Choosing Fishing Line: Monofilament vs Braid vs Fluorocarbon | Bass Fishing

Choosing fishing line. The difference between Monofilament, Braid, & Fluorocarbon can mean more fish, or lost fish. Here's how to choose fishing lines for bass fishing.
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Items Mentioned In This Video...
Seaguar Rippin Monofilament - bit.ly/3ropoAA
Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon Fishing Line - bit.ly/39S5QPa
Seaguar Smackdown Braid - bit.ly/36NGSOV
FireLine Ultra 8 - bit.ly/3aFL8RP
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Seaguar Abrazx bit.ly/2YMCtYj
Seaguar Smackdown Braid bit.ly/36NGSOV
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[@williamevans6452]

Great job, Glen, of explaining the different types of lines and when to fish them! It gets complicated as well as expensive trying to figure out what’s needed for which application. I appreciate the tip on fluorocarbon as a good all around choice for those of us who are on a budget. Thanks again!

[@bassresource]

Hi William Evans. Thanks for the feedback and support. I look forward to hearing more from you.

[@feralgrandad4429]

I still use good-ole mono, cheep, forgiving and i just plain like it :-)

[@TooManyHobbies]

Always nice to have an informative video on different line types

[@telemarkmann6870]

Glenn, Thanks for the breakdown on the most popular line types. This was easy to understand the best breakdown so far. The Pro’s seem to preach braid for almost everything and may use a leader. If I were fishing for a living I am sure I would also.You went in the other direction and use braid in a limited area. I heard Superline was only good for spinning gear, that fluorocarbon was primarily used for spinning also.

[@proteusxavier9477]

Strange how most people tend to omit copolymer, but it's been my go-to for nearly 22 years. Braid would be my #2, but will definitely have to try out a superline product this autumn. Appreciate the overview Glenn!

[@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883]

I prefer braid, but the lakes I fish are heavily weeded and loaded with Pike so I lose less lures, but I do occasionally use flurocarbon. Great info as always 🎣

[@scottlouis7785]

I watched this yesterday & loved it, back today to beat it into my thick brain

[@jonodrew1908]

Great information. I've recently been testing out braid main line to fluorocarbon or monofilament leader (depending on application). And then if i'm going heavy cover or switching to a frog, I can just snip off the leader and go straight braid. Thanks again BR!

[@emt786]

Thanks for the tips. As a new fisherman there is so much info out there as far as what type of line to use. I see most push the braid line, which is good if your your fishing for a living and money. I’ve been using mono 12 lb on my reels. After watching this video sounds like I need to try Floro out. Since it most versatile. Where I fish most of time really no need for braid. Beside I don’t have a arsenal of rods reels combos so floro not gonna break the bank. I only use spinning reels. Don’t have and never used. Baitcaster.

[@tammyraeber1841]

Wow! That is a great video. Lots of great information about line type and choices. My husband normally keeps up with the line and maintenance of our rods and reels, but I am learning about bass fishing. Thanks so much for all of the great info about the different lines, and line choices!

[@bassresource]

Hi Tammy Raeber, glad I could provide value. Which one of them did you find most helpful?

[@nickcavazos5718]

Good info. I went from all mono, to all braid, to braid with leader and how I utilize all 3 in various setups.

[@daltybell]

Thank you. Good information as usual. I like braid more than fluorocarbon, but I haven’t used fluorocarbon as long.

[@lunchboxsti275]

All beginner fishermen should watch this.. great info

[@peewee6377]

Great information on line and line care. Learned a bunch and subbed up. Thanks!

[@JOSEplusTEN]

I love monofilament... its kept up with whatever i chose to throw on it in the past.

[@ReaperMediaDesign]

Have begun experimenting with different lines and the way it affects the lures. Very interesting results...

[@jimhookey8980]

Great tips! started using fluorocarbon this season, feel bites a lot better.

