There are various types of fishing lines existing. The four major types are Copolymer, braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. Although they serve the fishing purpose, each has its difference and unique functionality.
Copolymer, monofilament, and fluorocarbon vary in usage, application, and composition. They mostly have a similar origin, which is nylon. Producers stretch nylon and blend it to create a long line to form a tool for catching bait.
We will be showing you the differences between copolymer, monofilament, and fluorocarbon, to help you make the right choices. You will discover the secret fishing line to carry out certain activities, as you read this article till the end.
Monofilament Fishing Line
As the name implies, mono means single nylon. Throughout its production, a single nylon whirls around a tube. The single thread yields a lengthy fishing line. However, you can produce monofilament from other materials aside from nylon, with nylon being the most popular.
Pros of Monofilament Fishing Line
Monofilament is the most common fishing line among many traders today. Although it is old-fashioned, its usefulness is evident in carrying out simple functions. An example is during bead making.
Although monofilament may not be as strong as others, it has a relatively high shock strength. Contrary to popular misconception, a fishing line stretch is different from its shock strength.
Shock strength refers to a fishing line’s ability to withstand a big fish struggling on its hook. That is, when it suddenly feels like a fishing line with high energy, shock strength can hold it without suspending.
Among others, the monofilament is the simplest and most user-friendly fishing line, and it is the cheapest. It has low memory, and you can easily recycle it. Monofilament is best for surface fishing but may not catch fish at the sea bottom.
It is flexible, enhancing its usability. Hence, it is flexible for most fishing situations, especially surface fishing.
If you want to lure a fish to the fishing line hook, you should consider the monofilament. Monofilament buoyancy allows it to suspend gently into the water. Hence, it is a good baiting tool. Monofilament has different colors, making it easily noticeable.
Avoid attaching a hard hook to your monofilament because it stretches most times, reaching up to twenty-five percent with little drag. However, its stretching has an advantage.
When you apply pressure while it stretches, it stops the hook from punching the fish’s mouth. Hence, it becomes much easier to free the fish from the hook after capturing it. This application is most relevant for catching small fish and staying close to the fishing line.
Monofilament is an easy choice for manufacturers that want to work with the color palette. Its wide availability of colors provides manufacturers with chances to tint and form a new type of fishing line.
Blue and green are the least visible color, while some mono fishing line such as Berkeley Trilene TransOptic, produces different shades of color. It appears as gold under the sunlight and a clear color under the water.
Lastly, monofilament is the most affordable fishing line. The expensive line has been a setback for interested fish catchers, but Mono provides the exact solution. Despite its cheap amount, it gives the main benefit you may need.
If you are a beginner, we strongly recommend the monofilament because it is user-friendly. Moreso, it is not expensive, so you can start fishing on a low budget. However, if you are working in the deep sea and have stubborn fish, you should opt for another option.
Cons of Monofilament Fishing Line
Since monofilament is stretchy, it reduces its sensitivity to prey activities, especially at long distances. Also, it has lesser durability than copolymer fishing lines
Once the monofilament line is damaged, it takes a longer time to fix, especially the nylon materials. Also, it weakens contact with UV light. It cannot withstand UV light or extreme sunlight action.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon has the same production method as monofilament. However, it uses denser material than mono. It came into the picture shortly after the monofilament.
Fluorocarbon derives its name from the combination of carbon families. These carbon families include organic compounds such as carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. It is different from monofilament in package density and size, while it is heavier than its counterpart.
Pros of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Initially, users avoid the fluorocarbon fishing line because it was difficult and non-flexible. These days, it has improved and is popular in fishing.
Unlike monofilament, fluorocarbon is less visible underwater and attracts fish subtly. It has a closer refractive index to water and does not scatter lines that pass through it.
It is weaker than other types but with longevity. When users apply much pressure, it stretches and even returns to its original state after a few seconds.
Fluorocarbon lines are resistant to abrasives, making them options for dragging prey along the sea bottom. It allows you to move the bait about and not worry about it sticking to the bottom.
Fluorocarbon has a higher degree of sensitivity than monofilament. You can feel the energy from the bait end faster, enabling you to guess the kind of bait you caption. That is, you can assume its size.
Fluorocarbon sinks faster than mono fishing lines due to its high sensitivity. Hence, it is compatible with depth fishing and enables users to apply tactics at the bottom level. Likewise, it is best suitable for clear water.
