This is a major advantage when using certain lures that you want to stay suspended at certain levels in the water. Since it is composed of one single strand of material, mono line has more ability to float than other lines can deliver, which makes it sink much more slowly compared to other lines. Shock strength is especially useful for times when you expect to have to apply very hard hook sets, as well as other occasions when larger fish might take a particularly hard run and will thrash back and forth in a way that could break lines that aren’t capable of withstanding such activity.Īnother advantage that mono has over other types of fishing line is the buoyancy it offers compared to both fluoro and braid. Mono also has what is known as shock strength, which is the line’s ability to absorb a large amount of energy applied at one time, which might normally snap other types of fishing line. For one, it can stretch when pressure is applied, which allows anglers to get a different look when using certain types of lures that require the user to reel and jerk the bait in a specific pattern. Mono has several unique advantages that other lines can’t match. My personal favorite mono fishing line is the Berkley Trilene which is both affordable and versatile in a wide range of lengths and strengths.Ĭheck Price On Amazon Advantages of Using Mono Some of the most apparent qualities of monofilament line are its ability to stretch when it is pulled and its abrasion resistance and overall strength compared to other lines. Most of the popular brands of fishing lines in today’s market are made with mostly nylon or will also feature some blend of copolymer or multipolymer material which is specially designed to give the line certain advantages compared to other material. Monofilament line is made of various types of material, but one of the most popular is nylon. Other types of lines like braid or fluorocarbon are designed with multiple strands of material that are either bonded together or interwoven to give the line more strength and capability to withstand the pull of any fish that happens to bite your hook. It’s one of the most popular types of fishing line and has been for decades as anglers have found that it has many uses that can greatly increase their chances of having a successful day on the water.Īs the name implies, mono fishing line is made of one single strand of material. Monofilament is known simply as “mono” in the fishing industry. Read More What is Monofilament Fishing Line?.In this article, we will outline the specific differences between braid and mono fishing line and cover the different ways in which each one is typically recommended to be used in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Feature Monofilament Line Braided Line Material Single strand of extruded nylon or polyethylene Multiple strands of synthetic fibers like Dyneema, Spectra, or Micro-Dyneema Diameter Thicker for the same strength Thinner for the same strength Stretch Higher (10-25%) Lower (1-8%) Sensitivity Lower due to stretch Higher due to low stretch Knot Strength Good knot strength Requires special knots for optimal strength Abrasion Resistance Moderate to high Moderate, depends on the coating Water Absorption Absorbs water, causing it to weaken over time Minimal water absorption, maintains strength UV Resistance Lower, susceptible to UV degradation Higher, more resistant to UV degradation Memory Higher memory, prone to line twists and coiling Lower memory, less prone to line twists and coiling Visibility underwater Less visible, especially with clear or low-visibility colors More visible, especially with bright or high-visibility colors Sinking/Floating properties Either floats or sinks slowly Sinks faster due to thinner diameter Cost Less expensive More expensive Most anglers don’t truly grasp the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each type of material until they use it themselves and get a hands-on feel for what the line is capable of in each situation. If you’re somewhat new to fishing and aren’t quite sure what the main differences are in each type of fishing line, you’re not alone. Knowing the best times and places to use each type of fishing line will go a long way in your overall success level. This is not entirely true as each type of line has specific advantages that anglers can use depending on their fishing method.īraided and mono lines have their own specific uses for fishing in saltwater and freshwater environments. Most anglers might think that the choice between using braid vs monofilament fishing line comes down to personal preference in most cases.

Choose based on your fishing technique, target species, and personal preferences. Mono line provides more stretch, better abrasion resistance, and lower visibility, making it more forgiving for beginners. Braid fishing line offers greater strength, sensitivity, and casting distance, with minimal stretch and a smaller diameter.

Chart on mono compared to spectra line