The importance of getting the best fishing line, especially for a baitcasting reel, cannot be overemphasized. A baitcasting reel, as opposed to a spinning reel, can be a real challenge when fishing. It offers more strength, control and requires a high skill level to handle properly. Some anglers use baistcaster reels to trap larger-sized fish, but a solid baistcaster reel is not enough to trap monster fishes; the right fishing line is also needed.
A baitcaster reel paired with the right fishing line provides you with more control of the lure, greater accuracy when casting, and the force to pull large-sized fishes from deep water. Using a baiting reel needs skill and lots of practice; it might even take a while to master.
If you really want to acquire the skills needed, the first place to start is shopping for the perfect fishing line for your baitcaster reel. This article has details on everything you need to know to make your shopping experience much easier and faster.
For more, read
Best Saltwater Baitcaster Reel in 2021
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BEST LINE FOR BAITCASTER REEL BUYING GUIDE
Types of Fishing Reels
There are four most common types of fishing reel, each having different features and requiring different skills. These types are
- Baitcaster Reels
- Spinning Reels
- Spincast Reels
- Fly Fishing Reels
Spincast Reel
The Spincast reel is the simplest and most modern fishing reel. It is very straightforward to use and best for anglers on a budget or beginners. It features a metallic nose cone and a button on the back that toggles the line between the free-spool and the locked.
It also works with a drag-adjust mechanism that allows you to adjust the level of resistance of the fish when it’s pulling on the line. On this type of reel, you’ll find the drag at the side of the reel or next to the handle. Casting with this type of reel is pretty straightforward; you just push the spool control button, take a swing, and release. Press the spool button again to stop the line.
Spincast reels are less common than they used to be because they are usually not durable and cannot be used longer than one season.
Spinning Reel
The spinning reel is the most common type of reel popularly used by a lot of anglers. It’s a bit more complicated to use than the Spincast reel but is more efficient and lasts longer. It has an open-face design, and its drag adjustment is on the top rather than at the side. It features a metallic bail that locks the line, preventing it from unspooling.
What makes a spinning reel unique is that the reel is attached below the rod; this feature makes it very easy to hold and helps your remain balanced when casting. Spinning reels are much preferred because they can work with smaller baits and lures and also produce high pulling power. The major downside to spinning reels is that it limits you to using lightweight gear, i.e. lures ad lines.
Baitcaster Reel
The baitcaster reel, as you may know, is the more advanced type of reel. It requires a lot of skill and practice to use comfortably. It is used mostly by fishing professionals and experienced anglers because of the pulling power it provides and its precision. Baitcaster reels are usually equipped with a learning curve because its many moving parts, and mastering this curve makes you a pro in the fishing game.
Unlike the spinning reel, the baitcaster reel is at the top of the rod handle. It has a semi-enclosed design and is much more durable. The drag-adjust mechanism is beside the handle, and it features two extra parts on the drag; the spool tension knob and braking system improve the reel’s performance. They don’t work with bail, so you have to hold down the spool with your thumb to stop the line from spooling.
Baitcaster reels handle heavyweight lines much better and produce a higher pulling power making them great at catching larger fishes. However, the baitcaster reel is the very difficult to use. The different heavyweights of the lures require different spool tension and brake settings; this means you have to adjust the settings every time you change the lure.
There are two types of baitcasting reels; the low-profile baitcasting reels and the round baitcasting reel. The former is more popular because of its ergonomic design and lightweight. The Round baitcasting reel has a larger spool which is more ideal for holding more fishing lines. It’s also more preferred for long-distance casting.
How to Select the Best Fishing Line for your Baitcaster Reel
There are certain tips and features you need to put into mind when shopping for the best fishing line for your baitcaster reel.
Line Type
There are three types of fishing lines for baitcaster reels, each made from different materials. These are
- Monofilament Fishing Lines: This is the best line for beginners. It is very easy to use, sturdy, and made from highly elastic or stretchable material. This type of line is very common and affordable. It makes it much easier to cast with your thumb, and you’ll hardly experience backlashes when using this line. The downside of this type of line is that it’s not abrasion-resistant; this makes it the least bet choice for rough conditions.
- Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines: Fluorocarbon lines are very thin but durable and sturdy. The best part about this type of line is its invisibility in water. This is because this fluorocarbon material is a dense material with a refractive index that’s almost the same as that of water. This makes it difficult for the fish to detect the line making it very easy to catch it.
- Braid Fishing Lines: Unlike Monofilament lines, braided lines provide more sensitivity and less stretch. It is quite thick and very abrasion-resistant; they are usually regarded as the best fishing line for baitcaster reels but picking the right type of braid is another problem. This makes it durable and strong enough to use in rough conditions. The disadvantage of this type of line is that it’s very visible in water and gets easily damaged on exposure to UV light.
Another type of line is the Fusion line. It is not as common as the other three types, but it is a combination of the good features of the other three types. It is sturdy, durable, offers high sensitivity as well as high tensile strength.
Line Strength
The strength of the line is another vital aspect to look into when shopping for the best line. The line strength explains how much strength the line can withstand before it snaps. The strength of the line plays a huge part in the weight of the fish you can catch. The trick to choosing the most compatible line is selecting one with the same or more test strength than your target prey. If you are looking to catch a 15-pound fish, you have to shop for a 15-pound line as well. Luckily, shopping for a line has been made easy because the rod and reel have labels that show compatible lines. All you need to do is shop for the line that best fits your rod and reel.
Line Color
You don’t need to worry much about color if you choose the microfilament or fluorocarbon fishing line because they blend perfectly with the water. A braided line, on the other hand, comes in different colors. These colors keep the line barely visible in the water. It camouflages the line perfectly underwater, especially if the color matches the color of the water. To be on the safe side, you should opt for more neutral colors like gray or olives as opposed to highly visible colors like red or yellow. Neutral colors blend really well in the water and with nature making it harder for the fish to spot the line, unlike brighter colors that are very visible underwater and easy to spot. Color and camouflaging are only necessary when shopping for species that rely on sight. For species like catfishes that rely on vibrations and scent, you can worry less about the line color.
Line Diameter
The diameter of the line is one feature that should not be overlooked. It also determines the strength of the line because a thicker line usually means more strength. Also, large-diameter lines generate more friction when you pull the line off the spool. However, more may not always be best when dealing with diameter. Larger diameter means more surface area, which in turn produces more resistance. Resistance causes more disturbance in the water, especially when going for wary fishes. Usually, line diameter increases with line strength, but braid lines maintain a steady line strength with a small line diameter; this is why it is more popular than the other types.
Line Longevity
This explains the durability of a line and how long it can last. Keep in mind that the three types of the line only last for so long. Braid fishing lines fray after a while, and monofilament and fluorocarbon lines wear out easily under UV light. For these reasons, it is important to take note of the longevity of each of these lines before deciding on the one to choose. To avoid some fishing problems, you should always check your line for signs of corrosion or damage before going on your fishing trip. Check for signs of line memory when using monofilament lines to avoid reduction in casting performance.
Shopping for the perfect fit for your Baitcaster reel could be a bit of a hassle; this is why we have put together a list of the seven best fishing lines for baitcaster reels available on the market.
The 7 Best Fishing Line for Baitcaster Reel Are Reviewed Below
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1
KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
The KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line is an abrasion-resistant fishing line designed with polythene fiber material making it super strong and durable. It is designed with strands that have been incorporated dynamically to ensure that the user ties a solid knot without any difficulties. It is designed with low memory to ensure you cast better and farther, also reducing the chances of wind knots. One of the best parts about this line is that it is designed to be resistant to abrasion. It is designed from top-quality materials that give you a higher chance of landing a trophy-sized fish because the likelihoods of ripping or damaging are very low. This highly durable braided line has zero stretch and very high sensitivity, allowing you to feel every slight movement. This provides a superior hook mechanism that improves your catch ratio. Compared to other brands, the KastKing SuperPower braided line has a much smaller diameter while maintaining its strength. Its lie test ranges between 10 – 100lbs, and it also comes in various colors allowing you to select the perfect color for the area you are fishing.