Unlike monofilament, fluorocarbon is hard and does not destroy with ultraviolet penetration easily. Also, it is waterproof, meaning it retains the same sensitivity before casting into the water and after.
It has a long hooking power. That is, it has strong hook material that allows you to reach the bait at a close and long distance. Here is a vital factor to consider when deciding on a suitable fishing line for you.
Cons of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Asides from its numerous benefits, fluorocarbon has some setbacks that make potential users consider another option. The first setback is its management level. It is less manageable because it is flexible and has more memory than monofilament.
However, you can still manage and care for your fluorocarbon, considering the new technology models today. Thanks to technology, models like Berkley Trilene have made it a better option than its previous ones.
It is not the best option for beginners, as it is expensive with high memory. However, it serves its purpose on a high-performance level.
Since fluorocarbon sinks faster than other lines, we do not recommend it for catching small prey you may want to keep in the water column. However, if you take advantage of its sinking ability, you can maximize it for holding down baits at the bottom.
Types of Fluorocarbon
Since there are many fluorocarbons available, it is crucial to know the best available options.
1. Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon XL
This model is especially great at drop-shooting. It is the most manageable option, with unparalleled performance.
2. Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon
It is far more abrasive resistant than others. It results from the development of highly commendable shock strength.
3. Vanish Transition
Here is the fluorocarbon material that exhibits different colors, with the end usually brighter than the one beneath the water.
4. Vanish Leader Material
You can choose this option for combing with another fishing line of a higher standard. Likewise, it stretches to a reasonable degree and does not under or overshoot.
5. Vanish Material
Berkley varnish fits into every activity, and it is the most sensitive.
These types are also applicable to both monofilament and Copolymer fishing lines.
Copolymer Fishing Line
A copolymer fishing line is a modern or advanced production tool. Often, people refer to it as an advanced type of monofilament. Contrary to the monofilament, it is a product of two or more nylons.
Copolymer allows manufacturers to create several products, tailoring them to a specific advantage. This is possible due to the implementation of multiple nylon types during production.
It has a high strength level and is less stretchy than monofilament. The copolymer is highly resistant to abrasion, with low memory.
Another unique attribute is that it does not float like others. However, it is the most expensive but strongest of all.
You can use copolymer for both surface and depth fishing, such as suspension rigs and jigging.
Why Copolymer has Top Quality than Monofilament and Fluorocarbon (Its Pros)
Please note that there is no best fishing line than the other, but Copolymer stands out from the rest. Moreso, your preference and usage should determine your purchase option.
The three fishing lines have their differences, but copolymer is more durable than monofilament and fluorocarbon, and here is why it is so:
1. Strength and Durability
Strength and durability are the topmost factors to consider when choosing a type of fishing line. The copolymer is stronger because producers combine different nylons during its production. Also, they are resistant to breakage, except for critical hazards.
Copolymers are also water-resistant and can withstand the sun for many months. Hence, we recommend it for every successful fisher.
2. Stretch and Diameter
Copolymer resistance is due to its ability to stretch. However, it does not stretch overly, which may cause it to not last long. Therefore, it helps to deal with stubborn or struggling fish in the sea.
The copolymer has a lesser diameter than monofilament and fluorocarbon. Its diameter contributes to its strength and durability. Since it has a thin line, users do not need to drag it against an object while lifting fish from the sea.
3. High Refractive Index
Copolymer with a high refractive index reduces their visibility inside water. Hence, it becomes difficult for fish to notice, and you can easily catch your bait.
Although copolymer is more expensive than monofilament and fluorocarbon, it is worth the price.
Drawbacks of Copolymer Fishing Line
Although Copolymer does not have too many drawbacks, it has a few factors that sometimes make monofilament and fluorocarbon a better choice.
1. Visibility
The copolymer fishing line is less visible than the remaining lines, including braided lines. For those who may want it for other purposes, you can consider a more visible option like monofilament lines.
2. Cost
The copolymer is more expensive than fluorocarbon and monofilament, making it a drawback for people who cannot afford it. Nevertheless, manufacturers have produced lesser material Copolymer line that is almost affordable for everyone.
Although some people argue it is relatively expensive, it is not as expensive as most braided lines.
3. Longevity
Although Copolymer has all attributes that contribute to its longevity, including stretchiness, abrasive resistance, and strength, some fishing lines last longer than it.
