Braided Fishing Lines – When to Use? When To Avoid?

We really like braided fishing lines, and it’s not just us; the entire fishing community knows the importance of these lines. However, let me tell you that despite their popularity, there are certain times when they can do more harm than good to your fishing experience. Today, we’ll talk about those specific times you’d like to avoid using them. We’ll also highlight the instances when their use is particularly beneficial.

When To Avoid a Braided Fishing Line? 3 Factors To Consider

1. Clear Water Conditions

In clear water, the high visibility of braided lines can deter fish, making fluorocarbon or monofilament lines better choices. These lines are less visible underwater, leading to more strikes and a higher catch rate.

Check our recommendations on Fluorocarbon and Monofilament Fishing Lines.

We recommend switching to a less visible line in clear conditions to avoid spooking the fish. The transparency of fluorocarbon and monofilament fishing lines ensures that fish are less likely to detect them, making these lines ideal for fishing in clear water.

For instance, during a fishing trip in a crystal-clear lake, we noticed a significant reduction in bites when using braided lines. Switching to fluorocarbon instantly improved our catch rate. The less visible line blended seamlessly with the water, making it harder for fish to spot, thereby increasing our chances of a successful catch.

2. Light Tackle and Finesse Techniques

For finesse techniques and light tackle, the lack of stretch in braided lines can lead to lost fish. We often see first-time bass anglers lose fish because they apply too much pressure, causing hooks to pull out due to the lack of stretch.

In these scenarios, the forgiving nature of monofilament line or fluorocarbon is more suitable, providing a bit more give and reducing the chances of pulling hooks.

Check the detailed comparison of Monofilament and Braided Fishing Lines.

Finesse techniques often require a delicate touch and precise control. The monofilament fishing line, with its slight stretch, provides that extra buffer, making it easier to maintain tension without overdoing it. For example, when targeting smallmouth bass using a drop shot rig, the elasticity of the monofilament helps in cushioning sudden movements, preventing the hook from pulling out.

3. Certain Fishing Regulations

Some fishing venues have specific rules prohibiting braided lines, especially for carp fishing, due to potential harm to fish. For instance, some bass fishing venues prohibit braided lines to prevent damage to fish, particularly carp. Always check local regulations before choosing your line type to ensure compliance and avoid fishing industry fines or penalties.

We encountered this issue while planning a fishing trip to a popular carp lake. The local regulations clearly stated a ban on braided lines to protect the fish from potential injury. By using monofilament or fluorocarbon lines, we not only adhered to the rules but also enjoyed a worry-free fishing experience.

When to Use Braided Fishing Lines? 3 Instances

1. Heavy Vegetation and Cover

Braided lines excel in areas with heavy vegetation like grass, hydrilla, milfoil, lily pads, and cattails. Their thin diameter and high strength allow them to cut through dense cover, making it easier to retrieve your lure and fish without getting tangled. We find braided lines ideal for fishing in thick vegetation where other lines might struggle.

For example, while fishing in a dense lily pad area, the braided line’s ability to slice through the vegetation was invaluable. Unlike monofilament, which often gets caught and tangled, the braided line allowed us to maneuver through the thick cover and successfully land several fish. This capability to handle heavy covers makes braided lines a top choice for such challenging environments.

2. Long Casting Distances

If you need to cast long distances, braided lines are a great option. Their minimal stretch and thin diameter provide superior casting capabilities, allowing you to easily cover more water and reach distant spots. We particularly recommend braided lines when fishing in large lakes or rivers where long casts are necessary to reach the best fishing areas.

During a trip to a vast reservoir, we relied on braided lines to achieve the long casts needed to reach the deeper, more productive fishing zones. The minimal stretch ensured that our lures were precisely placed, and the increased casting distance allowed us to cover more water, ultimately leading to a more successful day on the water.

You might find it interesting: Fish You Can Catch With a 20lb Braid – 8 Ideal Fish Species

3. Fishing with Large Hooks and Heavy Lures

Braided lines are perfect for using large hooks and heavy lures. Their impressive strength ensures you can handle big fish and heavy tackle without worrying about your line breaking.

This makes them suitable for flipping and pitching, where you need the power to pull fish out of heavy cover or deep water. The increased hook-setting power ensures better penetration and a higher chance of landing big fish.

For instance, when using large topwater frogs in dense vegetation, the strength of the braided line provided the necessary power to set the hook firmly and retrieve the fish from thick cover. The robust nature of braided lines ensures that you can handle big fish and heavy tackle effectively, making them ideal for such demanding fishing techniques.

Check our recommendations on Best Braided Fishing Lines – Top 10 Reviewed

Advantages of Braided Fishing Lines

1. Long Casting Distances

Braided lines have a thin diameter and are lightweight, enhancing casting distance. Anglers can cast further and more accurately, making it easier to reach distant spots and cover more water. This is especially useful in large bodies of water where long casts are necessary.

We particularly enjoy the enhanced casting distance provided by braided lines when fishing from shore. The ability to cast further allows us to reach deeper waters where fish are often more abundant. This increased range can make a significant difference in the number of fish caught, especially in large lakes or reservoirs.

2. Superior Strength and Sensitivity

Braided lines are known for their high tensile strength and minimal stretch, allowing anglers to feel even the slightest bites and react quickly. We appreciate the enhanced sensitivity that helps detect bites and make swift adjustments.

Also, modern braided lines, made of synthetic materials, offer superior strength while maintaining a small diameter, aiding in easy casting with much less stretch and greater sensitivity.

