BEST FISHING LINE FOR SPINNING REELS 2023

Many anglers have strayed away from monofilament in favor of fluorocarbon or braided options. The main reason for this is toughness, but the Trilene Big Game is the exception to the rule. This is one of the most durable monofilaments available and still surprisingly affordable, making it the choice for recreational and tournament anglers alike. Plus, it has less stretch than other brands. While all monofilament lines will experience some level of stretch due to its nylon construction, Big Game is designed to provide a controlled stretch. This means you know how it will perform under pressure rather than having to wait and see when you hook a lunker (i.e. monster fish). Having a controlled stretch allows you to achieve a better hook set and control fish when they head to cover. The combination of strength and buoyancy is perfect for top-waters, buzz baits, or crankbaits but excels when bank fishing. Bank anglers do not have the advantage of repositioning to guide fish away from thick cover -so knowing your line will withstand some abuse is key in this particular fishing environment.

TEST LB RANGE: 8 to 130 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 240 to 7800 yds.
DIAMETER: 0.27 to 0.99 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Clear, coastal brown, green, solar collector, steel blue
MEMORY : High
STRENGTH: Strong

Power Pro Spectra Fiber fishing line is more than another thin, strong braid. It is the most advanced braided line on the market. Sure, you get all the advantages of a normal braid. Thin diameter and strong tinsel strength but you also get increased sensitivity and smoothness. Like many brands of braided line, Power Pro utilizes ultra-strong Spectra Fiber in the construction process. Unlike their competitors, Power Pro line is then treated with Enhanced Body Technology. This patented process ensures the line is round, smooth, and more sensitive than other brands. The rounded profiles also reduce memory and prevent the line from digging into the spool – both being problems the braided line is renowned for. This combination makes this the perfect choice for a wide range of applications. It excels when fishing heavy cover or structure. It is also the go-to choice when chasing toothy species that usually slice through other lines with ease. Because it is known to be ‘near indestructible’ – Power Pro is suitable for both fresh and saltwater use. I don’t know If you can tell by now, but I personally really love this spinning line for more reasons than one.

TEST LB RANGE: 5 to 250 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 100 to 3000 yds
DIAMETER: 0.06 to 0.89 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Moss green, white, hi-vis yellow, vermillion red
MEMORY : Low
STRENGTH: Very Strong

The Super-FC Sniper, a spinning reel fishing line, courtesy of Sunline is one tough piece of fishing gear that’s made of 100% fluorocarbon material, boasting 3 layers of resin which ensures the line is much softer and sensitive for nice handling.
Being sturdy means that the Super-FC Sniper is durable and quite abrasion-resistant.
Experienced anglers like Sunline’s fishing line mainly because it’s a tight line that doesn’t feel stiff and offers a nice casting distance.
Most satisfied anglers use it for cover fishing, technique-specific fishing, and clear water fishing.

TEST LB RANGE: 4 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 200 yds
DIAMETER: Uniform
COLOR OPTIONS: 1
MEMORY : Low
STRENGTH: Excellent

Fluorocarbon fishing line, in general, has a pretty rap. Not because it is necessarily inferior but because many anglers have used poor quality brands. Regardless of which type of line you use, poor quality equals poor performance. The key to successful fishing starts with a quality line and Seagur Invizx Fluorocarbon is a quality line. The first thing you will notice is the feel. Invizx feels more like monofilament, with a soft, pliable quality. This allows the line to lay on the spool better and tangle less. Because the line lays tightly it will also cast better with less backlash. Many anglers report this line adds as much as ten yards to their cast over other fluorocarbons. If you fish around cover, especially rocks, you will also notice an increased resistance to abrasions. This will allow you to have more confidence that the line will last more than 20-25 casts between retying, and that it will still land big fish on the 30th cast. Finally, it is almost invisible. This is a definite advantage when fishing finicky fish or those that have seen a lot of different lures thrown their way. The bottom line is Invizx provides the benefits of both fluorocarbon and monofilament without most of the problems of either.

