Every angler knows that having the right line makes your fishing trip more enjoyable – maybe even more successful. The best monofilament fishing line is easy to handle and helps you put up the fight to reel in your big catch.
Why should you choose a monofilament and which one is the best for you? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this fishing line so effective and some of the best options out there.
Table of Contents
What is Monofilament Fishing Line?
As far as the fishing line goes, there are a few types to choose from: monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided. Monofilament fishing line is made from a single plastic fiber whereas braided is made from multiple fibers braided together.
Monofilament is produced by mixing melted polymers and then using an extruding process to force the plastic through tiny holes. The diameter of the line as well as it’s test strength is determined by the extrusion process.
As far as monofilament versus fluorocarbon, there are some differences. Fluorocarbon sinks much faster than monofilament while monofilament has a better stretch.
These are some of the reasons monofilament fishing lines are some of the most popular. They’re inexpensive to make and can be made in a variety of different strengths and colors. You can often find options in clear, white, blue, and green as well as high low visibility options.
7 Advantages of Using a Mono Fishing Line
There are a lot of advantages to using a monofilament fishing line, including:
1It’s easy to handle. Monofilament is much more flexible than a braided line. This makes it appropriate for a range of fishing situations because it’s much more manageable and easier to cast.
2It has the right amount of stretch. The mono fishing line stretches better than other types. It can stretch up to 25 percent which gives you a lot of play in the line when your catch is really fighting or you get a snag. This stretch also makes the process easier on the fish because it doesn’t place as much pressure on the mouth, which may prevent a tear.
3It has great shock strength. This is the force placed on the line when the fish is really fighting. Monofilament is good at absorbing this sudden force, making it easier to reel in the catch without the line breaking from a hard tug.
4It sinks more slowly than other types of line. This makes it a great choice for topwater lures when you want them to stay at the top of the water as long as possible.
5It’s available in a wide range of colors. Because it’s so easy to make, monofilament can be done in just about any color. You can choose from low visibility options or go for high visibility colors. Some even glow under black light and are ideal for night fishing.
6It’s excellent for tying knots. This is one of the biggest benefits of a monoline. It’s flexible and has less memory than other types, so it’s easy to tie a variety of strong knots.
7It’s easy to use. Because monofilament is manageable, stretchy, and casts well, it’s a great all-around choice. While any fisherman will find monofilament effective, it’s especially good for beginners specifically because it is so easy to use.
The 10 Best Monofilament Fishing Line on the Market
If you’re in the market for a good monofilament fishing line, here are ten of the best options available.
Pictures | Fishing Lines | Line Test | Links |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Custom Spool | 8-100 lb | |
![]() | Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line | 10-30 lb | |
![]() | KastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line | 4-30 lb | |
![]() | KastKing DuraBlend Monofilament Leader Line | 20-200 lb | |
![]() | Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Line | 2-30 lb | |
![]() | SpiderWire Ultracast Ultimate Monofilament Fishing Line | 8-20 lb | |
![]() | Stren Original Service Spool | 4-30 lb | |
![]() | Kalex Monofilament Fishing Line | 4-80 lb | |
![]() | Anezus Strong Monofilament Fishing Line | 30 lb | |
![]() | ANDE Mono Leader Material | 20-60 lb |
Monofilament Fishing Line Reviews
1. Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Custom Spool
This monofilament fishing line from Berkley is one of the most popular options in North America. It’s incredibly strong and shock-resistant with a controlled stretch that helps you fight your catch without worrying about the line snapping.
Whether you’re fishing saltwater or freshwater, this line has what it takes to reel in even big game fish. It also has extraordinary abrasion resistance so it stands up to sharp and rough surfaces. Plus, it has great knot strength for extra holding power.
It’s available in eight, 10, 12, 15, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100-pound test, ranging from 235 to over 10,000 yards. In other words, no matter where you’re fishing or what you’re fishing for, there’s a size available for you. It also comes in the clear, coastal brown, green, solar collector, steel blue, and ultra-clear.
2. Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line
Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this monofilament from Stren is a great choice. It’s tough enough for coastal or offshore fishing and has enough shock-resistance to flex, helping you fight even the biggest catch.
This line has excellent clarity and is ideal for situations with low visibility and works well with casting, spinning, and trolling reels. It comes off the spoil without coiling and is exceptionally strong for its size. There are four colors to choose from, too: clear, hi-vis green, low-vis green, and smoke blue.
