It is obviously important to understand the sorts of fishing line that exist and when you should use one rather than another. A major factor is what you are fishing for and where you intend to fish; there are basically four different sorts of fishing line. They are manufactured in different ways and this affects their properties in use. The properties you need whilst sea fishing differ from those you would need if fishing a river, canal or lake.

The different characteristics that you need to consider are breaking strength, diameter, durability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, stretch, knot strength and importantly visibility. Obviously if you are planning to fish near rocks you will need a durable abrasion resistant line.

Types of sea fishing line

Monofilament Fishing Line is probably the most commonly used fishing line and it comes in a variety of colours. However it can be difficult to straighten because it retains the shape that it has become used to on the reel. It also absorbs water and is not the most durable of lines and so is best suited to river and lake fishing.

Braided Fishing Line is the strongest of all fishing lines and hence can cope with the largest of fish. It is also very durable, has good know strength, is abrasion resistant and absorbs least water. However, it is perhaps the least forgiving of lines with little stretch which can put a lot of strain on your rod and potentially break it if a big fish is hooked. This also means that you can injure your hands on it if you not careful. It also has a wide diameter and so is visible to fish. It is common, therefore, to attach a length of thinner leader to it and use this thinner line to attach the hook to.

Fused Fishing Line has similar properties to braided line but is manufactured in a different way. It is strong for its diameter and more abrasion resistant than monofilament but not as much as braided line. On the down side it is also very visible, difficult to cut and unforgiving like braided line. It doesn’t absorb much water though and has good durability

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is probably the most commonly used sea fishing line but is now becoming more popular for fresh water fishing. It is invisible in water, durable offering good abrasion resistance, however, it is less flexible than other types of line, comparatively weak for its diameter and because of its structure doesn’t hold knots as well as other types of line.

The key to getting the most from your sea fishing line is learning how to tie knots that hold when under the strain of landing a fish. A knot, of course, is inevitably a weak spot and will always give way sooner than a line will snap (unless the line is faulty). In simple terms you need to learn a knot to tie hooks and lures to your line such as the clinched half-blood knot or the uni knot and one for tying two lengths of fishing line of different thicknesses together e.g. the Albright knot. Whatever it is vital to practice tying knots at home before going fishing and remember wetting the knot will always strengthen it as it will prevent abrasion if the knot comes under pressure. Once you have tied a knot always check it by pulling it hard; better it gives way then rather than when you have a fish on the line.

Author's Bio: 

Bruno Blackstone is a freelance writer interested in all things to do with the outdoors and helping others get the most from the outdoors. Starting with a psychology degree his early career was as a social worker and family therapist working with families to help them achieve more positive and stable relationships. In his more recent career he has coached many senior executives in both small and large organisations in areas such as strategy, human resources, organisational design and performance improvement. He now continues his work in the business world but he is also co-owner of My Outdoor Store a price comparison site for outdoor enthusiasts.