Pay attention to this page! Recent developments in fishing line have changed the way many people fish. In particular superlines have made it possible to sight cast to blue fin tuna and other species. Superlines have also improved casting distances for surfcasters while making the cast easier with smaller, lighter equipment. You equipment decisions may be predicated on the type of line you chose to use. There are generally five types of fishing line on the market today, (1) monofilament, (2) fluorocarbon (3) superline, (4) wire, and (5) sheathed fly line.
Tip: If you experiment with different types of line, as I do, label your spools when you load them so you always know what you are fishing with. I have had great success using a Brother labeler that I got for labeling other things – $30 Amazon.com. The labels are thin and plastic and stay on quite well.
Monofilament:
The most commonly used Fishing Line is nylon monofilament (single strand). It is translucent and generally cheap. There are many qualities of nylon monofilament (mono) with various degrees of stretch and memory. Mono comes in different colors. Clear mono has a refractive density close to water and is almost invisible. Mono is easy to handle and cast. It can be used on Spinning Reels, Spincasting Reels, and Baitcasting Reels. Nylon is typically stretchy and this can be a mixed blessing when there is 100 yards between you and the fish. One the one hand, it is harder to set the hook. On the other hand, it is harder for the fish to get slack and shake the hook. Mono can also weaken when exposed to heat and sun. Worse, mono has “memory” which means that it keeps its shape if stored for some time. In other words, a mono stored in a spool for quite a long time will likely to come off the Fishing Reel in coils or loops.
Fluorocarbon:
Fluorocarbon polymer is another monofilament; however, it is very different than nylon. First, it is very expensive compared to nylon. Second, it has refractive density much closer to water which means it is practically invisible under water. Third, it is more resistant to abrasion than nylon. These properties make it a great leader for all types of fishing; this includes use as a tippet in fly fishing.
Superline (aka multifilament, ultra-braid, super-braid, and Spectra):
This is not your father’s braid! Prior generations of braid were made from Dacron and provided no real advantage in diameter or friction. Today’s braids are made from high-modulus polyethylene (or some variant) and provide significant advantages in smaller diameter. Smaller diameter translates into reduced resistance through the air and water as well as increased capacity on smaller reels. In addition to diameter, their friction coefficient is extremely low which translates into significantly greater casting distances. Another advantage is that superlines don’t stretch. This is a mixed blessing. One the one hand, this provides superior sensitivity and hook-set, on the other, it is much easier for the fish to get slack and shake the hook. There are three down-sides to superlines. First, you need to learn a few new knots because the ones that work for nylon won’t work for this line. Second, if you are casting lures of any weight, you will need finger protection to prevent cuts (I use tape). Third, superlines are almost all opaque and despite their small diameter, visible in the water; you will frequently opt for a leader.
Wire:
Wire is used almost exclusively for trolling and is not applicable to surf casting. However, as a surfcaster, you will certainly want a few wire leaders in your bag in cast you encounter toothy criters.
Fly line:
This floating or sinking line is mentioned for completeness and has little or no application to surfcasting. While the fly line is probably composed of as many as five segments of different line in series, the fly line itself is the working portion which is cast. The fly line may be connected to a taper which may then be connected to a tippet which is tied to the fly. On the other side of the fly line is a backing. The backing can monofilament or braid and while not employed in the cast, serves as a reserve in the event the fish starts taking line.
