By Stephen Byrne
Monofilaments by Berkley and Ande are easy to use
Ande, Berkley Trilene and Spiderwire are three of the most popular fishing lines manufacturers. These companies offer traditional monofilament lines and sophisticated synthetics lines known as superlines.
Bringing the right line along on your fishing vacation will increase your odds of success on your excursion. The right line for you is determined by your attitude toward fishing. If you have deep pockets and are fanatical about fishing, one of the superlines is right for you. If you are looking forward to a relaxing vacation and don't want to deal with the hassle of knots that are impossible to untie, monofilament is the way to go.
Perks
Ande monofilament is easy to tie knots with. More than 1,300 International Game Fish Association records have been caught on Ande monofilament line. Trilene is another of the most popular monofilament lines. Known for durability, Trilene will last through many fishing trips.
Fireline is a synthetic braided line designed to stack on your reel's spool without digging in. Spiderwire is another synthetic superline known for its sensitivity and durability, and is 3 to 5 times thinner than monofilament.
Sacrifices
Monofilament has approximately 10-percent stretch. If you have 100 yards of line between you and your fish, the line stretches 10 yards before pulling on the fish. Stretch reduces sensitivity, and is the difference between feeling the bite and missing it.
Superlines cost five times more than monofilament and have a reputation for mystery break-offs. Superline often causes problems on conventional reels, digging under itself and getting caught between the reel side plate and frame.
Bottom Line
Superlines offer heightened sensitivity and extra headaches
When traveling, limit technical issues. If you can afford to bring along replacement spools and extra line, superlines are great choices for increased casting distance and sensitivity.
To keep your fishing vacation simple, go with monofilament. The reduced sensitivity and increased stretch are balanced by the ease of use.
Resources
About the Author:
Stephen Byrne is a freelance writer with published articles in "Nor'East Saltwater," "Sportfishing" magazine, "Pacific Coast Sportfishing" and "Salt Water Sportsman." As a fishing charter captain, he was also interviewed for a feature in "Field and Stream." Byrne studied environmental science at the State University of New York at Delhi.