There are a lot of size options so you’re sure to find one that works for you, no matter where you’re fishing. Choose from 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, and 30-pound test, each with a different length ranging from 1275 yards for the 10-pound test and 400 yards for the 30.
3. KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line
KastKing’s premium monofilament fishing line is abrasion resistant so you can use it just about anywhere. The low absorption enables faster retrieval so you can reel your catch in quicker using any technique.
Another great thing about this product is a low memory, which makes it easier to get onto the reel and provides better handling and control. It’s also incredibly strong, reducing breakage and increasing knot strength.
This line is available in spools of either 300 or 600 yards in four, six, eight, 10, 12, 15,17, 20, 25, or 30-pound test. It’s thinner than some of the other options and makes a great line for a leader.
Choose from multiple colors, too, including black mamba, chrome blue, ice clear, mountain green, pink shocker, rebel red, and sunrise yellow. Some of these are completely invisible while others are bright and suitable for a variety of tactics when you’re trying to catch a big one.
4. KastKing DuraBlend Monofilament Leader Line
This monofilament from KastKing is one of the most durable and abrasion resistant options available. You can use this line in saltwater or freshwater, and you don’t have to worry about it scraping against rocks or any other sharp or hard surfaces.
In addition to being strong and reliable, this fishing line also has low memory, staying flexible so it’s easy to unspool without twists and tangles. It flies off the reel quickly and easily and, because it has a smaller diameter than some other lines, you get more real capacity to help you fight the biggest, toughest fish.
This clear fishing line comes in multiple sizes, ranging from 20 to 200-pound test. Note that the 20 to 80-pound lines come wound on a spool while 100 to 200 pounds are packed in a small storage bag so they’re easier to transport and store.
5. Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Line
Berkley’s Trilene casting line is made using high-quality materials and engineered to help you catch more fish. This line casts smoothly, and because it resists twists and kinks, it is easy to control.
One of the best things about this line is that it’s so versatile. You can use it with a wide range of baits and fishing techniques. It’s really strong, too, but sensitive enough that you can feel strikes, giving you confidence when attempting to reel in your catch.
This product uses a new and improved formula that promises 20 percent greater knot strength and 50 percent greater wet strength. It’s also 20 percent more flexibly, making it exceptionally manageable.
There are multiple lengths to choose from, ranging from 250 to 3000 yards. You can also choose from two, four, six. eight, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 25, and 30 pound test. This line is suitable for freshwater or saltwater fishing, and there’s a size available to use when fishing for just about any fish.
6. SpiderWire Ultracast Ultimate Monofilament Fishing Line
SpiderWire Ultracast Ultimate Monofilament is made of a copolymer that’s much thinner than most monofilaments. This gives you a high line capacity and the wiggle room you need when fighting a particularly strong fish.
This line is 33 percent stronger than your average monofilament. It also has 15 percent more stretch, which means that it’s incredibly sensitive and effective as setting the hook. That’s not all, it’s also nearly invisible in the water.
The low-memory means that it flows off the spool easily and is less likely to twist or tangle. This line was optimized for use with baitcaster reels but manageable enough to be used with spinning reels, too.
This clear fishing line is available in multiple sizes. You can choose four, six, eight, 10, 12, 14, 17, and 20-pound test depending on the fish you’re trying to catch and where you plan to get it.
7. Stren Original Service Spool
This original monofilament from Stren is known for being tough, strong, and having superior handling. It comes in a distinctive purple box that’s instantly recognized by avid fishermen and has the tensile strength to give you the upper hand in any situation.
Not only is this line tough and abrasion-resistant, it also has low memory so it’s easy to cast and less likely to twist or tangle. This monofilament is suitable for saltwater or freshwater and glows under a black light so it’s a great choice for night fishing.
That said, this line is particularly well-suited for long days out in the hot sun thanks to the UV guard protection that extends the lifetime of the line. It’s available in a clear, hi-vis gold, and low-vis green. Sizes range from four to 30-pound test in quantities ranging from 300 to 2400 yards.
8. Kalex Monofilament Fishing Line
Kalex has a few different types of lines to offer, but this monofilament is one of the best options around. This strong line resists tangles and is easy to use, delivering exceptional casting distance and control. It’s suitable for any reel and is extremely difficult to break.
The supreme knot strength delivers extra holding power and it’s tough enough to use in freshwater or saltwater in a range of fishing conditions. If you’re looking for a fishing line that’s affordable and delivers on its promises, Kalex is a reliable way to go.
