Fishing Line

Fishing line is the fundamental link between you and the fish, and selecting the right type, strength, and visibility is crucial to angling success. Whether you’re float fishing for silverfish, feeder fishing for carp and bream, spinning for predators, or casting into the surf, your choice of fishing line can dramatically affect casting performance, bite detection, rig presentation, and landing rates. Since 1988, we’ve guided anglers with expert advice and stocked the most reliable mono, braid, and fluorocarbon lines for all disciplines and skill levels.

Why Choosing the Right Fishing Line Matters

Controls your casting distance and accuracy
Determines stretch and sensitivity in bite detection
Impacts how your rig presents bait in the water
Affects abrasion resistance, knot strength, and durability
Essential for species-specific techniques (e.g., carp, pike, sea)

From stealthy pole lines to super-strong sea fishing braids, the right line ensures confidence and performance.


Types of Fishing Line

TypeBest ForKey Benefits
Monofilament (Mono)Float and feeder fishing, carp, all-round useEasy to handle, stretches to absorb shocks, budget-friendly
FluorocarbonHooklengths, leaders, clear water, fly fishingVirtually invisible underwater, abrasion-resistant, sinks well
Braided Line (Braid)Feeder, lure, carp, sea, predator setupsNo stretch, ultra-sensitive, thin diameter for high strength
Copolymer LinesMatch and float fishingImproved strength and suppleness over traditional mono
ShockleadersSea fishing, long-distance castingAbsorbs casting energy, protects mainline
Fly Line & BackingFly fishing setupsControls fly presentation, distance, and drift

Fishing Line Strength Guide

Fishing StyleRecommended Breaking Strain
Pole/float for silvers1.5lb–4lb mono
General feeder fishing4lb–8lb mono or braid with leader
Carp fishing10lb–20lb mono or sinking braid
Pike/perch spinning15lb–30lb braid with fluoro leader
Sea beachcasting15lb–30lb mainline with 60lb+ shockleader
Boat fishing20lb–50lb mono or braid
Fly fishing backing20lb–30lb Dacron or braid

Monofilament vs. Braid vs. Fluorocarbon

FeatureMonoBraidFluorocarbon
StretchHigh (forgives shocks)None (ultra-sensitive)Low to moderate
VisibilityModerate to lowHighNearly invisible underwater
Abrasion ResistanceGoodVery goodExcellent
Knot StrengthEasy to knotRequires specific knotsStrong but can be tricky to tie
BuoyancyFloats or neutralFloats or sinks (depends on type)Sinks rapidly
Use CasesFloat, feeder, general useFeeder, lure, predator, seaLeaders, hooklengths, fly fishing

Best Fishing Line Brands We Stock

  • Drennan – Supplex mono and Fluorocarbon leaders for match anglers

  • Guru & Preston Innovations – Durable mono for feeder and commercial use

  • Korda, Fox & ESP – Specialist carp mainlines and hooklink materials

  • Daiwa & Shimano – Premium mono and braid for fresh and saltwater setups

  • SpiderWire & PowerPro – High-performance braid for lure and predator fishing

  • Berkley & Savage Gear – Versatile braid and fluorocarbon for game and coarse anglers

  • Greys & Airflo – Fly lines, backing, and tippets for trout and salmon fishing

  • Tronixpro & Breakaway – Sea fishing mono and shockleaders for surf casters


How to Choose the Right Fishing Line

  1. Match Line to Your Target Species

    • Light mono (2–4lb) for roach and perch

    • Medium mono or braid (6–12lb) for bream, tench, and F1s

    • Heavy braid (20–40lb) for carp, pike, or sea species

  2. Consider Water Clarity

    • Use fluorocarbon for crystal-clear lakes

    • Braid is fine in coloured or fast-flowing water

  3. Balance Line Strength With Rod and Reel Ratings

    • Avoid overpowering light gear with heavy line

    • Check your reel’s spool capacity and rod’s casting rating

  4. Look at Abrasion Resistance

    • Fishing near snags or rocks? Choose braid or fluoro

    • Open water? Mono will do just fine


Expert Fishing Line Tips

Always wet your knots before tightening—this prevents line damage
Store spools out of direct sunlight to avoid line degradation
Check for nicks and abrasions regularly, especially near terminal tackle
Use line conditioner or tension spoolers when spooling braid
Replace mono annually—especially if used heavily or stored in hot areas


🧠 FAQ: Fishing Line (10+ Questions)

1. What’s the best all-round fishing line?
Monofilament is the best all-rounder—affordable, forgiving, and easy to use.

2. When should I use braid instead of mono?
Use braid for long casts, deep water, and situations where sensitivity is key, like lure or feeder fishing.

3. Is fluorocarbon really invisible underwater?
Yes—it has a similar refractive index to water, making it ideal for leaders and clear-water rigs.

4. How often should I change my fishing line?
Mono: once per season.
Braid: every 1–2 seasons (depending on use and condition).
Fluoro: change when nicked or worn.

5. Can I use braid on any reel?
Yes, but use braid backing or tape to prevent slipping on smooth spools. Match rod and reel to braid type.

6. What knot is best for braid?
Use Palomar, FG, or Uni knot—they hold better with low-stretch lines.

7. What’s a shockleader, and do I need one?
A shockleader protects your mainline during long, powerful casts—especially vital in sea fishing.

8. Can I use mono as a hooklength?
Yes—lighter or softer mono works great for hooklengths and improves bait presentation.

9. Why does my line twist or tangle?
Could be due to incorrect spooling, poor rig setup, or rotating baits. Use swivels and spool correctly.

10. Is coloured line better or worse than clear?
Depends on the venue. Coloured lines offer better visibility above water, while clear or green blends better underwater.

11. How do I spool a reel correctly with new line?
Ensure it’s wound with proper tension, label facing up (mono), and stop 1–2mm below the spool lip.


Line You Can Rely On Since 1988

For over three decades, we’ve been helping anglers select the perfect fishing line for every method, species, and water condition. Whether you’re stalking canal carp, casting lures for perch, or hauling bait into a headwind on the beach, our expert-picked range has the strength, stealth, and performance you need.

🎣 Tie it all together. Cast with confidence. Explore the full range of fishing line online or in-store today.

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