Do you enjoy fishing for trout? It’s a great pastime, but you may not be catching as many fish as you could. Often, you’re using the wrong fishing line, and this can reduce your chances of luring the fish to you and catching it.
We’re going to talk about the best fishing line for trout here. This is going to help you reel in a bigger fish and enjoy your time on or near the water. Plus, we discuss different products, line materials, and explain how to set up the line.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Fishing Lines For Trout Fishing
We have come up with 10 of the best fishing line options for trout. Please take a look at the table below to see which ones are available and considered top of the line.
| Pictures | Trout Fishing Lines | Materials | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 | KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line | Fluorocarbon | |
 | Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line | Fluorocarbon | |
 | Trout Magnet S.O.S. Fishing Line | Copolymer | |
 | Seaguar STS Trout/Steelhead Fluorocarbon Leader Fishing Line | Fluorocarbon | |
 | KastKing Kovert Fluorocarbon Fishing Line | Fluorocarbon | |
 | Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line | Spectra-Fiber Braided | |
 | Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line | PE-Fiber Braided | |
 | P-Line Floroclear Clear Fishing Line | Fluorocarbon | |
 | Berkley Trilene Big Game Fishing Line | Monofilament | |
 | KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line | Monofilament |
Trout Fishing Line Reviews
1. KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon lines are some of the best, and KastKing has what you need. It’s an award-winning brand, and this is the newest option. This product is actually a combination of the copolymer and fluorocarbon versions.
Therefore, it can be immersed in water and create a line that’s less visible. Plus, it also factors in low memory and is easily cast-able because of the copolymer.
With a low stretch, abrasion resistance, and high strength, this is an upgrade from traditional monolines. Plus, it’s a low-cost alternative to a full fluorocarbon one.
It’s got a smaller diameter than monofilament and copolymer versions. Therefore, the line is stronger and gives you more depth and reel capacity.
You’re also going to find that this fishing line has a low absorption rate and sinks faster. There is also better knot strength and sensitivity. Regardless of the conditions in which you fish, you’re going to have the best technique and confidence to catch plenty of trout.
2. Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
The Berkley brand is also a fluorocarbon fishing line. It’s made using the best materials available. In fact, it’s engineered in such a way that it helps you catch more fish.
It comes in many colors, but clear is the most popular. You can also pick the clear with a gold transition, which helps you see it a little easier. However, the fish don’t see anything, which means they are more likely to take the bait.
Since it is made of 100 percent fluorocarbon, it’s stronger and more durable. Plus, it is designed to refract the light that hits it in the water. You’re also going to find that it is non-absorbing.
This indicates that it is abrasion resistant while underwater. That means if it sinks to the bottom or comes in contact with plants, it isn’t going to nick the line.
There’s also plenty of flexibility. That way, it casts better and can be grabbed by the fish without risk of breaking.
3. Trout Magnet S.O.S. Fishing Line
The Trout Magnet brand features a copolymer line, so it’s easy to cast and soft. That means it’s abrasion-resistant with a lot of stretches. If you’re light-line fishing for trout, this is one of the most appropriate options on the market.
This brand wants you to be a success, so it offers 350 yards of fishing line. It already comes wound, so you can easily put it on your reel. Of course, it’s a 16mm diameter, which is ideal for many types of fishing locations.
It comes in three sizes. You’ve got a 2-pound test, 4-pound test, and 6-pound test. This just means you can catch either a 2-, 4- or 6-pound trout when you use that particular line size.
These lines are some of the strongest out there when compared to similar diameters. Please note that this line style has a significant memory, so it may not be suitable in some situations.
4. Seaguar STS Trout/Steelhead Fluorocarbon Leader Fishing Line
The Seaguar brand has been highly popular for many years. This product is a fluorocarbon leader line, and it works for more than trout. In fact, it’s called STS, which means you can use it on steelhead, trout, and salmon.
If you’re an angler who enjoys fishing for more than one species, this might be the fishing line for you. In fact, this product is the first fluorocarbon leader line that is species-specific. That means it is designed to target all three of those fish species.
It was developed for applications where invisibility, abrasion resistance, and strength are essential. You can put it in the water and see it, but the fish can’t. Plus, it also has significant knot strength.
This allows you to get to the right depth faster, especially since the line sinks quickly. Plus, there is level wind technology, which means it stays steady on windy days, so you cast where you want to go. You get 100 yards, and it is 370mm in diameter or 0.15 inches.
5. KastKing Kovert Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
The KastKing brand is very popular, and its fluorocarbon fishing line is 100 percent pure. It’s made in Germany and is the best of its kind. If you need a sensitive, low-visibility, shock-resistant fishing line, this is the best option for any conditions.
