The 5 Best Fishing Line For Spinning Reels & How To Pick One

Spinning reels are hugely popular amongst anglers around the world for several good reasons. Not only are they affordable, but they are also easier to use than other types of fishing reels. So, they are usually the best option for beginners.

However, several anglers complain about how had it can be to find the best fishing line for spinning reels. How do you find the right one? The most effective way to find the best fishing lines for spinning reels is to consider several factors like the material, price, breaking strength, etc.

I understand that this can be quite a task, so I will be providing a list of the best fishing lines using these features. Also, I will be breaking down all the different types of fishing lines for spinning reels.

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Reviewing The 5 Best Fishing Lines For Spinning Reels

Since there are various brands and styles of fishing lines for spinning reels today, everyone has a different idea of what the best product should be. However, the products listed in this guide are the best rated in the market today.

PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line

PowerPro is one of the most reputable manufacturers of fishing lines and this product is arguably the best monofilament fishing line. So, you shouldn’t overlook it if you are in search of a braided line for your spinning reel. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and you can rely on it to bring in big fish like bass and trout.

The best thing about this fishing line is its incredible strength. It is built with a braided Spectra fiber and treated with Enhanced Body Technology that boosts its roundness and smoothness. Also, the fishing line is available in different diameters (0.005 inch – 0.035 inch) and lengths (150 yards – 3000 yards). The thinness of the line will enable you to cast with it on a spinning reel seamlessly and a large amount of it can be spooled onto the reel. It can also be left in the spool for a long time.

Additionally, this fishing line is unmatched by any other line from PowerPro in terms of sensitivity. It has a near-zero stretch that will ensure that you notice every single contact. Many braided lines are known to have poor knot strength but not this one. It comes with a coating that boosts its knot strength. It is also super easy to knot and you won’t have to bother about it slipping or unraveling.

Furthermore, the line is wound tightly and coated to ensure that it holds up well in unfavorable conditions. Its construction also gives it incredible abrasion resistance. Finally, the line comes in various colors and you should choose a color based on your fishing needs. High visibility fishing lines are easier to see in the water but if you don’t want the fish to detect your line, go for a low visibility option.

Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

The Seaguar Red Label is something that you can’t go wrong with if you prefer fishing with a fluorocarbon fishing line. Though it is one of the most expensive options in the market, its quality is worth the extra bucks. To start with, the fishing line remains strong in both hot and cold conditions. Its chemical resistance also makes it suitable for different waters.

Additionally, the fishing line has all you need to fight large fish. Its high knot strength and thin diameter will prevent it from breaking as you try to reel in aggressive fish. You will also be able to drag baits along the bottom of the water without worries thanks to its superior abrasion resistance.

What’s more, the line has low elasticity and as a result, it is highly sensitive. The fluoro molecules are packed closely so that the line transmits energy better than mono fishing lines. So, you will feel it when your bait reaches the floor or gets the lightest strike. If you are going after skittish fish, you will be pleased to know that the line has low visibility.

Another thing that I love about this fluorocarbon fishing line is that it has a high density. So, the fishing line will sink into the water without a fuss. The importance of this is that you will be able to catch species of fish that reside at the bottom of the water. Since the material is denser than water, the fishing line slack is also minimal. Finally, the line’s inability to get soaked makes it even stronger in the water.

Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament Fishing Line

Berkley is one of the most well-known names in the fishing world and the best fishing line for spinning reels is the Trilene XL. This product has been on the market for several decades, so any experienced angler should be familiar with it. Now, let’s take a look at the features that have kept it on the market for so long.

To start with, the Trilene XL mono line is super smooth. This makes it the fishing line to opt for if you want to cast over long distances with your spinning reel. The smoothness of the line also means that you won’t have to deal with twists. What’s more, you won’t have to break the bank to get this product thanks to its low price.

Additionally, the line is built to be highly durable to provide abrasion and shock resistance. So, it will be a good choice if you are going after large and aggressive fish like bass and salmon. It will also remain in good condition even after coming in contact with rough and sharp objects.

