Baitcasting reels are some of the oldest types of fishing reels. They are simple and effective, and they are also very affordable. If you want to get started with fishing, then a baitcasting reel is worth considering.
The most important part of a bait caster reel is the line. The line is what makes it possible for you to cast your baits out into the water.
It’s also what keeps everything together. So when selecting a baitcasting reel, you need to choose one that has an excellent quality line.
And there are many different lines available on the market today. Some lines have been specially designed for specific applications. And others are just plain good ol’ fashioned nylon monofilament.
But which ones should you go with? We’ve put together this list of the best fishing lines for bait casters.
But before we can get to our list, let’s take a look at four of the key things to look out for when buying a fishing line.
What To Look For In A Line For Baitcaster Reels
Abrasion Resistance
Will the line stand up to repeated use? This is especially important for bait casters since they often have to deal with heavy loads.
Line Memory
How well does the line retain its original shape? If you are storing your line on a reel, this is important because if the line gets cut or damaged, then it may not be possible to retrieve it without losing some of the line.
Line Stretch
Line stretch refers to how much the fishing line can stretch. This is important so that you can easily pull back on the handle to release the line.
Line Diameter
Line diameter is how thick a fishing line is. Depending on what kind of line you have this can change quite dramatically.
Knot Strength
Knot strength is fairly self-explanatory. It refers to how strong your knot is. Typically, different line types need different knots to make the most of their qualities.
If you are looking for a reliable baitcasting reel, then you should consider buying a baitcasting reel from a reputable manufacturer. Here are five of the best baitcasting reels for beginners
Best Line For Baitcasting Reels: Reviews
Spiderwire Ultracast Invisi-Braid Superline
Named after an insect famous for producing a thin wire out of its ass, spiderwire claims to be as strong- if not stronger- than a spider’s web. With a diameter of only 0.063 inches, it’s thinner than human hair.
The Spiderwire Superline utilizes translucent technology and color to create a near-invisible fishing line that will appear completely transparent in the water.
The result is that the fish will never see you coming.
And the chances of this fishing line snapping are low. Made from high-grade Dyneema PE fibers, this line has more strength per diameter than other market-leading fishing lines.
So you can wrestle with the heaviest of catches with confidence. The only thing that might let you down is your upper body strength.
This line is so strong because the fishing line type is braided. Invisible to the naked eye, the line fibers have been threaded and braided to create a much stronger line.
This fishing line can go as far as 3000 yards, so it’s not lacking in range either.
Pros
- Highly durable and because of braided line
- Easy to cast and flexible so great for first-time beginners
- Strong thanks to high-grade Dyneema PE fibers
- Near invisible line, because it uses translucent technology- making it easier to catch fish!
Cons
- Coated in wax so requires a break-in period
- Costly
Sufix 832 Advances Superline Braid
A highly durable fishing line made from 100% polyethylene. Sufix 832 Advances Superline Braid is designed for durability and strength. Its line is made up of 8 fibers fused for combined resilience.
Made from 100% polyethylene, Sufix 832 advances is one of the most popular fishing lines available today.
Polyethylene is extremely durable and resistant to abrasion and UV damage. When compared to traditional nylon fishing lines, polyethylene is also lighter and less expensive.
Because of these qualities, polyethylene fishing lines are ideal for saltwater applications. They are also very easy to clean and maintain.
The Sufix 832 Advances Superline features a braided construction, meaning it’s tough enough to handle the edge of rocks and other rigid and sharp objects lurking beneath the surface of your favorite fishing haunts.
Braiding allows the line to be twisted around itself, creating a stronger line than monofilament or fluorocarbon. It’s also treated in a special coating that protects against corrosion and increases resistance to wear.
It comes in low-vis green.
Pros
- Very durable and long-lasting because of the braided line
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Great for saltwater use thanks to the material
Cons
- Only comes in one color
Berkley XL906 Trilene XL Smooth Line
Trilene XL smooth line is Berkley’s top-selling fishing line. It’s a premium quality line made from 100% Trilene monofilaments.
