Braided or Monofilament (Mono) Fishing Line

All outdoor recreational fishing shows and fishing magazines for the last decade or two have been advertising all types of fishing lines, promising everything from being thinnest or strongest on the market to claims they'll improve your success of catching fish.

What can you believe? In this article, I’ll focus on the major differences between mono and braided fishing lines, focussing on things that the marketing departments of the fishing line companies don't want you to know! 

Monofilament Fishing Line

Monofilament fishing line, also known as Mono fishing line, has been around for over 50 years. In the simplest form, Mono fishing line is nothing more than a nylon string. It is made using a high pressurized process that shoots heated nylon polymer through a series of progressively smaller openings while it is being cooled. This is where we get our Mono line from.

Not All Mono Lines Are The Same!

You may ask yourself, seeing all Mono lines are made using a similar process, are all Mono lines the same?  Well in short NO. 

The process for making Mono line has stayed the same over the years for the most part, however many mono line manufacturers advertise their line as being "Thin".  If you haven't guessed it, thin can mean many different things.  Firstly the thing you should look for is the actual diameter of the fishing line you'll be using.  For example, let's say you want some 17lb line, underneath the poundage marking on the spools is the diameter of the line.  Compare line diameter of each brand of line and you'll see a big difference.

Another thing that you should consider when selecting your fishing line is what type of fishing reel it will be going on.  Mono line on a spinning reel needs to be thin and soft.  Stiff line on a spinning reel spells out trouble for you.  

Casting reels on the other hand can use stiffer lines.  Stiffer lines are normally more abrasive resistant, meaning they're tougher and can last longer.

In short, just like anything else in life - you generally get what you pay for when it comes to fishing line.  The el cheapo line found in the discount bins of large department stores do typically have large diameters for the poundage rating and tend to stretch, which is why I personally stay away from these lines.

Braided Fishing Line

Braided fishing lines, also known as Super Lines, are made by braiding multiple line materials into one compact line.  Generally braided lines are stronger than the same diameter of Mono lines.  If for example you decide to use 20lb line, you can fit much more braided Super Line on a reel than you can fit using 20lb of Mono line.

Other main differences include the fact that Mono line stretches. Even the "low stretch" mono stretches to an extent. On the other hand, braided lines have little to no stretch and are very abrasive resistant.

This can be a good thing and bad thing.  The low stretch of braided line allows you to set the hook firmly when you have a lot of line out.  On the other hand, if you accidentally get a hook caught onto your skin (or finger), the mono line can stretch not burying the hook deep into your skin, unlike braided line which does not stretch.

Also, due to the fact that braided line has little to no stretch means that the line can break at weak points, especially knots, due to sudden shocks or when a sudden force is applied.  Just like when a fish tries to get away when near the boat and if the drag is set too tight, it may break away. 

Stretch in a line can be good

Many fishermen that go deep sea fishing can use hundreds of yards of braided line, however do use a Mono leader to allow for some give.  Such a setup is capable of setting the hook on a Tuna or other tough fish in over 100 feet of water, yet the leader allows enough stretch as to ensure they don’t break the line when the Tuna is near the boat.  Grouper anglers do also love braided lines because once they set the hook on a Grouper, they have to get him up off the bottom quickly before they bury themselves in the bottom.

Braided line can however damage rollers on Spinning Reels and guides on rods. Since braided lines are so small compared to the same test of Mono, the braided line can be sucked down into the spool if not spooled correctly.

Which is best – Mono or Braided?

It all comes down to the way you fish and the equipment you use.  I wouldn't think about using braided line on a Spin-cast reel or Spinning Reel.  On the other hand, if I do intend to go fishing in tough places like deep sea fishing or around rocks where I need to release a lot of line (ie. Game Fishing), I'd use braided line with a Mono shock leader.

Tight Lines!!!