This brand also features a light refractive index, so it’s almost invisible in water. Therefore, if you’re fishing in ultra-clear conditions or pressurized water, there is no problem seeing the line and attracting the fish.
You can use it as your main fishing line or as a leader. This is highly beneficial when you want to attach it to a braided or low-stretch line. Plus, it’s waterproof, so it’s going to be sensitive, allow for smooth handling, and have high strength in the water and dry.
Of course, it is about 80 percent heavier than water, which means it is going to sink fast while mono lines might not. This is a huge advantage for many situations. Plus, it’s highly sensitive, so it improves your strike direction and feels good while you are getting everything ready.
6. Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
Braided fishing lines don’t get a lot of attention, and that’s a shame. These lines are actually pretty good and highly durable. Plus, the material used ensures that it doesn’t curl (has low memory).
However, one issue we find is that the braided line can get snagged, which means it could get cut or nicked. This can significantly lower the durability of the line. To combat this, you may choose a braided line with a fluorocarbon leader.
The Power Pro brand is a spectra-fiber braided line, so it’s suitable for both casting and spinning. The braided fiber gives you a smooth, round, and sensitive line. It holds knots well and reduces line tangle.
You’ve got a variety of sizes from which to choose, as well as colors. Clear is a popular choice, but there is also yellow, red, green, and multi. With its thin diameter, you’re going to have a great presentation and more action.
7. Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line
Another brand offering braided fishing line is Reaction Tackle. It has almost no stretch whatsoever and is highly strong and durable.
It’s made using UHMWPE, which is the strongest fiber in the world. Therefore, it has high power and is manufactured with the best practices of the industry.
This product is very thin and thick. Therefore, it can fly through the guides on the rod. It’s also a smaller diameter compared to other options out there, which makes it hard to break and strong.
It comes in a variety of ‘sizes,’ such as 10-pound and all the way up to 200-pound test lines. You can use it to fish for walleye, trout, bass, and many other species. This line is going to work well in saltwater and freshwater scenarios, but you can use it for ice, surf, and bow fishing, too.
You’re going to find a variety of colors for this line. They include blue camouflage, gray, green (multiple options), orange, yellow, and much more.
8. P-Line Floroclear Clear Fishing Line
The P-Line brand offers a clear fishing line that is fluorocarbon coated. Therefore, it is stable and has high strength on the line and for knots. There is low memory with this product, which means it isn’t going to curl or bend when it is wound on the spool over and over.
You also get significant castability with this product. That means when you cast it out, it goes where you want it to go. Plus, it’s nearly invisible, which means the fish don’t get scared away and are more likely to take the bait.
There are many sizes from which to choose. The one you pick determines how many yards of the line you get, but they are either 260 or 300 yards.
9. Berkley Trilene Big Game Fishing Line
The Berkley brand offers a Trilene spool, which comes in an 8-pound test with a 0.011-inch diameter. The spool size itself is ¼ pound, so you know you’re getting plenty of it.
This line is strong, which gives you more control and confidence for any fishing excursion. It’s also shock-resistant, which means it can stretch a little to let the fish fight before being reeled in. This is a protection mechanism that’s built right into the fishing line.
It is clear, so it’s not going to be seen as well underwater. That way, the fish only see the lure, and it’s too late when they realize their mistake. You get 235 yards of the product, and it comes in a variety of sizes (pound test).
10. KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line
If you need a monofilament line or prefer them, KastKing has you covered. It features low memory and paralleled roll track technology. Therefore, you have easier casting and handling, as well as reel capacity.
This product is abrasion-resistant, so it isn’t going to break if your fish fights, or it gets snagged. It does come in a variety of colors to help you fish in any situation. Though clear is the most popular and can trick the fish better, it depends on the clarity of the water and other factors.
Of course, you get low absorption with this product. That means you can retrieve it from the depths of the water faster. There’s also less limpness, so you can use the techniques you like and fish in a variety of conditions.
Factors For Picking the Right Trout Fishing Line
When you’re purchasing a fishing line for trout, you need to consider several important factors. We talk primarily about spinning reels here. Options can include durability, weight, and size, so let’s take a look at what you should know:
Fishing Line Material
Trout fishing lines can be made of various materials. Each one provides you with multiple capabilities and performance levels. Here are the five most common options:
- Monofilament – These types of fishing lines are highly versatile and budget-friendly. It comes in many colors and can also be transparent. Still, it bends easily and has a high memory.