Difference Between Copolymer and Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
The main differences between Copolymer and Fluorocarbon fishing lines are in their durability, texture, strength, and visibility. Also, Copolymer is more sensitive than fluorocarbon.
The Fluorocarbon fishing line is best for clear waters and does not stretch as Copolymer. They consist of certain organic compounds, which are carbon, chlorine, and fluorine.
Fluorocarbon is more expensive and transparent than monofilament. However, monofilament is more popular due to its less price.
Difference Between Copolymer and Monofilament Fishing Line
Copolymer and monofilament are the closest types of fishing lines. They are made of similar composition but with distinctive features. The main difference between these two is the amount of nylon for production.
As mentioned earlier, Copolymer involves multiple nylons, with monofilament just being nylon. Another feature is that Copolymer and monofilament both have the same diameter, but Copolymer remains a strong fishing line than mono. However, many monofilament products have little inches diameter than fluorocarbon and Copolymer.
Rather than an advantage, the large diameter restricts monofilament dive into the deep sea. Nevertheless, you can make the diameter work to your advantage by reducing the fall of PowerBait soft bait.
The copolymer has a reduced tangling rate during operation but covers a longer distance than the monofilament.
Difference Between Copolymer and Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Copolymer and fluorocarbon do not have many differences between them. Meanwhile, you can even ignore the differences because they are barely noticeable. However, here is a highlight of their uniqueness these qualities.
Most Copolymers are stronger than fluorocarbon, and they last longer.
Fluorocarbon is more stretchy and flexible than Copolymer, while Copolymer is stiff and not easily bendable.
The copolymer can carry out larger tasks compared to fluorocarbon but has limited operations. More so, some people prefer the Copolymer lines because they can function for almost every purpose. Hence, they do not consider its high price rate.
Copolymer sinks faster than fluorocarbon. As mentioned before, this contributes to its ability to fasten hook on bait. Hence, it is capable of pinning baits below fluorocarbon.
The copolymer has lower memory than fluorocarbon, making it a better choice because it depicts the ability to return to its fold after stretching.
The copolymer is more resistant to water than fluorocarbon, thus increasing its durability.
Comparing fluorocarbon and Copolymer, they are sensitive to changes in actions that take place in the water.
Fluorocarbon is more visible than Copolymer. Hence some people prefer fluorocarbon to its counterpart.
How to Choose the Appropriate Fishing Line
1. Fishing Line Strength and Weight
When choosing your preferred fishing line, consider the activity you want to carry out with it. The line strength and weight would determine if it can handle much stress or otherwise.
Also, your target species should influence your choice of fishing line.
When you purchase your fishing line from a reputable store, it should still have its direction-to-use label. Manufacturers assist by including the suitable line activity on their package.
If you do not find it on the package, you can ask the store you are purchasing from to guide you on appropriate measures.
Below are a few descriptions of suitable weights for specific target species in freshwater and saltwater.
Saltwater:
- 20lbs and above – Examples are; Stripers, Musky, Catfish, and Pike.
- 16-25lbs – Examples are; Stripers, Sea Trout, Blues, and Redfish.
- 30lbs and above – Examples are; Shark, Marlin, and Tuna.
Freshwater:
- 2-4lbs – Example is; Panfish and Trout
- 6-12lbs – Examples are; Walleye, Salmon, Catfish, and Bass.
- 8-14lbs – Examples are; Flounder, Sea Trout, and Sea Bass.
2. Sinking Rate
The fishing line sinking rate matters when choosing a preference. Most times, the depth of the water influences the line to use in terms of sinking rate. For shallow-water fishing, we recommend the monofilament line and Copolymer for deep fishing.
Also, monofilament will require frequent replacement because it absorbs moisture readily and even sinks slowly. Your fishing area diameter also determines your test line.
3. Line Memory
Line memory is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a fishing line. A line with good line memory can retain its circle after spiraling from its initial position. Hence, a low memory signifies a quality fishing line.
However, a low memory line may be expensive, but it is a good option if you want to hold your hook for a long time.
Conclusion
Knowing the most suitable between monofilament, fluorocarbon, and Copolymer is simple, provided you follow the guidelines above. Fishing can become a fun task since manufacturers have produced varieties of fishing lines.
All the fishing lines are good. However, one serves better at a particular purpose than the other.