This line is perfect for all types of fishing including fly fishing, spin casting, baitcasting, and trolling.
Trilene XL is a synthetic fiber that is used in many different kinds of products such as clothing, ropes, carpets, etc. It’s also used in fishing lines because of its unique properties.
Trilene offers excellent knot strength and flexibility. It’s also lightweight and soft. Because of these qualities, it’s great for small fish like trout and bass.
Trilene is treated with a special coating that prevents it from absorbing moisture. This means that it won’t become brittle when lingering in the water as you wait for a bite.
Trilene is also more resistant to abrasion than other materials. It has an incredible ability to resist cuts and tears. It’s also anti-static and will repel insects.
This line comes in low-vis green only. The best part about this line is that you don’t need to break it in before using it.
Pros
- Excellent knot strength and flexibility
- Soft and lightweight which makes it easier to cast
- Resistant to abrasion
- Anti-static and repels bugs
- No need to break it in
- Comes in different strengths
Cons
- Doesn’t come in every color
Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line
High impact monofilament fishing line is manufactured using Spectra. It’s a high-performance line that is used for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
Stren uses a proprietary process to create its high-performance fishing line. This process creates a line that is extremely flexible and durable.
This line is made from stainless steel monofilament- meaning it only uses one type of fiber. In effect, the whole line is made from stainless steel.
This makes it very strong and can withstand heavy loads. It’s also resistant to abrasion, breaking, and kinking.
The line is coated with a special finish which gives it a matte appearance. It’s also anti-static and repels insects.
The material and other properties help to make this fishing line shock-resistant. This helps to create a smoother fishing experience overall.
It comes in clear color and is great at blending into the water. This line is perfect for saltwater fishing and casting and trolling reels.
Pros
- Durable thanks to stainless steel line
- Easy to tie knots
- Shock resistant
- Good for saltwater use
Cons
- Does not come in every color
- Can be expensive
KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
This braided fishing line is manufactured by KastKing. KastKing is known for its great fishing accessories. It’s a high-performance line that is designed specifically for fishing.
This line is built to handle any situation. It’s able to withstand heavy loads and is resistant to abrasion. Made from Dyneema spectra, which is a type of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers.
It’s specifically engineered for tensile durability and strength while remaining lightweight.
This line is available in low vis gray. Because of the Dyneema spectra, this line has excellent knot strength and abrasion resistance.
To increase the casting distance they’ve designed the line to go as far as possible, making it more aerodynamic by using a smooth and rounded design for their line.
The line also benefits from extremely low memory. In fishing lines, memory refers to the line stretching.
Once a line has been stretched it tends to stay a little bit more stretched than it was before- lines like this have a high memory. This line is designed to forget stretching and go back to its original shape.
Pros
- Great for all types of fishing including saltwater
- Very high quality
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Does not come in all colors
There you have it. The top 5 fishing lines for bait caster reels. But buying a fishing line has a lot more things to consider than you’d expect. That’s why we’ve included this handy buyer’s guide to tell you all about it.
Buyers Guide
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over the key things to look out for when buying a fishing line.
Monofilament Lines
A monofilament line is made up of just one type of fiber. It’s typically used for freshwater fishing and spinning reels. Monofilaments are usually made from nylon or Spectra.
The majority of fishing lines use monofilament.
Pros Of Monofilament
Monofilament lines are considered the best lines for beginners. This is because they’re easy to cast and don’t require much skill to master. They’re also very durable and last longer than other types of lines.
They’re also good for spin casting and fly fishing. Mono lines are versatile in that they’re great for most types of fishing.
Depending on what kind of monofilament line you get, they tend to offer plenty of stretch and are abrasion-resistant. And because of their strength to diameter ratios, mono lines are considered a lot stronger too.
If you’re unlucky enough to experience a bird’s nest, which is when your fishing line gets tangled around your spool, a mono line is a lot easier to untangle than a braided line.