TEST LB RANGE: 4 to 25 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 200 & 1000 yds
DIAMETER: 0.165 to 0.435 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Clear
MEMORY : Normal
STRENGTH: Strong

Berkley touts Trilene XL Smooth as America’s best-selling monofilament fishing line. While this may be as much marketing as it is fact, there is one thing we know – it is hard to find a better performing line in this price range. Like many monofilament lines, Trilene XL is not a precision-wound. That is, there will be variations in the line from one section to another. In most cases, this seems to be limited to the diameter and does not affect casting or performance. It is extremely smooth, casts well and is not too slick. Laboratory tests show an extremely high knot holding ability. Like most monofilament lines – sensitivity is an issue, but the Trilene XL is on the higher end of the scale. Visibility is good and it does come in a variety of colors for different applications. This an excellent choice when fishing moving baits or lures, although not the best in heavy cover.

TEST LB RANGE: 2 to 30 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 110 to 9000 yds
DIAMETER: 0.12 to 0.50 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Clear, fluorescent blue, low-vis green
MEMORY : Normal
STRENGTH: Moderately strong

KASTKING offers affordable fishing gear well suited for anglers of all levels. Their Super Power braided fishing line is no exception. Although at the lower end of the price spectrum, it is by no means a lesser quality line. The MultiTuf PE line, or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene construction, offers higher abrasion resistance while maintaining casting ability. This is the same material used in the construction of ice rink edge guards and bulletproof vests, so you know it is tough. Each line is a construct of between 4 and 8 separate strands woven together. This method allows for greater tensile strength and increased elasticity as the line size increases. This is also what allows the line to continue to cast further when using high strength diameters. A proprietary coating reduces the waxy feel other braided line suffers from and allows for superior performance when using a lure with swimming action. Low memory makes precision casting possible and high sensitivity allows you to better feel the lure and the bite.

TEST LB RANGE: 6 to 150 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 300 to 1000 yds
DIAMETER: 0.10 to 0.45 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Low-vis grey, moss green, multi color, ocean blue, yellow
MEMORY : Low
STRENGTH: Strong

Spiderwire was one of the first mainstream manufacturers to offer a braided fishing line to the recreational angler and they continue to be a leader in the field. With the introduction of the Stealth brand, they have also conquered many of the negatives that have plagued the braided line industry, from the beginning. Thanks to a proprietary fluoropolymer line treatment process, they can produce a line that outperforms even the best of the earlier models and many of their modern competitors. This line is woven from multiple smaller strands (4 or 8 – depending on poundage), which provides a smoother, rounded finish. This greatly reduces the tendency to dig into the spool and allows for a bit more elasticity in higher weight lines. Spiderwire has also recognized the need to offer a wide assortment of colors and spool sizes. There is a total of 7 colors available and spools range from 125 yds. to 3000 yds.

TEST LB RANGE: 6 to 250 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 125 to 3000 yds
DIAMETER: 0.12 to 0.81 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Moss green, hig-vis yellow, blue camo, green camo, translucent, pink camo and clow-vis
MEMORY : Normal
STRENGTH: Very Strong

Piscifun has taken the fishing industry by storm, offering a wide assortment of affordable rods, reels, and now braided fishing lines. The Onyx braided line is an affordable option for the angler who wants the benefits of braided without the hefty price tag attached. Like other braided lines, the Onyx is super strong – almost impossible to break. This allows you to tackle big fish and pull them from heavy cover or around a tough structure. The near-zero stretch provides superior control and the sensitivity makes it seem like the lure is attached directly to you. Every bump, twitch, and quiver is detected. The epoxy treatment used by Piscifun in the manufacturing process – provides a smooth surface allowing better cast, another problem that hinders braided competitors. Finally, there is the issue of weight. Onyx is lighter than many of the others on the market, making it easier for live bait to move about freely.

TEST LB RANGE: 6 to 150 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 150 to 574 yds
DIAMETER: 0.06 to 0.70 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Black, green, multi-color, ocean blue, white, yellow
MEMORY : Low
STRENGTH: Very Strong

Stren is a reputable and established manufacturer when it comes to fishing line brands out there. Long before many of their competitors were even a thought, Stren was already a legend. While they may not be known for premium braiding, they are experts at fluorocarbon. If you are an angler who prefers fluorocarbon, then Stren Fluorocast deserves a shot. Why? First, this line is durable – It will allow you to tackle big fish. Second, it is one of the more abrasion resistant fluorocarbons on the market. Neither weeds, rocks, or unruly structure will part it easily. Third, it is sensitive enough to feel even the smallest nibble. Fluorocarbon is known for its sensitivity, but Stren has managed to elevate the bar with this line. Finally, it is economical. Not only is the purchase cost a fraction of other brands, this product also lasts a long time. It is not unusual to get more than a single season out of one spool.