Furthermore, the Berkley Trilene XL mono fishing line offers a blend of excellent craftsmanship and features. Thanks to its versatility, you will be able to use it in both freshwater and saltwater. It is also incredibly strong to give you the control and confidence you need when angling.

KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line

KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line is another great fishing line for spinning reels. Though it isn’t one of the lowest-priced options, it is a popular choice due to its high quality. It comes at a higher price than the majority of monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. So, why is it worth the investment?

Firstly, the fishing line offers a significant knot strength which is something unusual in a braided line. It may not beat other types of fishing lines in this regard, but it works quite well. I also like how smooth and supple the line is. It flies freely through the line guides, making easy and long-distance casting possible. You will also find the line easy to retrieve.

Additionally, the line has minimal memory. This means that it remains straight when out of the reel so it won’t get tangled in the wind. The line is also highly sensitive thanks to its low stretch feature. So, you shouldn’t have a problem detecting any activity on your hook. Next, the fishing line has a small diameter that will allow you to fill your spool with large quantities of line.

Furthermore, the SuperPower braided fishing line doesn’t absorb water and is highly resistant to UV rays. It also offers good tensile strength and abrasion resistance to enable you to reel in aggressive fish without fuss. The fishing line is available in both high and low visibility colors. You will have to choose between a wide variety of test weights and lengths too.

Stren High Impact Monofilament Line

There are several reasons why the Stren High Impact monofilament line is regarded as an excellent fishing line for spinning reels. However, the number one reason is its incredible impact resistance. It is specially built to resist sharp tugs from big gamefish. Thanks to its minimal stretch, the line will absorb any force that would otherwise cause you to lose a catch.

Another feature that is worth considering in this mono line is its great abrasion resistance. This feature makes it suitable for fishing in harsh conditions. It is suitable for fishing in areas with trees and you may drag it along the bottom of the water.

Additionally, this monofilament fishing line is made with durable nylon and has high tensile strength. The construction of the line makes it ideal for saltwater fishing. Its great hook setting power will ensure that no fish gets away. You can purchase this fishing line in different colors, strengths, and sizes. The fish won’t be able to detect the presence of the line thanks to its low visibility and transparency.

Furthermore, you will find this fishing line useful whether you are fishing offshore or in a coastal environment. It also performs excellent when used as a leader. Though the line is easy to tie and it produces great knots, it is prone to twists and kinks. However, its incredible durability means that is only a slight inconvenience.

Our Top Choice

Depending on your unique fishing needs, any of the fishing lines that I mentioned above should serve you well during your fishing trip. But if I’m to recommend one product as the overall best, it will be the PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Line.

Powerpro is a highly reputable brand in the fishing industry and it is based in the US. So, anglers expect nothing but the best from the brand. This product is a braided fishing line that has been specially treated to boost its strength, smoothness, and shape.

The fishing line is also lightweight so that you will be able to cast seamlessly from your spinning reel. It is available in various colors, lengths, and weights so you won’t have any problem finding something that suits your unique needs. Its only downside is that it costs a few extra dollars, it has no real weakness.

Check out the 8 best spinning reels on the market.

What Is A Spinning Reel?

Before we go into the details of what type of fishing line is best for spinning reels, let’s take a look at what a spinning reel is.

A spinning reel is a type of reel that comes with an open face and a nonmoving spool. The spool has a rotor that revolves around it.

The spinning reel should be placed under the rod and held with the right hand. The crank is usually operated with the left hand but several models have a feature that allows users to reverse the handle for comfort.

Spinning reels come in various sizes, so you can choose based on your fishing wants and needs.

Furthermore, a spinning reel can be used for casting lightweight lures if it is combined with the right rod. But if you are interested in catching bigger fish like tuna and Amazon catfish, then you should opt for a larger model. Larger models can accommodate thicker lines and heavier lures.

Watch this video to see the different parts of a spinning reel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo7hikwkEaI

Spinning Reel or Conventional Reel?

The major difference between a spinning reel and a conventional reel is that the spool on the latter spins during casting.

Spinning reels are super easy to use when compared to other types of fishing reels. Hence, they are the best choice for amateur anglers and kids. Several experienced anglers make use of them too.

