There is something special about fishing with a braided line. Maybe it’s the way it feels in your hands, or the smooth way it can pass through your fingers as you reel in another catch. The advantages of fishing with a braid over monofilament are numerous; in this article, we are going to take a closer look at some of the benefits and potential drawbacks you might find when using braided lines for your next fishing trip. We will also take a look at some of the best-known knots to use when tying on hooks, leaders, and lures. So read on to discover more about this excellent alternative to monofilament when out on your next fishing expedition.
Why Use Braided Fishing Line?
A braid is a type of synthetic line that is made from strands of several different fibers. Braids are made from a combination of materials, such as polyester, nylon, and even steel. These synthetic lines tend to be much stronger than monofilament. They also have a smaller diameter, which means they are lighter and less visible when in use. Depending on the brand and type of braid you purchase, you can also expect it to provide a higher level of sensitivity than monofilament. This means that you can feel when your hook has caught a fish, and how much it weighs. This is excellent for knowing how best to reel it in, and how you might be able to land the fish. A braid is also very low maintenance when compared to monofilament. It does not stretch as much as mono, so you must reel in your catch more slowly. This makes braid an excellent choice for those who are just starting on the water, or who have small children they are fishing with, as they are less likely to break the line when reeling in a catch.
The Advantages of Braided Fishing Line
As mentioned above, there are quite a few advantages to fishing with a braided line. Let us take a closer look at some of the biggest benefits to help you decide if a braid is right for your next fishing expedition. - Better Handling - You can probably already tell from the way braided line feels in your hands that it is a different experience to fishing with monofilament. Braid is smoother and doesn’t have the “roughness” that monofilament has. This makes it more pleasant to handle and can help you to feel less fatigued after an extended fishing trip. - Resistant to UV Damage - Since the braided line has a different construction than monofilament, it is also less susceptible to UV damage. If you fish mostly during the summer months, this can be a huge advantage. Braid doesn’t lose strength and flexibility in extreme heat the same way that monofilament does. - Better Castability - One of the other advantages of braided line is that it is more castable. Braid is much less affected by wind, which can be a real advantage when fishing from a boat. It also casts further than monofilament, which is helpful when you are trying to reach a distant mark. - Excellent for Reels - Braided line is excellent when using rotary reels. It does not twist around itself, as monofilament does. This can be a real advantage for anyone who is trying to reel in a large fish.
Potential Drawbacks of Braided Fishing Line
As with everything, there are some potential drawbacks to braided lines. It should be noted that these are small disadvantages that can be avoided, and aren’t reasons why you shouldn’t use braided lines. Let’s take a look at some of the drawbacks of fishing with braided lines. - It is More Expensive - Braid is more expensive than monofilament. This should be taken into account when purchasing your next batch of fishing lines. You will have to decide whether the slight increase in costs is worth the advantages of fishing with a braid. - It is Less Visible - Braid is less visible underwater than monofilament. This is due to the smaller diameter of the braid. This means you will have to pay more attention to your lures, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. - It is More Sensitive - While this can be a good thing, it can also be a disadvantage. Braid is more sensitive to touch, so reeling in a fish slowly is essential. You don’t want to break the line by reeling too quickly.
Choosing the Right Braided Line
There are a few things to look for when choosing the right braid for your next fishing trip. Like any other type of line, it is important to match the right braid to the right fishing situation. There are many different braid types to choose from, and knowing which one to use will make your fishing trip much more enjoyable. - Weight - The first thing you need to determine when choosing a braid is the weight of your line. The weight of your line is determined by the pound test. The lower the pound test, the lighter the line. You will want to match the weight of your line to the type of fish you are targeting. - Strength - You also need to consider the strength of your braid. You can do this by looking at the break strength, diameter, and tensile strength of the braid. The break strength is the amount of weight the line can hold before it snaps. - Fishing Conditions - You also want to take into account the type of fishing you are going to do. Are you fishing for bass, or are you fishing for tuna? Each of these fish requires a different type of fishing line.
The Best Knots for Braided Fishing Line
Now that you know what to look for in a braid, and the advantages of fishing with braided line, let’s take a closer look at some of the best knots to use when tying on hooks, leaders, and lures. - Double Uni-knot - The uni-knot is probably the most widely used line knot. It is easy to tie, strong, and can be used with many different types of lines. You can use this knot to tie two pieces of line together or to tie on a hook to braid. This is a great knot to use with a braid, as it is easy to untie. - Rolling Hitch - The rolling hitch is a great knot to use when you are fishing with multiple lures. It is easy to tie, and even easier to take off when you want to change lures. It is also relatively strong and works well with both mono and braid. - Albright Knot - The Albright knot is a great knot to use when you are fishing with a fly rod. It is especially useful when you are fishing in a fast-moving river where your line can get caught up easily. It is a knot that takes a bit more time to tie but is strong. - Dropper Loop - The dropper loop is a knot that is a great choice for fishing with live bait. It is very easy to tie and is also easy to take off when you are done fishing. This is a good knot to use with braid, as it is easy to tie and untie.
Conclusion
Braided line is a great alternative to monofilament when fishing. It is stronger, more resistant to UV damage, casts further, and can be used in a wider range of fishing situations. However, it is more expensive and less visible in the water. When choosing your next spool of fishing line, consider using a braid. You can choose the type of braid that best suits your fishing conditions, and is best for the type of fish you are aiming to reel in.