, special numbering and other symbols, along with them, for products aimed at the domestic market, information about its tensile strength in kilograms is always indicated.
To the parameters indicated on the packaging (reel) with fishing line, refer only to its length, diameter and breaking load; the remaining properties can be judged empirically or you can trust the description of price lists and catalogs of online stores, in which they will write anything for the sake of good sales.
Frequently found advertising phrases in RuNet such as: “abrasion resistance 8” (8 times higher than usual), or “increased elasticity”, “silicone coating”, etc. say absolutely nothing, since the existence of the declared device It is not possible to install in a store environment.
Those people who have been interested in fishing for a long time know that numbers on packaging and advertising propaganda are not always worth believing; When purchasing fishing accessories, they give preference to trusted companies that have proven themselves in the world market with many years of work and quality. Yes, a product with a global brand is more expensive, but believe me, it has been proven more than once: “The miser pays twice.”
It is no secret that the best fishing line is produced in Japan, and the markings on it in most cases correspond to reality. This is because Japan tries to strictly adhere to the testing standards in force in the IGFA - International Sportfishing Association.
That's all. All the best, see you again. Ask questions, leave comments.
So, we come to the fishing store. Depending on its specialization, we can see on the shelves a very different range of accessories for different types of fishing. We can find fishing line or braided cord in any fishing store. Fishing line is one of the most important elements of gear, and a lot depends on the right choice.
Monofilament fishing line: what is important to know
For thousands of years, fishing lines have been handmade from horsehair, silk, and, much less frequently, cotton or linen. In their manufacture, waterproofing impregnations were sometimes used. From about the 1850s, machines for tying fishing lines on an industrial scale appeared.
Modern fishing lines are made of polyamide materials, the main ones being nylon and nylon.
What types of fishing lines are there?
1. Nylon
Invented in 1937 by the DuPont laboratory (USA).
It became the first and most widespread artificial material for the manufacture of fishing lines.
Light refractive index of nylon. - 1.52 (water - 1.3)
2. Kapron
Nylon or Nylon 6 was developed in 1952 by IG Farben (Germany) to reproduce the properties of Nylon-66 without violating the DuPont patent. Nylon fishing lines are susceptible to aging under the influence of the environment. Their service life does not exceed two to three years.
3. Polyethylene
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes are used to produce multifilament scaffolds that are characterized by high strength and low elongation.
The first artificial material used to make braided lines was Dacron. Subsequently, polyesters were replaced by the more advanced Kevlar. Since the beginning of the 90s, models made from the finest polyethylene fibers have appeared. In Europe, the new material became known under the brand name DYNEEMA, and in America - Spectra. All the so-called braids are made from the same fibers, the differences lie in the method of joining (weaving) and the protective impregnations used.
4. Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon invented in Japan in 1971. Its creators are experts from Kureha (Seaguar). The English name of the polymer (fluoro - fluorine and carbon - plastic) corresponds to the Russian word “fluoroplastic”.
What are the features of fluorocarbon?
Firstly, it is resistant to any negative influences. Lines made from this polymer are used all year round, as its operating temperature is from −40C to +160C. They can be stored for a long time without fear of sunlight. Their structure does not allow water molecules to pass through, so the lines do not swell.
Secondly, fluorocarbon is characterized by resistance to damage and abrasion. For example, Avani Eging Tip Run braids are acceptable for feeder applications. Therefore, they are immediately equipped with pieces of fluorocarbon to make a shock leader from it.
Thirdly, if an ordinary monofilament does not belong to the sinking class, then it can remain at the top and take the float along with it in windy weather. Fluoroplastic is 78% heavier than water. Therefore, a fishing line made from it always sinks almost 2.5 times faster than nylon. This gives spinning anglers an advantage when jigging, fishing in snags or in reservoirs where the bottom is covered with shells that can cut off the braided line. It also helps to maintain the working horizon of most wobblers.
Fourthly, fluorocarbon has a refractive index of light close to that of water (1.42 and 1.3, respectively). Therefore, the material is more invisible in the pond compared to nylon monofilament.
The rigidity of fluorocarbon lines will not let you miss even a timid bite. It will be handy for hooking when fishing in the current. However, this polymer has lower tensile strength than nylon at the same thickness.
Because fluorocarbon is more difficult to produce, it is more expensive than nylon. Therefore, a compromise arose - nylon fishing lines coated with this polymer (“Fluorocarbon coated”).
Comparative characteristics of fishing line materials
Material | UV resistance | Resistance to swelling in water | Abrasion resistance | Extensibility |
Polyethylene | ||||
Fluorocarbon | moderate |
And a small note: the strength of DYNEEMA threads is 20 times higher than that of steel threads of the same diameter. Impressive...
Where is monofilament used?
monofilament used for fishing with feeder, float, spinning and other types of fishing. The main requirements are tensile strength, elasticity (the ability to tie in knots), invisibility (small thickness or camouflage coloring), resistance to environmental influences, and friction resistance. International standards for fishing line are being developed International Association fishing sport (IGFA - International Game Fishing Association).
How to choose the right fishing line for fishing?
You can ask advice from more experienced fisherman. Or you can choose for yourself by first studying the characteristics.
Fishing lines have a number of important parameters, but we will consider only those that we will need later.
The most important characteristic is diameter. On the modern fishing market you can find almost any diameter. However, the bulk are models with a diameter of 0.1 - 0.4 mm. This indicator affects the casting distance (the smaller the diameter, the better its flight characteristics), as well as visibility in the water (the smaller the diameter, the more inconspicuous the line). The smaller the diameter, the less the line takes up space on the spool.
The next characteristic is . If you think that by purchasing a fishing line with a breaking load of 4.5 kg, you will be able to “throw fish weighing up to two kilograms over your shoulder” onto the shore, then you are deeply mistaken. Yes, it is possible that during testing the fishing line showed a breaking load of 4.5 kg. However, during testing, the line is at the correct angle and the load gradually increases. In life, everything is completely different: your angle will be incorrect, and a sharp increase in load will make itself felt. You should also take into account that the fishing line will rub off on something (for example, on stones or shell rock). Moreover, the breaking load at our node will decrease. As a result, in reality we get an actual breaking point that is less than the declared one. This must be taken into account.
Another important parameter is unwinding, that is, the length. The most common unwindings are 100, 150 and 300 meters. There are also unwinding lengths of 50, 75, 110, 135, 200 and 250 meters. Which one to choose - everyone decides for themselves, choosing the optimal one for their gear and conditions.
How to choose the diameter of a fishing line?
When choosing a diameter, you should proceed from the fishing conditions and the fishing object. If we are going to catch small, non-predatory fish, then a thick fishing line will not be needed here. Conversely, when fishing for large and strong fish, such as carp, for example, you should use a fishing line with a significant margin of safety. Also, if we are fishing in the open space of a clear lake, then we can afford to use a thin model. But if we are fishing on a snagy river, then we will have to take a thicker fishing line. This also applies to fishing in shell rocks.