Another advantage of choosing a spinning reel is that they are less susceptible to backlash and line twists. Many anglers also prefer casting with them over conventional reels. If you use the right technique and have the necessary experience, you should be able to cover a great casting distance with a conventional reel. On the other hand, a spinning reel will allow you to cover a good distance with minimal effort.

Want to learn how to cast a spinning reel? Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLrYQfeu88U

Types Of Lines For Spinning Reels

There are different types of lines that you can use on a spinning reel. They include braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon fishing lines. Let’s take a closer look at each type of line to discover which one is the best for you:

Braided Fishing Lines

Braided lines used to be made of natural fibers like cotton and linen. But in recent times, the producers have moved on to artificial materials such as Dyneema, Spectra, and sometimes GORE. Some products also come with extra coating to boost their handling and resistance to water and abrasion.

They also have a much thinner diameter than other types of fishing lines. As a result, it will be easier for you to fit more braided line of the same strength on a spool. This will be very beneficial if you are interested in deep fishing since reels can only accommodate a limited amount of line.

Additionally, this type of fishing line is easier to cast because it has minimal memory. The line is also suitable for hard hooksets and techniques that require high sensitivity because it has very little stretch. While braided lines stretch between 1% to 8%, monofilament lines stretch up to 25%.

However, you should know that braided lines have their weaknesses too.

The inability of braided lines to stretch results in poor shock resistance. A braided line will be unable to absorb sudden impacts and this may cause it to fail well below its test strength. Also, a fish that jumps and shakes well enough stands a good chance of throwing a lure due to the lack of stretch in a braided line.

Furthermore, the sleek nature of the materials used in manufacturing braided lines makes it difficult for the lines to bind on themselves. This causes the lines to have poor knot integrity. Braids also offer poor abrasion resistance when compared to other types of fishing lines.

Finally, you will have a hard time catching line-shy fish with a braided line in clear water or when using a heavy-duty braid. This is because braided lines are difficult to color and a clear color isn’t possible with braid.

My Verdict On Braided Lines

There are several reasons why a braided fishing line will be a great choice for your spinning tackle. The thinness of the line plays to the strengths of spinning reels and it allows excellent casting. Braided lines also provide a high level of sensitivity and hard hooksets. As a result, it is highly suitable for single hooked techniques, deep jigging, or any type of fishing that requires lots of line.

However, knot integrity will be an issue. You will need to use a heavier test line than necessary to increase its strength. You should remember that braid provides only half of its test strength. So, it is always better to use an amount of line that will provide double the strength you need.

Furthermore, braid isn’t suitable for clear water since it’s impossible for Dyneema or Spectra to be transparent. The only way it can be used is if it is combined with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. You should also avoid using a braided line when fishing in an environment with abrasive objects like rocks and oyster shells. It isn’t built to undergo severe abuse. If you need an abrasion-resistant line, you should opt for mono or fluorocarbon.

Check out the best braided line for saltwater fishing and more.

Monofilament

Nylon monofilament fishing lines are the favorite of older anglers and this shows how reliable they are.

Mono lines are incredibly tough. They have a similar level of abrasion resistance as fluorocarbon, but what makes them even better is that they stretch under load and go back to their original length. Fluoro lines lack this property and the deformation causes the line to grow weaker.

A monofilament fishing line can stretch up to 25% of its length. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this.

The good thing is that the elasticity of the line gives it incredible shock strength. Also, the line’s elasticity makes it extremely difficult for aggressive fish to throw the lure as you try to bring them in.

On the downside, monofilament lines are suitable for situations where sensitivity or hard hooksets are required. They are also less effective with single hooked lures.

However, mono lines are the most suitable option for treble hooked applications. The buoyancy of the line makes it highly suitable for topwater fishing.

Additionally, knots tied with monofilament lines are much better than those tied with braid or fluorocarbon. A monofilament line has a much higher tendency to have issues with memory than a braided line. However, it is significantly better than fluoro and it casts excellently.

Finally, mono fishing lines are available in a wide variety of colors including different shades of clear. So, it is the right type of line for hunting line shy fish.

