Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Braided Fishing Line
The process of choosing a braided line becomes more and more complicated and demanding. This is due to the fact that many fishers claim that the model is excellent, or that it is better not to take it at all. The main problem is that the opinions of each fisherman very often differ from each other. However, we know what can help to select a good one.
How to choose?
Considering the result of many tests of a braided line, it is worth remembering that the indicators of the permissible weight that a braid can withstand, it is necessary to lower by 25-30 percent during practical application. For example, if the line is intended for 12 kilograms of weight, it will be able to withstand only 8. Therefore, if you intend to catch a really large fish, always add 3-5 kg from its weight.
Diameter
The diameter of the braided line is a concept inaccurate, and to be precise – abstract. Very often the diameter is measured only by the appearance or shell of the braid. On cancellation from a monofilament line, a braided line for consists of small pieces, which in different places have different thicknesses. In this regard, many brands that are engaged in the manufacture of braids, no longer indicate on the packaging their diameter. Among the technical characteristics, only the weight, which is denoted in lb. or kilograms, remained. 1 lb. is approximately 0.45 kg. It is worth remembering that with a similar diameter, the braid is much stronger than mono-line. Due to this, when choosing a line, it is necessary to reduce the usual diameter, which is used in the case of monophilic products. This also determines the number of bites, because on cancellation from the conventional fishing line the braid has a color and very often it can frighten the fish.
Strength
The next, extremely important issue, which is worth paying attention to when choosing a braided line is its strength or breaking load. Checking this option is quite simple. The error in strength can only be affected by the use of the fishing unit. After all, if the snap is incorrect, the breaking capacity of the line will be minimal. That’s why seasoned spinnings advise you to use only high-quality and proven ways to tie knots. A double palomar is considered to be universal.
Extensibility
An equally important and influential quality of the braided line is its extensibility. But under certain circumstances, the factor can affect the effectiveness of fishing. It is worth remembering that: the minimal extensibility favorably affects the contact of the fisherman and the bait; complete absence of extensibility allows the fisher to notice even the lightest and inconspicuous bite; good stretch makes the fishing line an excellent tool for studying the depth and topography of the bottom.
Abrasion resistance
Before you pick up the line consider the place where you are going to spend fishing. If the bottom is rocky, the reservoir is stumpy; the wear resistance of the material plays great importance. Here it is already important not so much what kind of line is better, but what external loads this monofilament line can withstand.
Color
Someone is sure that bright colors can scare off predatory fish, and spoil fishing. But for experienced anglers, this opinion is only a myth, and they adhere to the opposite. Each water environment requires an individual model. If you prefer twitching and jig fishing, it is recommended to choose the bright colors of braids, such as green, orange and red. If it is about steep fishing, where it is extremely important to observe the optimal casting distance, it is much more reasonable to use multi-colored lines.
Structure of the braided line
The braided lines are based on the same material, which consists of high-tech fibers that are produced only in three countries of the world – Japan, Holland and the USA. Trademarks that manufacture woven lines simply acquire this material and process it according to their own technology. It is because of this that models of different manufacturers can differ in quality, reliability and durability. To date, there are two main categories on the market of braided cords:
Traditional braided cords. This type is distinguished by a classical structure and consists of intertwined fibers that form into thicker filaments. The more these plexes are, the better their technology, the stronger and more reliable the whole line is. It is worth remembering that there are such models of braided lines, the fibers of which are simply very twisted together without a characteristic plexus. In this case, the line turns out to be of poor quality and unreliable.
Parallel multifilament lines. This type is more modern and new. It is built on the basis of a high-tech material – polyethylene, which is intertwined with the use of unique technologies and related substances. On the market there are a huge number of brands that have their unique secrets for fusing fibers, but in the end, a unique product is obtained, able to overcome any traditional wattage by acceptable load limits.
Spinning Fishing
The most ideal use of a braided line is for spinning. It is believed that a multifilament line saves fishermen from frequent cliffs and greatly improved the casting technique. There are even rumors that a high-quality line cannot be eaten by a pike, but there are no lines that are completely protected from this trouble, it all depends on the size of the fish. Taking into account the strength of the braided line for spinning, compared to conventional fishing line, it can be claimed that this line has saved a lot of expensive blooms and wobblers.
Feeder Fishing
This way of fishing is now difficult to imagine without the use of braided line, although the popularity of this line for these fishermen is lower than for spinning.
Float Fishing
Here, a multifilament braided line is used extremely rarely, but some enthusiasts use small diameter line for long casts during fishing for large carp. To choose a braided line for this type of fishing is easy as it should be as thin as possible.
Advantages of braided lines
Non-stretchability. The line does not stretch that when spinning it gives the rig a fantastic sensibility that allows you to experience all the adventures of bait in the water and react to them. In feeder fishing, inextensibility helps to investigate the bottom and passes on the rod any touch of the fish to the bait.
Tensile strength. Compared with a monofilament line of the same thickness, the braided line is stronger. However, it loses strength on the nodes, so you need to use the manufacturer’s recommended nodes, or non-slip fasteners. They, by the way, are fraught with the fact that when the hook is hooked, the line can tear anywhere, even at the coil.
Lightweight. A braided thin line of high quality is very soft and light, that even with weightless nano-jag bait is flying away.
Disadvantages
A very light and thin braided line requires a quality coil. A cheap coil is guaranteed to tangle the fence. And have you ever tried to untangle thin wicker? Line’s inextricability can also do harm – gathers and cliffs are possible since there is no depreciation on the fishing line during the voyage. Despite its strength, the braid can tear absolutely anywhere. Even very expensive line can be affected by this issue. Well, and the last thing is the price. The price for braided line is much higher than for the usual monofilament line.
Conclusion
Choosing the braided line, you should not pay much attention to coloring, multicolor, color stability, unwinding length, and impregnation. All these properties are not directly related to the main qualities of the braided lines. These are all the nuances that are important for a specific consumer. It is absolutely not reasonable to take into the account the declared diameters and tensile loads. These marks and their actual compliance should not be taken seriously. There’re many manufacturers who have freedom of action and such a difference in approaches to this issue, that comparisons by numbers are not only inappropriate but also impossible. Any braided line can be twisted if you twist it. We advise choosing one of the braided lines that we offer in our top 10 list as they turned out to be really the best on the market.
Which line is better monofilament or braided?
Braided fishing lines are generally stronger and last longer than mono. So, it would be best for heavy-duty fishing and difficult water conditions. Mono, though is more resistant to shock and abrasion and rather more flexible. So, here the choice is yours, and it depends entirely on the kind of fishing you do.
Would braided line be good for trout fishing?
If you are lure or bait fishing, the braided line is definitely the best option out there. It works best on a spinning reel due to its thin profile, low stretch, and considerable strength.
Which Piscifun product in your braided fishing line review is best?
Piscifun has pretty impressive and high-tech braided lines. I’d go for the Piscifun Lunker, as I couldn’t find any serious cons when trying it out.
Are there any specific materials that top braided fishing lines are made of?
The most popular ones are Spectra and Dyneema fibres. Personally, I always go for Spectra fibre, as it’s more durable, stronger and has a lower stretch.