This monofilament is available in clear, clear blue fluorescent, and low-vis green. It comes in 330-yard spools, enough for multiple reels. Plus, you can choose from two, four, six, eight, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, and 30 pounds.
9. Anezus Strong Monofilament Fishing Line
Avid fishermen might think there aren’t many uses for monofilament fishing line other than reeling in your next catch, but there are plenty of people who use reliable monofilament fishing line for other reasons.
If you’re looking for a monofilament that’s great for things like hanging decorations, beading, and other types of crafting, this one is a great option. It’s strong, clear, and comes in a 131-yard spool that’s certain to meet your needs.
This monofilament is extremely thin and lightweight and is not designed to hold a lot of weight, so it’s not actually all that great for fishing. That said if you’re looking for an affordable and extremely effective way to decorate your home for the holidays or a party for a special occasion, this monofilament thread from Anezus is the way to go.
10. ANDE Mono Leader Material
One of the most affordable options out there is this monofilament from ANDE. This abrasion-resistant line stands up to many different environments. It also has a consistent, fast sink rate that makes it more likely that you’ll get a nibble on the line.
This line has impressive knot strength and no water absorption, so it won’t degrade no matter how much time it spends in the water. The monofilament material is invisible, and the premium finish protects the integrity of the line, increasing its lifespan.
ANDE’s monofilament comes in 50-yard spools and is available in multiple tests, including 20, 40, 50, and 60 pounds. Note that the diameter of this line is bigger than some of the other options. This is what gives ANDE’s monofilament its strength and makes it hold up to rocks and other rough surfaces.
When to Use Monofilament Fishing Line?
There are a lot of situations in which it’s beneficial to use a monofilament fishing line over a fluorocarbon or braided line. Here are just a few.
A lot of anglers use monofilament for trolling because it has the flexibility needed to stand up to the pressure of hooking a big fish while the boat moves forward.
Because monofilament is so resistant to abrasion, it’s a great choice anytime you’re planning to fish around sharp objects or somewhere where your line might scrape or get stuck in rocks, plants, or any other rough surfaces in the water.
Monofilament is also a great choice for general fishing. It’s been around since the 1950s and has a long and successful track record so you don’t really need a specific reason to use it. It’s particularly well-suited to big game fishing because it’s so easy to handle.
What is the Best Color Monofilament Fishing Line?
The best color monofilament fishing line depends on what you want to get out of the line.
If you want to be able to see your line from above the water, yellow is a good choice. Because you can see it under the water, you can more easily tell when you get a bite. Yellow can also be easily seen in murky water.
Green is the best choice if you want something that blends in but that you can still see from the surface. The green tint acts as camouflage, blending into the water so it’s invisible to fish.
Clear monofilament is difficult to see above and below water, but the benefit of that is that fish won’t be able to see it. which may improve your odds. If you want a little bit of color, clear blue monofilament has just enough color to make it visible but still seemingly disappears underwater.
How Often Should You Replace Mono Fishing Line?
Monofilament tends to degrade faster than a braided line, in part because it absorbs some water which slowly wears away at it. UV light is also really bad for monofilament, but there’s not much that can be done about that when you’re put on the water.
In storage, monofilament only lasts between one and three years while fluorocarbon lasts as long as ten years.
There are a few things you can do to extend the life of monofilament. First, store your rods out of the sun to limit exposure to UV light. You should also use a reel cover to reduce the exposure even when you’re out on the water.
Another thing you can do is rinse your reels with fresh water after a saltwater fishing trip. This will help remove and saltwater from the reel, which is much harder on the monofilament than freshwater.
Conclusion
All of the products we chose are great options, but when it comes to the best mono fishing line, there are two that we recommend.
The first is Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Custom Spool. This is one of the most popular lines out there. It’s super strong with excellent shock-resistant and stretch so you can reel in just about anything.
This one comes in a lot of different options, ranging from eight to 100-pound test and 235 to 10,000 yards. There’s an option available for just about any fish you’re trying to catch no matter where you’re casting your bait.
We also like the Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line. It’s great for freshwater and saltwater, and tough enough to stand up to rocks, roots, plants, and other obstacles in the water.
Stren High Impact comes in a wide range of sizes and its low visibility makes it ideal for any kind of reel, whether it’s casting, spinning, or trolling.
Again, all of the products we reviewed are great and some of the most popular products out there. Monofilament is a great line for all kinds of fishing, and any of these lines is likely to result in a successful fishing trip.
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