The fishing line is one of the most important components in an angler’s toolbox. Without the fishing line, it’s almost impossible to fish. Therefore, choosing the right one for the right type of angling is paramount for a good catch.
Here we break down the best fishing line brands. Each has its benefits based on personal preferences, popularity, and budget.
Best Monofilament Fishing Line Brands for Freshwater
A monofilament (single-stranded) fishing line is made of nylon and is a durable, all-around fishing line. The pros to monofilament include good knot strength, smooth and easily castable, floats, and resisting abrasion.
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Excellent fishing line for the price, the Berkley Trilene fishing line has a line weight of 12 pounds and a breakage weight of 6 pounds. The Trilene fishing line resists knots and kinks and is highly maneuverable and easily managed. This fishing line is perfect for all anglers, beginners and pros.
This is the best-selling premium monofilament line out there. KastKing’s World’s premium monofilament fishing line boasts a Paralleled Roll Track technology to give the angler better reel capacity and better control while fishing. The line also comes in multiple colors depending on preference.
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The Stren Original fishing line works well since it’s tough and resists abrasion. The line also has a UV guard to prevent sun damage, and is strong enough to handle and land large fish. Not only this, but the Stren line is ideal for night fishing since the line glows under blacklight.
The RUNCL boasts several advantageous features for any successful angler. The toughness of the line helps it withstand aggressive, powerful strikes, and rough handling. RUNCL’s line also sinks slower, making it ideal for fishing topwater baits and buoyant lures. Several different colors of lines are also available.
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Lightweight but durable, the Zebco brand fishing line is a low-cost but high-performance fishing line that gives you all the perks of a higher-priced line. Lines like this work well for first-time anglers and training lines.
Another cost-effective monofilament line, this line boasts abrasion resistance and low visibility in the water. ANGRYFISH’s line is also resistant to curling and has low memory for smooth handling. Perfect for the casual angler.
Best Monofilament Fishing Line Brands for Saltwater
While most monofilament lines can be used in saltwater, the ones specifically designed for saltwater are a little heavier-duty to withstand the ocean waters.
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Specially designed to handle the tough ocean environment, Berkeley’s big game fishing line edition also works in freshwater as well. However, its strength and durability make it ideal for ocean fishing.
Although mentioned in the previous section, KastKing’s fishing line works well in saltwater, as it boasts superior strength and handling. The line is virtually invisible in the water and can be used in multiple conditions.
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Definitely, one of the best fishing line brands, Stren High Impact has the reputation to prove it. The line can withstand the brutal fighting of ocean fish, and it is also suited to a variety of saltwater fishing such as bay, coastal, and blue ocean fishing.
Again, Berkley outranks as one of the most popular and leading fishing line brands – whether freshwater or saltwater.
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This is a budget-friendly, all-around saltwater-proof monofilament. Sea Striker’s line comes in clear, invisible color and passes the 80 lb test.
Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Brands for Freshwater
Fluorocarbon lines work best when trolling or longlining. Because it’s so versatile, it can be used for a variety of tasks. A fluorocarbon line sinks quicker than monofilament, and it has less stretch than monofilament.
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Made in Japan, the Yo-Zuri line works exceptionally well to reduce visibility in the water and handle the weight class of large game fish. Not only this, but their fluorocarbon blend refracts the light to make it almost undetectable in the water.
Ande’s fishing line absorbs no water and sinks at a consistent rate. It remains invisible underwater and is perfect for game fish.
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The RUNCL fluorocarbon line is ideal for all conditions, including cold weather. High sensitivity prevents anglers from ever missing a bite.
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Another KastKing line, the fluorocarbon line is not pure fluorocarbon. Instead, it is coated with something slightly different, making it a cheaper alternative. KastKing’s line is still highly effective and is adaptable to any conditions.
This low-abrasion and low-budget line boasts lower stretch with high sensitivity. Although cost-effective, it does its job well. This line is lightweight but strong enough to handle even the feistiest game fish.
Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Brands for Saltwater
Fluorocarbon fishing lines can be ideal for saltwater due to their low visibility.
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Rikimaru’s line resists the strength of tough reef or big ocean game fish. The line also has good spring and low memory, making it a well-suited line for any ocean fishing.
Made by the inventors of fluorocarbon, the Seaguar Premier line has excellent strength and softness. Seaguar’s line highlights its superior knot strength and durability.
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Although mentioned in the freshwater section, RUNCL’s line can also be used in saltwater. The line also sinks quicker than other fluorocarbon lines of the same diameter.
A bestselling fluorocarbon line, Seaguar’s Blue Label line is tested and tried to withstand the most difficult big-water fishing trials.
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Rikimaru’s brand is not only extremely well-made, but it also sits at a lower price range than other fluorocarbon lines. This line is low cost but high performance.
Best Braided Fishing Line Brands for Freshwater
Braided lines are in their element when fishing in challenging vegetation such as lily pads, reeds, and cattails. The line is heavy enough to break through these plants to reach the water.
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The Haidiaow has a tight, precise weave to help anglers achieve maximum advantage when fishing. Their lines come in multiple lengths depending on user preference.
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Extremely durable and reliable, KastKing’s Braided fishing line reduces wind knots and gives the angler precise control to land big game fish.
Resistant to abrasion and highly sensitive, Power Pro’s line is strong enough to handle large game fish without breaking. The line sits on the water well and its smooth design helps it remain one of the most popular brands on the market.
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ANGRYFISH’s lines are cost-effective but durable. The line is lightweight and promises a smooth catch no matter the conditions.
Price varies on the length of line. However, this line is an excellent option for catching large game fish. HERCULES braided line works for fishing in several bodies of water, including ice fishing and bow fishing.
Best Braided Fishing Line Brands for Saltwater
Most braided fishing lines can be used interchangeably with freshwater and saltwater. Still, saltwater lines will sometimes come in more ocean-specific colors.
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Cortland’s braided lines work in both fresh and saltwater and offer consistent and reliable fishing cast after cast. Several different colors are available for different conditions.
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Again, Rikimaru’s braided line is one of the best fishing line brands and is a durable choice for anglers. The line is thin, giving it a smooth cut through the water.
KastKing’s fishing line offers high-performance and high-value for any angler. Because of its consistency, KastKing’s line ranks as one of the most popular fishing line brands for any line.
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Lower-cost but reliable, Piscifun’s line is abrasion-resistant and works in any condition of water. The line has zero-backlash and low memory.