Fishing is an activity that many people enjoy. However, not everyone has the time or money to go fishing every day. That’s why it’s important to find a quality line of mono fishing lines that will last for years and provide you with the best experience possible!
In this post, we’ll review 5 of the best monofilament lines and provide insight into their performance as well as how to choose one. Whether you’re new to fishing or have been doing it for decades, there are some great tips in here for just about anyone!
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS…
| Best Monofilament Line | Product | Tensile Strength | Size | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkley Trilene XL |   | 2 lbs - 30 lbs | 250 Yds - 9000 Yds | Check Price |
| TopKastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line |   | 4 lbs - 30 lbs | 300 Yds - 600 Yds | Check Price |
| Berkley Trilene XT Monofilament Fishing Line |   | 4 lbs - 30 lbs | 110 Yds - 1000 Yds | Check Price |
| Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line |   | 4 lbs - 30 lbs | 100 Yds - 2400 Yds | Check Price |
| Berkley Trilene Sensation Monofilament Fishing Line |   | 2 lbs - 17 lbs | 300 Yds - 3000 Yds | Check Price |
Table of Contents
Monofilament Fishing Line Reviews
Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament Fishing Line
- All purpose, forgiving and easy to handle fishing line
- Easy to tie knots with good strength
- High stretch, forgiving line - optimal when fighting big fish
- Neutral buoyancy so it floats: optimal for fishing topwater baits & spinner baits
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament Fishing Line is one of the best mono fishing line models available on the market. It was designed as a high memory fishing line that provides a smooth casting experience, which is important when catching a fish. This fishing line has a clear line color, which gives it low visibility in the water. It can be used for most types of fish, including game fish. It is one of the best knot strength fishing lines, and this model is an 8-pound testing line, which has an excellent strength to diameter ratio.
Although this fishing line can be used in freshwater and saltwater, it is most commonly used in freshwater fishing. Each spoil of this fishing line comes with a total of 330 yards, which means you will not have to worry about buying a new fishing line for a while after purchasing this spoil. It can be used on a spinning reel and it is known as a smooth casting monofilament fishing line, which is excellent for beginner and experienced fishermen.
It is resistant to abrasion and is classified as a high memory line, which makes it excellent for prolonged usage. Finally, this high-impact monofilament fishing line has a high tensile strength to help ensure that you won’t lose your catch after waiting for the time to reel it in.
KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line
- LOW MEMORY – KastKing mono is made with Paralleled Roll Track technology resulting in better reel capacity for easier handling and casting
- ABRASION RESISTANT – You can now take on a good bass fishing fight with nylon line
- SUPERIOR CLARITY PLUS COLORS – Rest assure that your clear line will remain more invisible than ever and colored monofilament are available for many fishing tactics
- LOW ABSORPTION – Gives the line less limpness and quicker retrieval, allowing any angler to have peace of mind to fish almost any condition and techniques with confidence
- QUALITY GUARANTEED – When it comes to KastKing, we’re all about keeping fishing fun by keeping it affordable! KastKing’s monofilament reduces line breakage at the knot and perfect for freshwater or saltwater fishing
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line is a high memory line that makes the vis yellow part an easier feature to deal with that is not common with other fishing line models. This is the best monofilament fishing line when looking for a fishing line with abrasion resistance.
It can be purchased in many line color schemes, including a clear blue, which helps to provide low visibility. Also, it doesn’t have high memory, which makes it easier for handling and casting.
It is a smooth casting monofilament fishing line that can be used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing excursions. It has a decent shock strength, and it is a high impact monofilament fishing line that is guaranteed by KastKing, and it has a low absorption which means that the line will have less limpness and will be faster to retrieve the line.
Berkley Trilene XT Monofilament Fishing Line
- Abrasion resistant against sharp objects
- 47% more flexible and performs better than previous generations of XT
- Ideal for stubborn fish hiding in vertical cover
- Neutral buoyancy so it floats; Optimal for fishing topwater baits & spinner baits
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Berkley Trilene XT Monofilament Fishing Line is classified as a memory line, which means that it can be used for longer periods of time and provides a smooth casting experience, and has an excellent tensile strength to diameter. This fishing line is a 17-pound testing line and with this type of fishing line, you can enjoy a high tensile strength that is lacking in many other fishing line models.