TEST LB RANGE: 4 to 17 lbs
SPOOL SIZE: 100 & 200 yds.
DIAMETER: 0.17 to 0.40 mm
COLOR OPTIONS: Clear
MEMORY : High
STRENGTH: Strong

When it comes to recreational fishing, spinning gear is by far the most popular setup. It is easy to learn, easy to use, and affordable. It can also make use of almost any type of fishing line, so no matter your preference, you can find a suitable spinning outfit. But not all fishing lines are created equal so it is important to know what qualities to look for before picking up your next spool.

Types of Line

There are three main types of fishing lines suitable for spinning gear. Each has advantages and disadvantages – so knowing how each differs from the next, is the first step in picking the right line that meets your preferences.

Braided Line – is a recent concept-release and is growing in popularity season after season. It is super strong, almost to the point of being impossible to break even when you want to. It has almost zero stretch, so it is extremely sensitive. Plus, do to its superior tensile strength, it has a much smaller diameter to weight ratio. This allows much more line to be spooled on the same reel than if you were using either fluorocarbon or monofilament. Of course, there are drawbacks. Some braided lines are so tough that it can even cut your hands when tugging on it and cutters are needed to snip tag ends or release snagged lines. It can also be difficult to tie, with many traditional fishing knots simply slipping when you try to pull them snug. You may need to use different knots.

Fluorocarbon Line – fluorocarbon was developed to try and address many of the shortcomings faced when using monofilament. It is more abrasion resistant, nearly impossible in the water, and does not stretch as much. If you do not like braided but need higher weight line, then fluorocarbon may be the answer. Because of its low visibility, you can get away with the heavier line without worrying it will spook the fish. Disadvantages include a stiffer feel that makes tying knots a bit more difficult. It also sinks quicker which makes it a less than perfect choice for topwaters.

Monofilament Line – this has been the standard for millions of recreational anglers for decades and it has served them well. While most of today’s users select it because of the low cost it is still a viable option regardless of cost. One of the biggest differences between monofilament and the other types of lines is how much it stretches under pressure. While experienced anglers may find this to be a nuisance – beginners can benefit from the extra give, especially when fighting a big fish. It also easy to tie and holds knots well. If fishing lighter weights, under 10-12 lbs., monofilament is a great choice for light lures.

1. What is the best type of line for spinning reels?

There are three main types of lines used with spinning gear – braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. All three have advantages, and disadvantages, when used with spinning gear – Neither is a complete standout to the others. The line that would be best for you depends on where you fish, what species you are targeting, and how you will be fishing. The braided line is thin, very strong, and very sensitive. Drawbacks include high visibility in the water, a tendency to fray, and minimal stretch which leads to some missed hook sets. Monofilament is popular with occasional anglers or those on a tight budget as it is the cheapest option. It does tend to develop a memory quickly and displays more stretch than other line types. Finally, there is a fluorocarbon. This is popular as not only the mainline but also as a leader. It is nearly invisible and less memory or stretch than monofilament.

2. How much line should be on a spinning reel?

Most reels will include manufacturer recommendations when it comes to optimal spool capacity. Some spools will even be marked. However, the general rule of thumb is to leave approximately 1/8 inch of free space at the top of the spool. You never want to fill the reel, as it will cause problems when casting, including coils from the loose line being released.

3. What is the best fluorocarbon line for spinning reels?

There are plenty of excellent fluorocarbon lines available. If all you were interested in was using it as leader material, any of them would be suitable. However, if you plan on using strictly fluorocarbon on a spinning reel – Stren Fluorocast would be our choice. This line is very durable, sinks fast, and offers a high level of sensitivity. While many other brands may offer 1 or 2 of these qualities it is hard to find all three in a fluorocarbon.

4. What is the best-braided fishing line for spinning reels?

This is like asking “Ford or Chevy?” There will be die-hard fans who will defend their favorite no matter what. With that in mind, our selection for the best-braided line would be Power Pro Spectra. It is extremely durable and available in a wide range of weights to fit almost any species you will be chasing. Best of all – it is much easier to work with than many other braided brands. Because of the product’s limp-nature, compared to other competitors, you will find it easier to tie knots and those knots will hold much better.

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!