[@nascar2428]

Straight braid with mono or fluorocarbon leaders is what I use the most. Braid can last 3 or more years which makes it very economical. Overall great tips on line usage .

[@mikey2shiesty]

what braid do you use

[@julesl6910]

It's been 3 years, is your braid still good?

[@cincinnatiking8008]

@@julesl6910 LOL

[@samhughes7821]

@@julesl6910 I’ve had the same braid for the past 4 years.

[@gabeharris422]

Wholly agree on the mono for topwater approach. I also use it as a leader for braid just so I get a little stretch over the 5' of leader cause I have a tendency to try to set the hook too quickly, but still while in heavy stuff .

[@1304GT]

Good refresher! I have found myself going to a lot of braid w/leader. Braid lasts so long & fluro is so expensive, it just makes budget sense. Once I mastered a few connection knots, I've never had an issue.

[@danluther1741]

I've been catchin bass for over 40 years. Even I learned a few things here! Thanks!!

[@bassresource]

Dan Luther, glad I could help. Looking forward to hearing much more from you.

[@ronaldmccolgin5813]

I've always used mono like around 12-15lb with my spinning setups and never had any major issues with it. Works well with either top water or worm fishing for me anyways. Mainly because it floats and has less visibility, unless I'm power jig fishing in grass or lilly pads then I have braid on my bait casters. Both have their pros and cons for each application of fishing

[@miltonthompson7490]

I liked the line size tips, helpful info all around.

[@inferno2132]

Thank you This was the video I was looking for this was really descriptive and all around great video. 👍🏼

[@bassresource]

Glad to help, Bass boy. Let me know how it works out as I would love to see the results.

[@randallhamrick1800]

Nice information. I have had issues with florocarbon as well as braid breaking off at the lure as well as loosing lures due to abrasions. Tried all of the tips, all of the different knots, been fishing mono many years and that is where I am staying personally. Thanks for the info.

[@Im118ish]

Braid breaking at the lure is more likely to be the knot slipping...I only trust a Palomar knot for terminating braid (leave 1/8"tag in case it slips a tiny bit) to a solid,,& double uni knot for attaching it to a leader (cause I suck at FG løl)

[@rickwhaley8116]

Always mono for me. Not much grass/weeds in areas I fish. Works great and its affordable

[@Jake-nv8xn]

Thank you for the information and THANK YOU for the general all around option at the end!

[@bassresource]

We love to hear when we do a good job. Keep ‘em coming!

[@mckmh07167]

Great explication on the lines. Thank you!🤙🎣

[@calvinh.gordeyjr.5433]

Awesome video lots of helpful information really like the on a budget part I am always on a budget and I never gave any consideration to pairing the line size to water clarity.

[@jeffreykeiffer9646]

Informative video, Thanks. Being raised on mono and navigated to braid I haven't given fluoro a chance. Based on some of your points I'm going to experiment with fluoro.

[@The3DAN8IEL9]

Great video. Always informative.

[@forestdweller7425]

Super helpful video. Exactly the kind of info I was looking for! Thank you!

[@bassresource]

Glad to help, Forest Dweller. Let me know how it works out as I would love to see the results.

[@MrBassenman]

always informative , They all have their place in my boat .

[@fish-on7713]

Thanks Glenn very informative as always. It can get confusing for us weekend warriors who are trying to stay within a budget.

[@jaypechart]

Thank You 🙏 unbelievable difference in hook set and hook & hold. I’m a Fluoro guy now!

[@bassresource]

Amazing!

[@KYnightstalker]

Thanks for videos like these much appreciated I really enjoy watching other fishing channels I have been watching you for quite sometime now and have been using your tips and tricks to learn how to zero in on fish and catch some nice ones as well as many many dinks lol thanks and as always keep these great videos coming!!

[@bassresource]

Nice! We love to hear feedback like this. Thanks for being a loyal viewer!

[@ronnewbery7525]

Very useful video, lots of good info and reminders for us, thanks.