Key Features:
- Low memory
- Ultra-high sensitivity
- Zero stretch
- 10-100lbs test
- High knot strength
- Small diameter
Specification:
- Brand: KastKing
- Model: KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
- Dimension: 4 x 4 x 1 inches
- Line Weight: 6 pounds
- Material: Double Knit fabric
- Color: Low-Vis Gray
- Fishing Line Type: Braided
Pros
- Affordable
- Strong and durable high quality material
- Abrasion-resistant
- Small diameter
- High sensitivity and Low memory
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Creeks a little when casting
2
Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Fishing Line
The Berkley Trilene fishing lone is a shock-absorbent and abrasion-resistant fishing line designed from highly durable material. It is strong enough to withstand the fighting power of big fish, and its exceptional strength makes it reliable. It is very durable, doesn’t get damaged by rough or sharp objects, and has incredible knot strength. Making a knot with this line is very easy, although it may not have as low memory as you expect it to have. To deal with this issue, you can ask the supplier how old the line is before buying. Regardless of that setback, casting is pretty smooth with this line, and it can cover very long distances. It comes in light colors that blend well with your fishing locations and makes it harder for the fish to detect the line. This line is perfect for saltwater or freshwater fishing and has a controlled stretch that adds to its fighting power.
Key Features:
- Shock-absorbent
- Abrasion-resistant
- Controlled stretch
- Monofilament fishing line
Specification:
- Brand: Berkley
- Model: Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Fishing Line
- Line Weight: 30 pounds
- Fishing Line: Monofilament
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Clear
Pros
- Has low lb. test of 60
- Low visibility
- Spools a lot of lines
- Easy to spool
- Low diameter
- High strength
Cons
- Abrasion resistance is poor
- Not very low memory
3
JIMEI Braided Fishing Line by DYMALAN
The JIMEI Braided Fishing Line is uniquely designed from PE material with coatings that make this braided line smoother, stronger, and more durable. It is completely resistant to abrasion, making it perfect for harsh weather and rough conditions. This line has no stretch and extra high sensitivity that improves your chances of catching a fish. This four-strand braided line is easy to use and produces solid knots. The zero-stretch material improves its casting speed and the strength of the line. Its diameter is small, allowing you to spool as much line as you want on the reel. Its very low spool memory makes it very durable and allows the line to withstand the toughest struggle without snapping. The thin diameter and the strength of the braided line make cutting water easier and allows the bait to reach the target water level faster. The JIMEI braided fishing line can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Key Features:
- PE material with coating
- Abrasion-resistant
- Ultra-high sensitivity
- Zero stretch
- Low memory
- Thinner diameter
- Fast cutting water
Specification:
- Brand: JIMEI
- Model: JIMEI Braided Fishing Line by DYMALAN
- Line Weight: 30 pounds
- Fishing Line Type: Braided
- Color: Low-Vis Gray
- Material: PE
Pros
- Abrasion-free PE material
- Has very low material and zero stretch to improve speed
- Small diameter for cutting water easily
- String and durable
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Line color fades quickly
4
PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
The Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line is a strong, smooth, and highly sensitive braided fishing line. It works with enhanced body technology that boosts the handling performance of the line. It is built with Spectra fiber that increases and improves its resistance to abrasion. A few of these models are equipped with EZ spool that allows you to spool the reel from the box directly and an inbuilt cutter for ease. This fishing line has a low diameter but very high strength, making it almost invisible in the water but strong enough to pull fish of different sizes. It has a line test equivalent to 80lb and a diameter of about 0.017, making the strength to diameter ratio pretty high. It has a three-end braid design and zero stretch improving the performance of the line. This line is about 1500 yards, allowing you to spool as much line as you need. For reduced visibility and camouflage, it has been designed in many colors and also has a micro-line to make sure it blends well even with clear water bodies.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Body Technology
