The best line for a spinning reel depends on where and what you will fish. Mono and braided fishing lines are the most popular among all the fishing lines available. So, they are the best choices for your spinning reel if you fish in saltwater.
Spinning reels are extremely versatile and can be used in almost any fishing environment with almost any kind of fishing line.
Also, these two lines are better options if your fishing expedition involves deep water and big fish. But if you are going to fish in your local pond and aim at small fish, any available fish lines will work fine with your spinning reel.
In this fishing line for spinning reels buying guide, we are going to present different options and how they
When selecting your fishing line, let’s look at what you must look for.
Table of Contents
Fishing Line Characteristics
There are some basic qualities of a fishing line. Some lines may have some of these characteristics in larger proportions, while others may have another set of characteristics.
Your decision to choose a line for your spinning reel depends on your style of fishing, where and what you want to fish.
Memory
When you peel off the line from the spool, you may notice that the line is not straight. It has a curly structure that stays for some time, and gradually extends into a straight line. This curliness of the line is called memory.
To be used in a spinning reel, your line should have less memory. Lines with a lot of memory tend to knot and kink when reeling in. This kind of line is hard to cast far, and it makes your presentation messy.
Stretch
Stretchy lines absorb tension on the line better. When the fish makes big head shakes, it does not allow tension to pass on to the rod. However, stretchy lines make for less precision, as the feedback you receive is never accurate.
Even setting the hook is tougher with a kind of line.
Shock Strength
When the fish makes a sudden violent motion, the pressure is so high that it can snap the line. The stretchy character of the line helps absorb the shock. When deciding which line is good for a spinning reel, the shock strength of the line is an important factor.
When fishing for big fish, it’s good that you use a line with higher shock strength against a potential hard-hitting fish trying to break off.
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion and scratches can snap your line while fishing. Some fish varieties take cover in the underwater structure such as weeds and rocks. If your line is not high-end abrasion-resistant, it can get cut off in those circumstances.
If you are looking to fish around structure like pier fishing then you will want to consider high abrasion resistance fishing lines like monofilament.
For your spinning reel, you need lines with a higher resistance to abrasion and scratches.
Buoyancy
Some lines can float while others can sink. If you are planning top-water fishing, a floating line is good. But a sinking line offers a better result if you plan to fish deeper. It stays taut and gives you a more precise idea of the depth.
Visibility
You need to choose the color of the line as per your fishing plans. You can choose a suitably colored line to match the color of the water at the depth you want to fish. In clear water, a brightly colored line can spook the fish and make them avoid the bait. You can find low-visibility lines that can blend with the color of clear water.
Monofilament
Monofilament is a single-thread line. It’s one of the most basic fishing lines available since the 1930s. This is your old faithful option – It’s a single plastic thread, mostly nylon. It’s not a top-end product, but it stands for what it is – a basic and reliable fishing line.
You can use it on your spinning reel if your fishing is a low-key affair. It’s also easy to use and the most inexpensive of all the fishing lines available on the market. It is recyclable and has low memory.
It is very buoyant and stretchy, which are good characteristics for some types of fishing but not so great when you are seeking precision or trying bottom baits. It’s not a very strong line that can get broken easily.
Copolymer
This kind of fishing line is similar to monofilament lines in how they are made. The only difference is that they use more than one material instead of just nylon. This imparts this line some special characteristics depending on what is mixed in nylon.
So, it can have a lower stretch but fairly good shock strength. Like mono, knots and casting are still easy. It’s more abrasion-resistant and overall stronger than the mono line. But it can have a lower memory. You can use it on your spinning reel because you may have tried mono fishing lines sometimes.
Fluorocarbon
It’s an improved version of mono and copoly but it uses a much denser material. In clear water, it is practically invisible. It lasts much longer and is extremely abrasion-resistant. It can stretch and break easily. But to stretch it, you need to put a lot of pressure. It has high shock strength and precision.
On the downside, you need to be doubly sure about the knots you tie because they may unite independently. The line has a high memory that makes it kink and tangle. It is also expensive. Fluorocarbon fishing line is one of the best options for your spinning reel.
Braid
Braid fishing lines use different materials and technology altogether. It results from weaving several strands of polyethylenes such as Dyneema, Dacron, and Spectra.
Braid fishing lines can use 4 to 16 strands. It has no memory, and precision is high. But it also lacks stretch and shock strength. Tying a knot is difficult. It’s tough, but some teeth can chew and cut it. It’s so thin that it can cut through your equipment and damage it.
It’s the most expensive fishing line, and you can’t recycle it.
Final Thoughts
We have discussed the important characteristics of fishing lines and also the different types of fishing lines available on the market. Any of the lines can be used on spinning reels. For specific kinds of fishing, you will need matching fishing lines for your spinning reels.
Happy fishing!