[@seamansj]

Know you probably won’t see this cause it’s 3 yrs later but this was very informative and I will use these tips when I am setting my reels up. Thanks for all these tips. 👍👍

[@bassresource]

seamansj, glad I could help. Let me know which tips helped the most. Looking forward to hearing much more from you.

[@justincollins8776]

Thanks for the video I watch them all. I would like to let you know that recently people have done test on things like,what's more abrasion resistant,and the results do not match what the companies claim. Or what you (like most of us) believe,I suggest you KZbin (abrasion resistant test,mono,vs braid.) maybe even try yourself,I was a little disturbed by there results,and my own. I only recommend this because I don't believe you would have made the same statement's with this knowledge. Keep up the great videos and again thanks.

[@Grogers70426]

On my 2 reels (spinning) I have 10lb mono due to my budget. Excellent video, when my budget gets better I'm gonna get some flurocarbon and a baitcaster bc I want to get a baitcaster again but once again the budget is reason for getting spinning gear

[@PeterFryfishing]

Great Video and points .Thanks. An important factor for me with all lines is setting the drag on the reel, I tend to use braid for all my lure fishing but always set the drag accordingly. When I am not fishing for things with sharp teeth I use fluorocarbon between the braid and lure.

[@bassresource]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@thomasosteen6027]

Thank you for answering my questions. Take care

[@eguillen19]

Thanks Gene for your perspective on this line. Always enjoy your Commentary and videos . You have a lot to share . Thant being said I keep it simple, some following what you have mentioned here. I utilize braid on all my reels with top shots of 9 to 12 feet of either Mono or Fluorocarbon. Depending on what i'm throwing. Anything that sinks is going to have flouro and anything that floats is going to have mono. I feel that with that much leader of either is enough to utilize its stretching capabilities. This also saves me on having to change out a whole reel filled with either mono or flouro. Of course on clearer lakes I try to use as much flouro. as possible for it's invisibility but if i must use mono , then i'll down line size as much as possible as well as change my rod to accommodate the fight with for instance , heavy to medium and etc. All that primarily because I do have braid under it all. Yes even my drop shot or any finesse spinning set up. About the only thing I don't use braid is on my crank bait reels, where I use all flouro. This of course is just how I do it all . One thing that I have learned through hearing peoples advice is always listen to what one as to say and if what that person has offered works for you , great and if not, there always seems to be something in what that person offered that you can use in your technique that will make you better in something you do. So is why I do see and appreciate your videos and commentary's. Lord knows I don't know it all and every little lesson learned is being educated. I will have to look into that super line mentioned. Sounds interesting. Note; This has to be the most I've ever responded to an article and not trying to win anything , but just felt i was given a chance to share. Take care , God Bless and many tight lines, always. Thank you . PS, Copolymer I use as well. I treat it as mono.

[@bassresource]

Gene?

[@staceyoleinik1232]

I appreciate the qualities of the different types of lines & how one might be "best" in specific applications, but since I only have 1 bass rod, I just use superline. I feel like you can adjust your technique to make it work for different methods. Haven't had it break yet (even when getting snagged on large submerged branches & dragging them to shore).

[@Liquidforce4441]

Thanks for the comprehensive line guide Glenn.

[@bassresource]

You're very welcome!

[@brianpeterson4061]

Like this video learned something new about lines especially fluorocarbon which I din't understand.

[@newbytooner3529]

i have seen and read a lot of opinions on this subject and it still comes down to some people not being able to afford to restring reels based on water conditions, cover and etc. I just have to pick something that I feel comfortable with and accept the bad characteristics with the good and just enjoy fishing.

[@jrdefield7481]

Newby Tooner Amen to that!

[@eugeneborne3906]

Great Line Review! Thanks!!!!!

[@christopherpettersen2359]

Good topic and information. I did not realize superline and braid were different. I was always under the impression they were one in the same. Now if I can only learn how to flip pitch, then I'd be set. Good video, thanks.