- Copolymer – These lines don’t stretch as much as their monofilament counterparts. However, they are stronger with the same diameters, so you need thinner lines with this option than with monofilament.
- Fluorocarbon – Fluorocarbon lines are durable and smooth. They also resist abrasions more effectively. Plus, they don’t lose their integrity if they happen to get to the bottom of the water source.
- Braided – Generally, braided fishing lines are best for spinning reels and are the strongest material out there. It doesn’t curl or kink because it has low memory. However, it’s one of the more expensive options out there.
- Lead Core – These fishing lines are suitable for the open sea or a deep lake. You can’t use standard angling procedures in streams or rivers. With this material, it’s sturdy and heavy because the center is lead-based.
When trying to find the most suitable trout fishing line, you also have to consider weight and size. Remember, fishing lines come in multiple thicknesses, which means it handles different weights for your fish.
The size of your fishing line means the diameter, and it is often measured using millimeters. Some manufacturers also list it in inches.
The line diameter affects visibility, casting ability, depth, and stretch. Choose thinner lines because the fish can’t see them as easily. Generally, it also helps the bait to look more realistic.
If you need more durability from the line, you should go with a heavier fishing line. However, make sure you’re using a lure that works well so that it doesn’t float to the top while your line tries to sink it. Still, lighter lines are often the best choice if you don’t care about durability.
Color
The color line you choose determines how visible it is to both you and the fish. You need something that you are going to be able to see moving if a fish bites. However, if it’s visible to the fish, that is just going to scare it away.
What is the right fishing line color to catch trout, then? The color you pick depends significantly on the time and location of your trip.
For example, a low-visibility color is suitable when you’re in clear water. However, a bright color is ideal when you’re fishing at night or in low-light conditions.
Sensitivity and Durability
It’s important to note that durability and sensitivity are very different features. However, they both play an important part in the quality you get from your fishing line.
Durability refers to how strong the line is, as well as how hard or easy it is for that line to snap with too much pressure. You don’t want a line that breaks with the slightest strain. That’s going to allow the fish to get away when the line goes taut.
Therefore, you’ve got to focus on a line that’s thicker. This helps it withstand the pulling the fish is going to do when it gets caught. Also, a thicker line ensures that you can use the same line over and over.
Sensitivity refers to how well you can feel the line. If it’s more sensitive, you can feel the slightest of pulls. This can give you a better experience while fishing and maximize catch ratio, as well.
If the line isn’t very sensitive, you could miss out on a catch because you don’t realize there is one. Therefore, it’s best to invest in a fishing line that’s highly sensitive while still considering your budget.
Fishing Line Memory
Memory indicates that the fishing line can retain its shape, even after its wound on the reel. If the fishing line has memory, it is going to curl and bend, which affects the length. There can be times where you want a low memory requirement, such as particular fishing locations.
For example, if you’re on a stream or river, low memory (no bends/curls) might not matter because you’re not casting as far. However, if you’re on a lake or in the sea, you want as long of a line as you can get, which means low memory is essential.
How to Set up Fishing Line for Trout?
When it comes to setting up the fishing line, you have to be careful, especially if you’re going after trout. There are endless ways to do this, but we have come up with a basic and simple option. It’s reliable and effective, so you’re always ready to fish.
Make sure you’ve got the fishing line and your hooks. You’re going to tie the hook to the fishing line. To do that, grab the tip of the line and loop it into the tiny hook hole.
Now, you’re going to grab the fishing line again and then twist it around the primary line about nine times. Once it’s wrapped all the way, loop it through the tiny hook’s hole once more, but make sure it’s on the opposite side from the first loop.
Once that’s complete, you can pull the mainline (the longest part), and make sure it’s snug. The twists you made are going to tighten and keep the hook in place.
Now, you’re going to cut that extra line from the end closest to the hook you just set up. That way, it doesn’t get snagged while it’s in the water. Also, fish might grab onto that instead of the bait, which isn’t going to catch them and allow you to reel them in.
Your line is now ready for you to insert weights, bobbers, and the rest of the things you’re going to need for your fishing trip. Don’t forget to do this!
Conclusion
It’s almost a challenge to pick a winner for the best fishing line for trout. Generally, we liked the fluorocarbon materials better, so we are going to say that the KastKing FluoroKote is suitable for those on a budget. However, if you want something made completely of fluorocarbon, then the Kovert from KastKing is ideal.
You may also consider pairing that with the Power Pro braided line. Those who have only ever used braided lines might prefer to stick with that. The Power Pro brand is ideal because it comes in many colors and is still sensitive and durable.
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