There are so many varieties of monofilament line that it can be confusing. Color, diameter, abrasiveness; it all comes into play when picking your favorite.
I prefer a clear mono for all-around use. This seems to address most needs for all water conditions. Some anglers prefer a pink line for deep-water fishing. Red is the first color that disappears in the deeper water, where the sun can't shine through it. A camouflage or multicolored line is another alternative for bottom fishing. Dark blue and gray are becoming popular in gulf waters. These colors hide well in clean and slightly dirty water.
When reading the labels on certain monos, be sure to read the fine print. Diameter is calculated by millimeters. Some line diameters are much smaller, allowing more to be put on the spool. Sometimes you need all the line a reel can handle if you are fishing light tackle for big-game fish.
Abrasive or "hard lines" are great for fishing around structure (pilings, rocks and wrecks). These hard lines also make great leader material. For better casting, many fishermen like a softer mono because it has less memory, allowing great casting distance.
The bottom line is, pick out whatever fits your personal preference and apply it to your different fishing needs.
- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.