This is an excellent line for saltwater fishing or for freshwater fishing, depending on your preference. Plus, it is strong enough to allow you to catch most types of game fish. It has a decent shock strength, and it is easy to tie knots in, as needed. It is an excellent fishing line for beginners because it is forgiving and easy to handle, but it works well as an all-purpose fishing line. It works well with a spinning reel, and it is optimal to be used with spinnerbaits and topwater baits.
It is one of the best mono fishing line models, especially when it comes to abrasion resistance. Finally, this fishing line has excellent line sensitivity that is unparallel to its competitors, and it has low visibility, which will help to increase the odds of catching fish that might be scared away by more visible fishing lines.
Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line
- UV guard extends the lifetime of your line
- The perfect balance of strength, toughness and handling
- Superior knot and tensile strength to land big fish
- Low memory for easy casting and handling
- Tough and abrasion resistant
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line has high abrasion resistance, and it has an excellent shock strength. This fishing line is also the best mono fishing line for someone that is looking for a high-impact monofilament fishing line with a UV guard that helps to extend the lifetime of the line. Though not as strong as a braided line, it features a superior knot and tensile strength that helps to ensure it will not easily break under the strain of a larger fish.
Stren is a well-known manufacturer of fishing line products, and this one has a 6-pound line weight. it was designed to be tough and has an excellent abrasion resistance that makes it easier to catch a wider range of fish with this line. It is clear, which provides low visibility in the water, and it works well to provide you with the best fishing experience possible.
Berkley Trilene Sensation Monofilament Fishing Line
- A professional grade mono - extreme strength, sensitivity, and control
- Ultra strong and thin - our highest strength-per-diameter mono - wet or dry
- Ultra sensitive - Super sensitivity for detecting light bites
- Smooth control - low memory for outstanding cast ability and handling
- Available in Blaze Orange and Solar colors for extra-high visibility
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Berkley is well-known for the fishing line products that they produce, and this model was designed at the 6-pound line strength that is created to be super strong and ultra-sensitive. This means that regardless of how small the bite on your line might be, you will be able to feel it, which will increase the likelihood of catching more fish. It is a low memory fishing line, which makes it outstanding for casting ability and handling, regardless of the type of reel you prefer.
This is classified as a professional-grade monofilament fishing line that is available in different colors from blaze orange to solar colors that are known for having extra-high visibility. This fishing line can be purchased in other line weight amounts, and they will provide you with the best fishing line possible. It is capable of being used in both saltwater and freshwater fishing excursion, which helps to set it apart from other fishing lines that only allow you to do one or the other.
This is one of the main reasons it is on the top 5 list because it gives you that option that helps to keep from limiting your fishing experiences and provides you an all-around go-to fishing line that you can always count on to suit your needs.
Our Top Choice
If you’re looking for a fishing line that is sensitive, strong, and durable, the KastKing World’s Premium mono line should be your first option. The nylon material offers excellent knot-tying capabilities while also having an attractive feel in the water.
When you’re sure to use these premium products for your next fishing trip, you can be confident that they will help make it a success by attracting fish with their soft nylon materials and enhanced lure action.
Nonetheless, if you are a beginner, it could be challenging to detect subtle bites. In such a case Berkley Trilene Sensation is the best alternative. The line is ultra-sensitive making it almost impossible to miss subtle bites and low stretch also makes monitoring lure activity an easy task.
How to choose the best mono fishing line
How do you fish without a fishing line? Fishing lines are the most important part of any angler’s gear, and it is worth your time to consider which one will work best for when you’re out there on that boat.
A few key factors in determining what mono fishing line may be right for you include:
Strength and durability
Ever heard the saying “you get what you pay for”? Fishing lines are no exception. You may think that a $3 fishing rod and reel combo will do, but beware! The weakest links in any setup are your lines.
