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Differences Between Monofilament and Braided Line
The two most popular lines for fishing are mono and braided. Each has its own application, pros, and cons, depending on where and what you are fishing.
Mono
Mono is the line that most anglers grew up on. It is also the line you most commonly see in stores.
It is a single strand of line which is usually clear, however some brands offer colors such as blue or green.
Mono has more stretch and buoyancy than braided. Which makes it a popular choice for anglers who troll.
Mono lines are easy to tie and are cheaper than braided lines.
A Google search showed you could get 400 yards of 20 pound test for around $10.00
Braided Lines
Braided lines have been around since the 1800s, but you don’t see it used as often as mono.
Personally, I believe anglers shy away from braided, because they grew up on mono and it is more of a comfort to them.
Braided line is a couple of strands of fibers that are braided together. This makes it an ultra strong line with little stretch.
Braided line is considered superior by many pro anglers, who tend to use it for large bass and catfish.
The small diameter allows you to attach a higher test line, without changing reels. For example, if you normally fish 10lb mono test. You could jump up to 20-40 lb braided without changing reels. This alone cuts down on equipment and gear.
Braided line is costly, however you do get more bang for your buck, because it is a more durable line.
A Google search showed braided lines will cost you roughly $40.00 for 500 yards of 20 pound test.
Arguably the biggest perk of braided line is the lack of memory. Any angler who has been tangled up with a rat’s nest in their reel can attest to the headache that is. It usually results in cutting off and wasting a ton of line.
However, braided lines lack memory, which means it is less likely to get tangled up. This alone is reason enough to buy braided lines.
Biggest issue with braided lines is tying the line to lures and hooks.
Braided Line And Attaching A Leader
When people hear leader lines, they automatically think of fly fishers who attach their backing line to a leader. But, it is used by all sorts of anglers, and especially those who prefer braided lines.
The leader will be a piece of line, usually mono, that attaches the braided line to your bait. You will attach the leader to the braided line. Then attach the other end of the leader to your hook or lure.
The purpose of a leader is to act as a buffer between your braided line and bait. Braided line is more visible than a mono line, which makes concealment in clear water an issue.
With a leader attached to your braided line, your lure or bait will be less detectable by game fish.
So if you are going to fish clear waters with braided lines, then consider a leader.
Attach A Leader With A Double Uni Knot
The double uni knot is the go to knot for anyone looking to attach a leader to a main line.
Here Is How To Tie A Leader With A Double Uni
Step 1: Overlap the two lines. Now wrap the braided line around the leader 3-6 times. This will depend on the test and diameter of the lines.
Step 2: Repeat the same process, this time wrapping the leader around the braided line.
Step 3: The lines should be connected with two knots. Now pull each line away from one another until both knots tighten up.
Step 4: Trim the extra line.
Step 5: Tie your hook or lure to the leader, you can use a clinch knot at this point.
Step 6: Cast and catch fish.
Loop Knot
If you are fishing murky water and are not too concerned about visibility then you can skip the leader. If this is the case you can attach a lure to your braided line using the loop knot.
The loop knot is known by a couple of different names, the non-slip not, single uni, or just uni. It is a secured knot that is easy to tie.
It is also very similar to the double uni.
Tying The Loop Knot
Step 1: Make an overhand loop about 3-4 inches above the end of the line.
Step 2: Thread the end of the line through the eye of the lure.
Step 3: Pull the end through the overhand loop and pull the two lines until the loop abuts the eye of the lure.
Step 4: Wrap the line around the main line twice.
Step 5: Put the end through the overhand loop until tight.
Step 6: Trim excess line.
Palomar Knot
The final knot is the palomar knot. It is a secure knot that is fairly easy to tie. You can use it for all sorts of fishing lines, but it performs best with braided.
Tying The Palomar Knot
Step 1: Double up a few inches of line to form a loop.
Step 2: Pass the loop through the eye of the hook.
Step 3: Tie an overhand knot in the doubled up line, without twisting or tangling (the hook should be suspended).
Step 4: Pull down the loop and pass it over the hook.
Step 5: Pull tight.
Step 6: Cut off the excess line.
You can put a small dab of superglue on the knot to hold it tight and make for easier casting.
Clinch Knot- The Knot To Avoid When Using Braided Line
The clinch knot is the most popular fishing knot, however you probably never knew it’s name.
Tying The Clinch Knot
Step 1: Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook.
Step 2: Pull a few inches of line through the eye and double it back.
Step 3: Twist the two ends of the line together 5-10 times (depends on test).
Step 4: Pass the end through the small loop.
Step 5: Then pass it through the big loop.
Step 6: Pull tight and cut off excess.
I wanted to mention this knot, because when most anglers try something new, such as a line, they automatically resort to the clinch knot.
However, the clinch knot cannot be secured to a hook or lure with a braided line. When the fish pulls on the hook, the hook will become disconnected from the line, every single time.
So, if you make the switch to the braided line, then you may want to shelf this knot.
Fishing With Braided Line
Many people stated they can never go back to mono after fishing with braided. Once you get past the intimidation of tying new knots or using leaders, you may enjoy it more too.
So next time you're buying some new line, search for a good deal on braided and give it a cast.