- Spectra fiber
- Built-in line cutter
- 0.017 diameter
- 80LB line test
- 1500 yard spool
- High strength to diameter ratio
Specification:
- Brand: PowerPro
- Model: PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
- Dimension: 5 x 4 x 0.1 inches
- Line Weight: 80
- Fishing Line Type: Braided
- Color: Moss Green
Pros
- Designed from braided spectra fiber
- Comes with a built-in cutter
- Has high sensitivity and near zero stretch
- Durable
Cons
- Knots are not strong enough
5
KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line Solid Fluorocarbon Line
The KastKing Fluorokote fishing line is a fully coated fluorocarbon line that completely reduces the visibility of the line when in water. It is designed with two materials that help to improve the benefits gotten from its invisibility, low memory, and superior casting feature. This line has a high strength to withstand bad conditions and low memory to ensure it lasts longer. It is also resistant to abrasion, has high density and the castability of the copolymer. It has a very low diameter than most monofilaments lines or other lines resulting in a small but stronger line that increases the reel capacity and the depth with diving baits. The fishing line has low absorption making it sink much faster than most other lines. The fluorocarbon material makes the line very durable, highly sensitive, and offers great knot strength. The line offers similar quality as the very expensive ones but at a cheaper price. It is also very versatile allowing anglers fish with peace of mind even in the toughest conditions.
Key Features:
- 100% fluorocarbon coating
- Low memory
- Superior Abrasion resistance
- High density
- Reduced visibility
- Low absorption
Specification:
- Brand: KastKing
- Model: KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line
- Line Weight: 4 pounds
- Material: Polyvinylidene Fluoride
- Color: Clear
- Fishing Line Type: Fluorocarbon
Pros
- Casting is easy
- Highly resistant to abrasion
- Very strong and durable
- Has high density and low memory
- Very affordable
- Fluorocarbon coating gives it low visibility
Cons
- Requires force to break
6
Piscifun Lunker Multifilament Improved Braided Fishing Line
This Piscifun Lunker Braided Fishing Line is one of the best fishing lines out there. It has a thin diameter and made from materials with high tensile strength. It’s made from Netherlands material that keeps it strong while downsizing the diameter. It has little to no memory and does not untwist like most monolines; this feature makes it a good choice for baitcaster reels. The material is fully coated, making the braided line very thin and resistant to abrasion. The coating also helps to provide better color retention abilities. This line has zero stretch and high sensitivity, allowing it to transmit information better than most other lines. The user can even feel light bites or feel the lure hit bottom; this improves your chances of landing decent-sized fishes. It has the ability to slice through vegetation almost like a knife making it great at hauling trophy fish.
Key Features:
- Netherlands material
- Thin diameter
- High tensile strength
- Low spool memory
- Abrasion-resistant
- High sensitivity
Specification:
- Brand: Piscifun
- Model: Piscifun Lunker Braided Fishing Line
- Line Weight: 15 pounds
- Color: Green
- Fishing Line Type: Braided
Pros
- Has thinner diameter
- Nano coating treatment improves invisibility
- Abrasion resistance
- High tensile strength
Cons
- Line wears out easily
7
Seaguar Red Label 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
The Seaguar Red Label fishing line is a thin fluorocarbon line that is invisible in water, just like other fluorocarbon lines. What makes it unique is its strength and ability to produces very strong knots. This line is made from high quality material, making it durable and resistant to abrasion. It has low memory and high tensile strength to withstand the toughest conditions. It is highly sensitive and can detect soft bites or when it hits the bottom. It has gone through chemical treatments to make it more resistant to UV and water damage, although these treatments may contribute to its reduced strength. It also has very low memory, develops no tension, and can withstand abuse of tension. Casting is pretty easy with this line, and it doesn’t stretch much, allowing you to set the hook easily.