My Verdict On Monofilament Lines

Monofilament fishing lines are ideal for various situations.

When trying to bring in large fish, you will be able to rely on its great shock strength. Also, the line’s elasticity will handy when a 30-pound pike tries to break away.

Additionally, you will be able to tie knots with high knot integrity with a mono line. This will be a great advantage whenever you go up against aggressive fish.

Since it comes in various low visibility colors, you will be able to fish freely in clear water.

However, the monofilament line has its downsides. The line’s elasticity gives the hook set inferior strength. Mono is also not ideal for fishing techniques that require sensitivity.

In the end, you should opt for monofilament fishing most of the time. You should only opt for other fishing lines when mono isn’t suitable for the situation.

Here are the 5 best mono fishing lines.

Fluorocarbon

I always have this fishing line in my tackle box and you should also consider taking it on your fishing trip. A fluorocarbon line will be the perfect substitute for a braid when you are fishing in clear water.

Fluorocarbon is made of a thermoplastic known as polyvinylidene fluoride. The material is tougher and denser than nylon, so it provides some interesting benefits.

The major advantage of fluoro is that several anglers believe that it is more translucent than mono. However, I would like to note that scientists have debunked the invisibility of fluorocarbon lines in the water.

That said, I feel that the line is more transparent than mono while the braided line doesn’t even come close. Fluorocarbon lines also sink at a much higher rate than mono. As a result, it is highly suitable for fishing in deep, clear water. It will also be a great option when you fish in clear water with deep diving baits. It is not the right type of fishing line for topwater fishing though.

Additionally, the high density of fluorocarbon means that it offers greater sensitivity than mono. Though it isn’t a match for braid, you should opt for fluoro when you need a highly translucent line. Fluorocarbon is also as good as monofilament when it comes to abrasion resistance.

But like the other fishing lines, fluorocarbon also has its downsides.

To start with, fluorocarbon is slick so it doesn’t create great knots. However, it stills create knots better than braid.

Another issue with fluorocarbon is the extra density. Since it is more elastic than mono, a greater force will have to be exerted for it to fail. However, it is usually difficult for fluoro to go back to its original once it stretches. The stretch may even be permanent (around 5%), and therefore weakening the line.

Furthermore, fluorocarbon tends to have more memory than other types of fishing lines due to its density and this affects its casting performance. This makes it less suitable for spinning reels and this is why only the Seaguar Blue Label made the list.

My Verdict On Fluorocarbon Lines

The majority of fluorocarbon fishing lines in the market retain too much memory to be suitable for spinning reels.

Moreover, the line’s best features are its transparency and high sensitivity rather than casting distance. As a result, you should consider fluorocarbon as a substitute for braid when fishing in clear waters.

In the end, you shouldn’t opt for fluoro when you need transparency and sensitivity. Instead, you should opt for the combination of a braided line and a mono leader.

Line Features That You Should Know

In this section, I will be telling you about some line features that you should know:

Visibility

A clear fishing line can be a game-changer during your fishing trip. Some fish tend to avoid taking baits when they are attached to something. So if the fish can’t see your line, there is a greater chance of them taking your bait.

However, you may find it difficult to track a transparent line in the water and this is more likely to happen when you use a fluorocarbon fishing line. To solve this problem, it is better to use fluoro as your leader and choose another type of fishing line as your fishing line. This will enable you to take advantage of the benefits of both lines.

Colors

Fishing lines are produced in various colors and each color is suitable for a certain type of water. For instance, if the water has a greenish color, it is better to opt for a green line for low visibility. Meanwhile, clear lines are more suitable for clear water.

Additionally, fishing lines are classified into high visibility and low visibility lines. High visibility lines are designed to be more visible to you than the fish. So, you will be able to monitor your line as soon as you feel any activity on it.

Twisting Lines

Line twists may occur on your spinning tackle if the lure spins around the line’s end. The twist will then affect your entire line eventually. However, some line makers take some steps to ensure that their lines are less susceptible to twists. Your line won’t cast well if it keeps getting tangled. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to prevent your line from twisting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiiQEldKoOo

Frequently Asked Questions