Different Types Of Ultralight Fishing Line

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When it comes time to spool up your ultralight fishing gear for the upcoming season, you are going to want to think about the four different types of line that can be used. Each type of line has its own advantages and disadvantages, which can make it tough to choose, but if you consider where you are going to be spending the majority of time fishing, you should be able to easily come to a decision.

Nylon Monofilament

Nylon monofilament has been, traditionally, one of the highest used lines for ultralight fishing. So many anglers chose to use it because of the stretch that it provides, as well as the incredibly thin diameters that it is available in. While the stretch can provide a few benefits, it does cause you to lose a slight amount of sensitivity, which can cause you to miss fish if you are not carefully paying attention to the line. If you are using fast moving baits most often you may want to spool monofilament onto the reel.

Monofilament Ultralight Line: (See Prices or Buy Here)

Fluorocarbon

Over the last few years technology has advanced quite a bit, making fluorocarbon lines in much thinner diameters than were previously available. This is a blessing for ultralight anglers, because the thinner lines cast much easier on an ultralight rod. Fluorocarbon lines are known for their low stretch which provides a high level of sensitivity, and their almost near-invisibility under the water. You should pay attention to the line diameter when you are going with fluorocarbon in order to keep it thin enough to make long, effortless casts.

Fluorocarbon Ultralight Line: (See Prices or Buy Here)

Braided

Braided lines offer extreme levels of sensitivity because of their no-stretch properties. There is one downside to braided lines, which has a greater impact on ultralight fishing because you are going to end up spooking the fish more often: it is very visible underwater. However, if you take the time to tie on a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader when you are using braided lines, you can get the best of both worlds; ultimate sensitivity and a hard to see line.

Braided Ultralight Line: (See Prices or Buy Here)

Fused

Fused fishing lines are a fairly new technology for anglers. They are also sometimes called “super lines” because they are just as sensitive as braid, while still maintaining a thin profile and being extremely easy to cast. Fused lines are built from multiple strands of fibers that are fused together, which gives it great abrasion resistance, much like braided lines. This is great for getting a good hookset, but makes them just as visible to fish as braided lines.

Fused Ultralight Line: (See Prices or Buy Here)

Of all 4 lines, I prefer to use either fluorocarbon, or super thin braided lines because of their sensitivity properties. Remember that when you are using a braided line, you must tie monofilament or fluorocarbon onto the reel before spooling on the braid, in order to keep it from slipping, and then tie another section of mono or fluorocarbon on as a leader in order to avoid spooking the fish.

2 thoughts on “Different Types Of Ultralight Fishing Line”

  1. Thanks again. I have been pondering on using braided line with fluorocarbon leader. Your post may have pushed me over the edge to go ahead and try it this year. Are the fluorocarbon leader to braided line “knots” easy to tie. How about a post?

    Reply
    • Hi Mel,

      Thanks for stopping by. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is the best setup you can have, in my opinion. About the knots: I usually use a loop to loop knot when I connect a leader with any type of line. Sometimes I will connect them with a swivel. My favorite are the Aquateko fluorocarbon swivels. They’re just about invisible under water. I will put together a post on the different ways to connect a leader soon.

      Reply

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