[@bassresource]

Christopher Pettersen, glad I could help. Looking forward to hearing much more from you.

[@VinceTripp]

I use braid with a fluro leader on most of my rods, going to try using a backer next time I spool a reel.

[@jeffcj7]

Great info!! Thanks!!!

[@stevenmcever8358]

Mono is a great topwater line but I would also add in that it's great for spinnerbaits as well.

[@gfour20]

Great video. Packed full of info.

[@danielmarquez7315]

Wow thanks for all the info I am new to fishing so I did not know why you would use these different types of line, and the types of poundage. Also I never knew that fire line was even a thing. Again thanks for all the awesome info in this video

[@bassresource]

Glad to help, Daniel Marquez. Let me know how it works out as I would love to see the results.

[@Krampamastyle]

tried to switch to mono from braid, put the breaks all the way on my curado and my tension was up pretty good, still birdsnested with a weightless rig. sticking to braid, thank you

[@richardthomas1549]

Very informative. Thanks

[@danielwagoner]

Probably the most thorough explanation of line I’ve ever heard. Great job Glen

[@bassresource]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@clarenceolson4111]

Braid with fluorocarbon leader is what I use 90% of the time. Have a couple of rods with mono but mainly for cold weather as it wont freeze.

[@williamshulak6247]

A great video. I now feel that I can Intelligently chose a live to use.

[@michaelduda9212]

great information gave me great insight about various lines

[@bassresource]

Hi Michael Duda, glad I could provide value. Which one of them did you find most helpful?

[@kevinwhitten8288]

Good info for the weekend angler.

[@armandorjusino]

Great informative video, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@bassresource]

My pleasure!

[@adamg.2804]

Good discussion on superfine, thanks

[@jasonmeade123]

Nice video on different lines.

[@williambarnes1276]

Good summary for beginning anglers

[@robertbuchanan8556]

Definitely had some good pointers on what lines to use with certain baits

[@bassresource]

Thanks for watching robert buchanan!

[@julianhuskey4343]

I like to use a braid backer on most of my reels with a fluro leader except for my crankbaits. I have all fluro on my crankbait rod.

[@MrsZippie1969]

Great Info. Sweet. Thanks.

[@janthorsen8859]

I have used both , especially using a Carolina Rig. Mono tends to not sink as fast.

[@bobbya8622]

Just saw this. Thanks for this video. Very helpful!

[@bassresource]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bassnazi4713]

Yep, mono gets a bad rep for being as affordable as it is and it's age. Bad thing is it's still a very useful line. People that can't afford to have multiple rods can use it on stiffer rods to help lessen it to a degree and open up their options.

[@thomasowens7892]

Bass Nazi and i dont agree with the lack of abrasion comment on mono

[@frankieroman7535]

My only knock is it don't last in summer heat sun beats it up

[@colsoncustoms8994]

@@frankieroman7535 I change out my mono at least once a year because of this. But it's inexpensive enough that you can afford to respool 5+ rods a year and not break the bank.

[@tombiga8254]

Great tips and thanks for the chance to win

[@rchapman5070]

Thanks for another great informative video

[@bassresource]

R Chapman, glad I could help. Let me know which tips helped the most. Looking forward to hearing much more from you.

[@yikesmike1398]

Great video Glenn But what about Copolymer? I use Silver Thread AN40 on a couple of finesse baitcasters and several spinning set ups. On the spinning reels I rarely get line twist with it and it’s thin yet strong.

[@js123able]

I use a fluoro leader on braid for pretty much everything except topwater lures, which I tie directly onto the braid.

[@joshuatousey8103]

I agree with you Top water defiantly need Mono! I have heard others mention braid to leader but if you have a rod for topwater , keep it simple, use straight mono for full stretch and feel.

[@bassresource]

You got that right! Thanks for watching, Joshua Tousey!

[@allanhovey4230]

Great info on line choices. 15 Fluorocarbon as a all around is a good tip when you can’t buy everything. Thanks for your onsite.

