Fishing Line (What's My Line?)

The three basic types of fishing line that exist are, monofilament, fluorocarbon and braid. There is a fourth, which is my favorite, nano line. We'll talk about that one later.

Monofilament aka Mono:

Is a single strand of nylon line and it's the line that you should start with if you are a beginner. Mono has been around for a long time and with good reason as:

• it knots well
• comes in a wide range of pound tests, colours and varieties
• matches almost every fishing style
• is relatively inexpensive and quite durable
• stretches which allows for easier and smother hooking and fighting of a fish
• casts well of any kind of reel provided it is properly matched.

Braid

For those who do not like stretch in their line, then braid is the answer. Braided line consists of of strands of fibers intertwined or braided. It is extremely strong for its diameter, a characteristic which allows you to put more line on a spool than you would be able to with mono. Braid also:

• has very little stretch which makes it very sensitive. (you feel every little bite and bump)
• is super strong
• works great on baitcasting reels 
• has no memory so it will cast straight and not twist like mono.
• did I mention it floats

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon line is a monofilament nylon alloy. It is a more expensive line than mono and is used by serious anglers fishing in situations where precision and extreme sensitivity count. It also disappears from sight in the water which makes it a very popular leader material. Not to mention it is also very dense so it sinks. Fluorocarbon line is also:

• super sensitive
• easy to cast
• dense enough to sink
• more resistant than mono to ultraviolet rays
• better suited for baitcasting reels than spinning reels

Nano Line; (My favorite)

Nano line is best describes as a braid and nylon hybrid line. It has extreme strength for its diameter like braid, yet if appears to be more of a nylon line in appearance. Originally, designed for spinning reels due to its castability. Nano line is also:

• more resistant than nylon line to ultraviolet light
• super strong
• super sensitive
• has very little stretch
• works best on spinning reels
• cost about the same as fluorocarbon line