We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
Monofilament fishing line is made out of one strand of material, which differs from multi-filament lines that use multiple strands of material that are fused or braided together. Mono is most commonly made of nylon, and its best feature is its stretchiness. Fishing mono allows for forgiveness, which is important when a fish lunges or the reel’s drag sticks. But not all mono is made alike. Get the mono that best matches the type of fishing that you’re doing as well as the species that you’re targeting.
It is shock- and abrasion-resistant—a perfect choice for targeting large species. Berkley
When you’re shopping for fishing line, you need to consider what breaking strength (or “pound-test”) you need. Mono, like any other fishing line, is rated to break at different weights. The higher the breaking strength, the thicker—and stronger—the line. A rule of thumb is to match the breaking strength of the line with the highest average weight of the fish that you’re targeting. If you hook into something much larger, a good drag system on a reel will line out before the line breaks, so can tire the fish out before bringing it to shore.
It’s a good all-around choice for almost every freshwater species of fish. Berkley
Did you know that mono absorbs water? When it does, it becomes more relaxed and elastic, which means it stretches more and casts farther. The flip side is that wet mono also loses abrasion resistance and shock strength. Premium mono will typically absorb less water than cheaper fishing lines, dampening the effects of water absorption.
It’s affordable, effective, and available from 4-pound test up to 30-pound test. KastKing
Mono fishing line will lose strength and abrasion resistance over time, especially when you are fighting fish regularly and exposing your mono to the harmful effects of the sun. A good rule of thumb is to replace your mono every six months if you fish regularly. If you aren’t fishing as often, consider replacing your line every year or so.