[@bassresource]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@silver90500]

Good info Glenn

[@jrdefield7481]

Thanks for the line analysis, appreciate it. Yo-Zuri clear hybrid line has become my personal all purpose line for everything except topwater. For that I use Sufix clear mono, which I have found to have very little, if any, memory. That gives mono such a bad rap & deservedly so. Both of these are super strong and don't require the constant attention to knot perfection, knicks & abrasions that flouro does. P-line tho is my personnel preference. Each angler has to figure it out based on the lakes and structures fished.

[@bassresource]

Yes, absolutely John DeField! Thanks for watching!

[@dustykinley446]

thanks again Glenn

[@MrGarnet108]

I use Fireline, 0.40, it's super strong, I can't even cut it with a single snip of a scissor plus works well for me.

[@blackdeath5026]

Depending on how and what i'm fishing for i use all 3

[@ronyork315]

good video i love mono! just started using braid but i fish a lot of rocks and its breaking off my lures! why cant that make one line that does it all?

[@JohnSmith-dv3du]

love fireline and braids i do lot of night fishing so seeing it doesn't matter that much

[@souniert]

Outstanding video!

[@bassresource]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@zachwilliams8547]

Cool, good info

[@rioarg178]

Great tips

[@vauclovian]

Good advice, I used to use braided line for everything but the more research I put int different types of line the more I realize that that there is no one universal line for everything. My everything rod now has flouorocarbon on it and I have other setups with monofilament or braided line for different situations.

[@bassresource]

You got that right! Thanks for watching, Nathan Pepple!

[@RhinoVenturesOutdoors]

Ok, so I'm a dinosaur, but I find myself going back to what I know, what I grew up with, which is monofilament. Fluorocarbon is way overpriced, and braid is problematic for the reasons Glenn states, and a few others in my opinion. Having said all that, I prefer braid with mono/fluoro leader for T-rigged soft plastics. But most of the time I prefer good old mono for value and versatility.

[@951INLANDEMPIRE]

Nice insightful video but I will stick with zebco omniflex 10lb test that stuff is Paramount to all these expensive lines mentioned.

[@jimdamron5632]

Very Helpful

[@michaelbaker5858]

What about copolymer line? You've recommended it other videos. What techniques are best suited for copolymer line? How well does it hold up in the elements?

[@christophergreen8803]

Perfect info!

[@bassresource]

Thanks for watching!

[@chuckdickerson8200]

Great video again, I love you break downs on your videos. What is your favorite braid. Smoother casting for a frog. Fireline 8 claims to be the best for casting.

[@scalnation3069]

Chuck Dickerson suffix 832 has always been my go to. Have the same line spooled for over a year and only slight fading and the line hasn’t flattened out like most cheap braid (spiderwire). Never had the line break even on a wind knots catching and stopping my cast. I only use 40lb braid for everything

[@jeromedwojak918]

Glen enjoyed the video, I dont use fire line, but I'll have to try it when jerk bait fishing. Appreciate also bringing up the budget aspect of fishing line. I guess for the average fisherman on a budget would probably be better for them to use line that can be used for most conditions. It can be easy to get lost in all the info that applies to fishing line used in certain conditions.

[@bassresource]

Thanks for the support, Jerome Dwojak, and thanks for watching!

[@vinnyfalzarano4911]

Also braid is great for slackline techniques simply because it's easier to watch the line. Obviously fish can see it too but that's when you throw on a foot or so of leader, maybe a few feet if you're fishing more than 4+ ft

[@tan6873]

This video was very helpful

[@bassresource]

Glad you liked it Radical!

[@brucecorney6968]

I like the winter jerkbait tip. Also always thought fire line was a standard braid. Good to know ..... Thanks.

[@bassresource]

Hi Bruce Corney. Thanks for the feedback and support. I look forward to hearing more from you.

[@MrTiffanyUHS]

I like braid for crank baits and a softer action rod.