Key Features:
- High tensile strength
- High impact strength
- Low visibility
- 200 yards
- 4 – 25 lb. strength
Specification:
- Brand: Seaguar
- Model: Seaguar Red Label 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
- Line Weight: 4lb
- Fishing Line Type: Fluorocarbon
- Material: Polyvinylidene Fluoride
- Color: Clear
Pros
- Nearly invisible inside water
- Resistant to abrasion and deterioration
- High tensile strength
- Small diameter
Cons
- Bad spool memory
Buying Guide Questions
Below are some answers to a few of the most asked questions on baitcasting reels and the best fishing lines to use with them.
What is the best fishing line for a baitcasting reel?
The best fishing line for a baitcasting reel is the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line. It is an abrasion-resistant fishing line designed with polythene fiber material making it super strong and durable. Its line design is incorporated dynamically to ensure that the user ties a solid knot without any difficulties. It also has low memory to ensure you cast better and farther, also reducing the chances of wind knots
Is mono or braid better for Baitcasters?
Mono or monofilament fishing line is very common among most anglers. It is pretty easy to use and very elastic. It is more preferred to the braid baitcaster because it is costs way less and knots much better. On the other hand, the braided line stretches less but produces more sensitivity and is resistant to abrasion.
Should I use a braided line on my baitcaster?
You definitely can use a braided line for your baitcaster. The braided line is one of the best lines to use with a baitcaster. Braid line is more expensive than others, but it is also much stronger and lasts longer. One of the many benefits of a braided line is that it provides very high line strength while maintaining a small diameter. This makes it easier to cast and offers more sensitivity to the user.
Is monofilament or fluorocarbon better?
If you are concerned with the visibility of the line, the best fishing line to opt for is the Fluorocarbon line. This line is made of thin material that makes it invisible underwater. It has some sort of stretch capacity but not as much as the monofilament fishing line. The fluorocarbon line is also resistant to abrasion, making it very durable and quite volatile.
The monofilament line, on the other hand, offers great elasticity and strength. It is very common and quite easy to use. It has a larger diameter making it less difficult to snap.
Can fish see my braided line?
It’s possible that the larger diameter of braided lines increases the chances of its visibility underwater. To solve this visibility problem, braided lines have been produced in different colors. It is advisable to pick a neutral color or one that blends well with the water. This way, the line is camouflaged, making it harder to spot by fish.
Is braid better than fluoro?
The main difference between a braided line and a fluorocarbon fishing line lies in the strength and visibility. The braided line is much stronger than the fluorocarbon line and also maintains a small diameter. It doesn’t stretch as well as the fluorescent line, but it offers high sensitivity. The fluorocarbon line hides better underwater than the braided fishing line.
Is 10lb braid stronger than 10lb mono?
Braid line usually has a smaller diameter than the mono line. A 10lb braid will have a smaller diameter but may be just as strong as or even stronger than a 10lb monofilament line. Despite the small diameter of braid lines, they are much stronger than the other type of lines.
Will braided line damage my rod?
Braided lines are very compatible with rods. They will not break your line, neither would it ruin your guide. Rods usually come with labels indicating the most compatible lines to use with it; shop within that range to find the best suited braided line for your rod.
What pound line should I use for bass?
The best pound line to use for bass is from pound upward. These lines are very strong and can withstand the weight of your target fish.
How much line should be on a baitcaster?
The rule of thumb is to use enough line on your baitcaster reel until there’s a gap of about 1/8 inch between the line and the spool. Filling the reel completely is not a good idea; neither is filling it halfway, which makes casting a bit difficult.
Do I really need a baitcaster?
Some of the benefits of a baitcaster include
- They have better line control than spinning reels, and casting is more accurate
- It allows you to slowly and softly cast the lure into the water, so it doesn’t frighten the fish and lower your chances,
- It has enough cranking power for heavy drag baits.
Should you soak braid before spooling?
It is advisable to soak your braid before spooking, as this adds to the strength of the line.
Conclusion
Fishing with the right equipment improves your efficiency and increases your chances of landing a trophy fish. For baitcaster reels, you need to get the perfect fishing line to make your fishing experience better. Keep in mind that a reel will not work best if the line is not a perfect fit. We hope this review on the seven best lines for baitcaster has made it much easier to get the perfect fit for your reel.