Cons Of Monofilament
Unfortunately, mono lines can have a stretch memory. This is not something you want for a fishing line as it can cause overstretching.
However, being aware of this can help to keep the stretch issue under control. Just be aware of how you cast.
Also, mono lines are not as sensitive as braided lines. Sensitivity is important when fishing because if you miss a bite, you may lose it. So make sure you pay attention to where you place your hook.
Braided Lines
Braided lines are made up of two or three different fibers. Braids are generally used for saltwater fishing and spinning reels since they’re strong and flexible.
Pros Of Braided Line
Braid lines are considered the best for saltwater fishing. They’re also great for spin casting and fly fishing. Braids are so good at casting it often feels like the line is flying off the spool.
Compared with mono lines, braid lines are quite a bit stronger.
Because of the way they’re constructed, braid lines are more sensitive than mono. You need to watch your baits closely while fishing with them.
Braid lines are also easy to cast and have a lower memory than monofilament. If you do happen to catch a fish, then you won’t end up losing any of your line.
Cons Of Braided Line
Like monofilament lines, braided lines can sometimes have bad memories, but not as often. This means that after using them for a while, you might find yourself having to cut off some sections of your line.
This can be frustrating especially if you’re new to fishing. To avoid this, try to change your reel regularly. Also, make sure you clean your reel thoroughly after every time you use it.
Moreover, braided lines are a lot harder to untangle from a bird’s nest because of the way it’s braided. This makes it hard to remove the line from the spool.
Fluorocarbon Lines
Fluorocarbon lines are considered the best by many anglers. They’re known for their high sensitivity and durability. Fluoro lines are usually used for freshwater fishing and fly fishing.
Pros Of Fluorocarbon Line
Fluorocarbons are considered one of the best materials for fishing. They’re extremely durable and strong. Previously, fluorocarbon used to be thick, which made it very tricky to tie knots with.
But over the years this line material has been refined to create a strong market-leading material.
They’re also highly sensitive, making them ideal for catching small bites.
Fluorine also helps to prevent corrosion. This means that your reel will last longer.
Cons Of Fluorocarbon Lines
While fluorocarbons are great for fishing, they’re not always the best choice for baitcasting reels. Because of their high cost, they aren’t suitable for all kinds of fishing.
For example, fluoro lines are not recommended for saltwater fishing due to their lack of strength.
What Else Should I Consider When Buying A Line?
There are several things you should look out for when choosing a line. First, you should check how long the line is before purchasing it. The length of the line will determine how much weight you’ll be able to throw.
Second, you should choose between mono and braided lines. Mono lines are cheaper than braided lines, but they don’t provide the same level of performance.
Thirdly, you should know what type of line you want. Do you want a heavy-duty line or something lighter?
Fourthly, you should consider the price of the line. Cheap lines may break easily, whereas expensive ones may be too stiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
For fishing beginners especially, it can be difficult trying to find the right line. Even the most seasoned fishermen and fisherwomen would find their heads spinning with all the different types of lines there are.
It can leave you with more questions than answers. This is why we’ve put together this easy-to-understand FAQ section. Here we’ll answer some of the most asked questions about fishing lines.
Is Line Color Important?
Yes! There’s no doubt that color matters, but it’s not everything. If you’re going to spend money on a line, then you might as well go for the best quality. So, buying a line based purely on its color isn’t advisable.
You need to buy a line based on its performance.
However, the color of the line can contribute to the performance. You want a line that will be as invisible as possible in the water to catch fish by surprise. Many lines are low-vis green or low-vis blue.
These two colors are the best at being low visibility in the water, depending on the fish you’re going after’s eyesight, of course.
What Is A Line Test, And Why Are They Important?
A line test is an important part of any new line purchase. It’s vital that you do a proper line test before using it in the water. It’s essential to ensure that the line is performing as expected.