Thicker monofilament lines have been found to be more durable because they’re made of thicker material which puts less pressure on knots tying them together or reels holding onto them.
This also means that when reeling it back in, there’s noticeably less tension put on both ends of the string making it easier to handle with just one hand if necessary.
To reel in a big fish, you need sturdier lines with a tensile strength that won’t break. For catching small and medium-sized gamefish, on the other hand, a low shock-resistant fishing line is best to avoid breaking when reeling them up.
The Fishing Line Diameter
Line diameter is a very important factor when catching fish. You want the line to be thin enough so that you reduce visibility, but not too thin as it might break while reeling in your catch. If this balance isn’t hit just right then either strength or effectiveness will suffer and leave you with poor results!
Stretch and Shock Resistance
Knowing the type of fish you are looking to catch will help determine what kind of fishing line is best for your needs. If you plan on catching saltwater species, a less elasticity line is preferable because it’s more sensitive and reactive to those subtle bites.
Adding in some extra give or stretch into the string helps prevent any sudden snaps that would cause a break from excessive shocks- all without sacrificing sensitivity!
Line Memory
Fishing lines are made to have low memory. When fishing, the line must be able to straighten out and stay that way for an extended period of time so you can cast smoothly with ease.
Typically good quality fishing lines will do just this without costing too much more than cheaper ones. The price is worth it in the end as you’ll find your lures easier to see while they’re on their hooks!
Sink Rate
Topwater fishing lures provide an exciting fishing technique that often catches more fish than other types of lures. Mono fishing lines are a great way to have success with this fishing style, but they can become heavy and get waterlogged over time which makes them sink faster underwater!
So, be sure to replace your mono line as needed for the best experience when using it – or else even just one use could be very disappointing.
Color options
An invisible fishing line is an innovative approach to angling as it does not easily catch the attention of fish. If you intend on fishing in clear waters, then a clear monofilament line would be best.
On the other hand, if your area has unclear water conditions then various colors available such as green or blue might work better for them instead of just one color like white or yellow that are seen by most fish instantly at greater distances even when they’re underwater!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a monofilament fishing line?
As the name suggests, mono or monofilament fishing lines are made up of single-strand fiber, unlike multifilament strings that are braided, fused, or bundled together with multiple threads.
Nylon is everywhere. It’s in your socks, toothbrush bristles, and even the monofilaments that make up a lot of fishing lines! However, there are different types of nylon with varying levels of strength and stretchability depending on what you’re using it for. For this, the nylon materials are blended into co- or multi-polymers, which results in variable strength, stretch, abrasion resistance, and more essential features.
One thing to point out is that monofilament lines can get hung up in weeds more easily than braided lines. Yet, they are thinner and lighter than other types of fishing lines. The thinner diameter provides a more sensitive feel for your lure or bait because you have better sensitivity to detect bites or nibbles. This type of line will not stretch out as much under load as braided lines do, so it doesn’t absorb the movement you put into it.
What are the advantages of monofilament lines?
High stretch: One of the best features of monofilament lines is that it stretches 25% more than fluorocarbons. This makes it possible to reel in unbuttoned fish and fight the big catch with ease!
Budget-friendly: Mono lines are the most affordable of all fishing threads. It is one of the top fishing tool investments as the mono performs best when reeling in the catch.
Knot-friendly: You can use various easy tying knot techniques without compromising on the line’s strength.
Fewer tangles: Unraveling or tangling is much more difficult than with multiple strand lines because they don’t really tangle as easily when left out of the water and can handle some bending unlike braided lines, but only if tied precisely.
What are the disadvantages of monofilament lines?
Decreased durability: The biggest disadvantage may be the decreased durability – monofilament fishing lines can’t handle impacts or abrasion quite as well as braided fishing lines. Monofilament lines also rarely have a coating like Dacron on them which can protect them from UV, water, and chemicals. As such, they break down more quickly than their braided counterparts when exposed to these elements.
