Complete Guide to Braided Fishing Line
In this guide we cover evereything you need to know about fishing braided line. For specific line recomenddations please read about our favorites.
Key Attributes of Braided Line
- Zero Stretch
- Thinnest Diameter
- Abrasion Resistance
- No Memory
- Most sensitive (on tight line)
Pros of Braid Fishing Line
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- Best line for fishing in vegetation
Cons of Braid Fishing Line
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- Most visible – Braid is the most visible fishing line, fish can see braid underwater. You can reduce line visibility when fishing braid by using a leader line.
What is Braided Line Good For and When Should You Use It
1. In and Around Thick Vegetation
Braid is an excellent choice when fishing heavy vegetation like grass, hydrilla, milfoil, lily pads, pennywort, cattails, ect. Braid is great for these situations because it cuts right through the vegetation. Braid also benefits from its thin diameter and heavy strength. In heavy vegetation you need heavier 55-65lb of strength to be able to pull big fish out. Braid gives you that strength while not being too bulky.
2. Deep Water
When fishing water deeper than 20ft braid is a great option because it has no stretch. When you get 30-40ft or more line out it can be a real challenge to get a good hookset with a lot of line out that stretches. So braid eliminates this issue
3. To Make Longer Cast
One of the key aspects of braided line is it has the thinnest diameter of any line. This allows it to cast further than the other two types. This is great for moving baits and covering a lot of water.
4. Spinning Rods
It is common to get line twists on spinning reels due to how they feed line onto its spool. Braid can help reduce line twists because it has no memory. The lack of memory allows the braid to go on and off spool any which way without curling and twisting.
When to Avoid Fishing Braided Line
You should try avoiding braid when fishing around wood. When braid gets wrapped around wood it tends to dig in and get itself stuck. To get unstuck you will need to go to the wood and remove the line by hand. Doing this will spook any fish that are around and ruin that fishing spot for a bit. You will need to leave that spot and try it again later after fish have time to feel comfortable again.
Frequiently Asked Questions about Braided Line
What are the Best Knots for Braid?
The best knot when tying braid is the palamer knot.
How Long does Braided Line Last and How Often Should it be Replaced?
Braided line can last for 4-5 years before needing to be replaced. You will need to cut away any line that gets damaged due to abrasion. Eventually after a few years you will have cut away enough line to the point where you don’t have enough on the spool to fish effectively. This is when you will have to replace your braid. I have found braid lasts 1-2 years when fishing often and 4-5 years when you only fish occasionally.
Does Braid Line Float or Sink?
Braided line floats due to the fibers it is made of. The fibers of braided line repel water which keeps it light and makes it float. Over time braid will lose it water repelling coat and will start to absorb water and sink. This can be avoided by changing your braided line every few years.
Will Braid Damage My Rod?
Braid is safe to use and will not damage your rod. Braid is often loud when going through rod guides which might make you think it is causing damage but that is not the case. I use braid often and have been fishing it for years and have never had it damage any of my rods.
Do You need to Soak Braid Before Spooling?
You do not have to soak braid before spooling. Braid has no memory so you don’t need to soak it when putting on new line.
Do You Need a Leader With Braided Line?
A leader is not required when fishing braid in heavy vegetation. In other situations using a leader is advised due to braids hi-visibility.