This way, you won’t waste time and money on a line that doesn’t perform properly.
You can use a line tester to measure the resistance of the line. This will help you decide if the line is appropriate for the kind of fishing you plan to do.
What Is Line Longevity, And Why Is It Important?
Line longevity is another important factor to take into consideration. How long does your line last? How often will you have to replace it?
It’s important to note that every line has a lifespan. Some lines last longer than others. However, it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs.
Some lines last for years while other lines only last for months. It depends on the material used in making the line.
If you want a line that lasts for a long time, then you should opt for a polyethylene or nylon line. These materials are highly durable.
On the flip side, if you want a cheap line, then you should go for a monofilament line, but these don’t last as long as braid or fluoro lines.
Braid Or Mono For Baitcasters?
There’s no doubt that braided lines are better than mono lines. Braids are stronger and they offer greater durability.
But, when it comes to baitcasting reels, mono lines are perfect because they are easier to handle. They also offer great strength and durability. The downside is that they aren’t as flexible as braids.
So, if you’re looking for a good fishing line for beginners, then you should choose a mono line. This will allow you to cast further distances without having to worry about breaking the line.
Can Fluorocarbon Be Used On A Baitcasting Reel?
Fluorocarbon lines are made from fluoropolymers. They are resistant to abrasion and chemicals. They are also very soft and flexible, as well as being strong and durable.
Fluorocarbons can indeed be used for baitcasters, but as it has minimal stretch, it’s not recommended for beginners.
If, however, you’ve got plenty of fishing experience under your belt, you’ll absolutely adore fluorocarbon lines for baitcasting reels.
On A Baitcaster, How Much Line Should There Be?
You should aim to ensure your spool is full. If you run out of line, you’ll have to stop casting. This could cause problems, especially if you’re trying to land a big fish.
When choosing a length of line, make sure that it’s long enough to cover the distance between the tip of your rod and the end of your reel seat. This will prevent your line from getting tangled during casting.
How Do I Choose The Right Spool Size For My Baitcaster Reel?
Spools come in different sizes. You need to consider the size of the spool when selecting a line. You should also make sure that the spool fits snugly inside your baitcaster reel.
You should select a spool that’s large enough to accommodate all the line you intend to use. Make sure that the spool is tight enough so that it won’t slip off easily.
This will ensure that you don’t lose your line and that it will be easy to wind back onto the spool.
How Many Feet Of Line Do I Need For My Baitcaster?
The number of feet of line you need depends on how far you plan to cast. When buying a new reel, you should always buy more line than what you think you’ll need.
You can either purchase extra line at a tackle shop or online. Buying extra will help you avoid losing your line.
It will also save you money by not having to replace the line after using it. So, before purchasing a new reel, you need to determine how much line you’ll need.
What Is The Difference Between Fluoro And Polyethylene Lines?
Polyethylene fibers are usually what make up braided lines. They are more popular than fluoro lines due to their comparative affordability. In terms of performance, they’re really quite similar.
Both are very rigid, with little flex, making bites remarkably easy to read. They’re both quite strong too.
However, fluoro is almost always stiffer, and far more covert in the water, ensuring fish won’t know what hit em’!
Final Thoughts
The right kind of fishing line can make a huge difference to your fishing experience. It can also affect your success rate.
So, if you want to catch more fish, you need to know which type of line works best with your bait caster. Choosing the right line can help you enjoy your time fishing.
It can also reduce the chances of losing your line. Moreover, the kind of line you choose to get will depend on your experience level.
While beginners would be more comfortable with mono lines, someone more adept at fishing would do better with a braided line. When it comes to fishing lines, many factors go into making an informed choice.
Fishing is one of those activities where everyone has their preferences. Some people prefer to use monofilament, while others prefer braid. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy both types of lines.
Just remember the most important thing of all… line testing.
No matter what kind of line you want to get, be sure to test it beforehand! This will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. So long as you do that, you’re sure to have a brilliant fishing experience.