Less sensitive: Monofilament fishing lines are less sensitive than braided lines, which can be a disadvantage when fishing for smaller fish or near the top of deep water.
Low shock-absorbing properties: Mono fishing lines don’t have the shock-absorbing properties that braided fishing lines do. So when you set hooks or fight fish, your arms will get more of a workout and it can even lead to muscle fatigue.
How frequently should you change monofilament fishing line?
This is a question that only the individual can answer. Fishing conditions, type of fishing (depth, lure size), line class, and tensile strength will all affect the lifespan of a line. A general rule to follow is every 30-50 hours of fishing depending on the individual circumstances.
For those who fish in turbulent water, it’s recommended to replace their line after 20 hours at a minimum and up to 40 or more hours for those who continuously get banged up by rocks or trees when shore fishing.
What is the difference between fluorocarbon and monofilament fishing lines?
Monofilament lines sink slowly, making it suitable for topwater lures and other baits that need the thread that neither floats nor sinks like hard jerk baits. Beginners find it easy to use mono lines as they are easily manageable and cheaper. However, the monofilaments tend to weaken over time as water can easily penetrate through them. You might, therefore, end up replacing the line more often compared to fluorocarbon types.
Features of Monofilament lines
– Suspends in water
– It weakens with time as water can seep through the line
– Less sensitive as it stretches to absorb more shock
– More color options
– Easy to tie knots
Fluorocarbon lines, on the other hand, are denser than water, and so it sinks, making it suitable for worm and jig anglers. Its invisibility in water is also an added advantage as it does not spook the fish. Besides, unlike mono fishing lines that refract light, fluorocarbon lines allow the light to pass through to avoid alerting the fish.
Features of Fluorocarbon Lines
– Sinks in water
– Maintain strength as it doesn’t absorb water
– More sensitive as it doesn’t stretch
– Invisible colors
– Challenging to tie knots
Are Braided fishing lines stronger than Monofilament Lines?
Yes, braided fishing lines are stronger than monofilaments at the same weight because of the nature of each strand and also due to a greater density.
For instance, a 1-ounce braid will be much stronger than a 1-ounce monofilament. This is because the strands in braids are usually thicker (greater density) and they’re made up of smaller, more tightly woven yarns. If you have trouble pulling on that hook or playing out your fishing line with one hand – it’s probably time for some better quality tough braided rope!
How to tie braided fishing line to monofilament?
Researching how to tie a braided fishing line is pretty complicated because there are so many people who swear by different knots when tying it. Luckily, here are some top-ranking knots that will definitely hold your lines together.
PR Bobbin Knot
The PR Bobbin Knot is considered to have a 100% knot strength. This means that your fishing line can withstand the most abusive part of a fish’s attack without breaking, but it does require some maintenance before you get started with this fishing technique. The best thing about using this as your connection between mainline and leader? It never lets go!
The drawback? you need a tool, namely a Bobbin, which loads the tag end of your mainline. This is necessary for making the needed wraps when tying up the knot into a neat and tidy package.
Also, this knots is not easy to tie, especially with slippery fingers on the water. The best way is to get in ahead of time and practice!
FG Knot
The FG (=Fully Ground) knot is the second-best option if you’re not interested in investing your time and energy into a bobbin tool. The high breaking strength of this particular type of knot makes it better than many others, including 6 Turn Surgeon’s Knots and Double Uni knots- but that doesn’t mean they are bad choices!
Have a look at our fishing knots guide to discover more knots and tutorials.
What are the advantages of monofilament lines?
High stretch: One of the best features of monofilament lines is that it stretches 25% more than fluorocarbons. This makes it possible to reel in unbuttoned fish and fight the big catch with ease!
Budget-friendly: Mono lines are the most affordable of all fishing threads. It is one of the top fishing tool investments as the mono performs best when reeling in the catch.
Knot-friendly: You can use various easy tying knot techniques without compromising on the line’s strength.
Fewer tangles: Unraveling or tangling is much more difficult than with multiple strand lines because they don’t really tangle as easily when left out of the water and can handle some bending unlike braided lines, but only if tied precisely.
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