For example, while deep-sea fishing, the superior sensitivity of braided lines allowed us to feel even the faintest nibbles at great depths. This immediate feedback enabled us to set the hook promptly, resulting in a higher catch rate. The combination of strength and sensitivity makes braided lines a valuable tool for serious anglers.

3. Thin Diameter

The smaller diameter of braided lines compared to monofilament lines allows for longer casts and greater reel line capacity. For instance, the 65lb braid we use is as thin as 16lb mono, making it easier to handle more line on the reel.

This characteristic is particularly beneficial for spinning reels, as the braid’s smaller diameter and reduced memory prevent common issues like line twists and tangles, ensuring smoother casts and longer distances.

We find that the thin diameter of braided lines is particularly useful when fishing with spinning reels. The reduced memory and increased line capacity allow for smoother, longer casts, making it easier to reach distant fish. This advantage is especially noticeable when fishing in open water or targeting fish that require precise casting.

You might find it helpful: 10lb Braid Vs 10lb Mono – Which One’s Stronger?

4. Abrasion Resistance

While not invincible, braided lines generally offer better abrasion resistance than monofilament lines, making them suitable for tough conditions. Their ability to withstand rough conditions without fraying ensures reliability when fishing in challenging spots.

This added durability is crucial when fishing in environments with sharp objects or abrasive surfaces that can easily damage other types of lines.

For instance, when fishing around rocky structures or submerged trees, the abrasion resistance of braided lines proved invaluable. The line’s ability to withstand contact with sharp surfaces without fraying or breaking provided peace of mind and allowed us to focus on landing fish rather than worrying about line damage.

Disadvantages of Braided Fishing Lines

1. Line Digging

One common issue with braided lines is their tendency to dig into themselves on the reel, particularly under high tension, causing casting and retrieval issues. Ensuring your line is properly spooled and adjusting the drag can help minimize this issue, but it remains a challenge for many anglers.

We encountered this problem during a recent fishing trip when battling a particularly large fish. The line dug into itself on the reel, causing casting and retrieval issues.

To prevent this, we recommend ensuring that the line is spooled tightly and evenly and avoiding setting the drag too tight. Regular maintenance and proper spooling techniques can help mitigate this issue.

2. Visibility in Clear Water

Braided lines are more visible underwater, which can be a significant drawback in clear water conditions. Fish can easily spot the line, which might reduce the number of bites you get. In such scenarios, using a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader can help reduce the visibility and increase your chances of attracting fish.

For instance, while fishing in a clear river, we noticed a significant decrease in strikes when using braided lines.

Switching to a fluorocarbon leader instantly improved our catch rate. The reduced visibility of the leader made it harder for fish to detect, increasing our chances of a successful catch.

We’ve covered a guide on fishing line colors that are not visible to fish; do give it a read!

3. Handling and Tangles

Another disadvantage of braided lines is their tendency to tangle more easily than monofilament lines. It can be difficult to untangle when a tangle occurs due to the thin diameter and lack of stretch. Regularly checking your line and being cautious during retrieval can help, but tangles are an inevitable part of using braided lines.

We experienced this issue during a busy fishing session when a tangle in the braided line took several minutes to untangle. To minimize tangles, we recommend regularly checking your line for knots and being cautious during retrieval. However, it’s important to acknowledge that tangles are an unavoidable part of using braided lines.

4. Cost

Braided lines are generally more expensive than monofilament lines, which can be a consideration for budget-conscious anglers or those new to fishing. While they last longer, the initial investment is higher, which can deter some anglers. However, we believe the benefits often outweigh the costs in the long run.

For example, the initial investment in braided lines might seem high, but their durability and longevity can result in cost savings over time. Despite the higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits of braided lines make them a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.

5. Gear Wear and Tear

Using braided lines can put more stress on your fishing gear. The thin diameter and high strength of braided lines can cause more friction on reel parts, rod tips, and line guides, leading to premature wear and breakage. This increased wear means that your equipment might need more frequent maintenance or replacement, adding to the overall cost of using braided lines. Ensuring your gear is designed to handle braided lines can help mitigate some of this wear and tear.

We noticed increased wear on our rod guides and reel parts after using braided lines extensively. To prevent this, we recommend using gear designed to handle braided lines and regularly checking your equipment for signs of wear. Proper maintenance and using the right gear can help extend the lifespan of your fishing equipment.

Check some of our tested fishing lines and choose the right one for you:

FAQ

Can I use a braided line for all types of fishing?

While braided lines offer excellent strength and sensitivity, they are not always the best choice for every fishing situation. They excel in environments with heavy vegetation and thick cover or when using heavy lures and large hooks. However, monofilament or fluorocarbon lines might be more effective in clear water conditions where visibility is a concern or when finesse techniques are required. When choosing the right line, it’s essential to consider the specific fishing conditions and your target species.

How do I prevent the braided line from digging into itself on the reel?

To prevent the braided line from digging into itself, ensure it is spooled tightly and evenly on the reel. Using a monofilament backing before spooling the braid can help provide a solid base. Additionally, avoid setting the drag too tight, especially when fighting large fish, as excessive tension can cause the line to dig in. Regularly check your line during use to ensure it remains properly seated on the reel.

Is braided line suitable for beginners?

Braided lines can be challenging for beginners due to their handling characteristics and higher visibility. It requires specific tying knots and can be more prone to tangling. However, for certain fishing techniques and conditions, such as heavy cover or deep water, the benefits of using a braided line may outweigh the challenges. Beginners should practice handling and knot-tying with braided lines to become more comfortable with their unique properties.

Check our detailed guide on Best Fishing Line for Beginners