Best Fishing Line for Spinning Reels

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Fishing Line For Spinning Reels

10 Best Fishing Line For Spinning Reels Reviews

My husband and I are enthusiastic anglers and we usually need to get answers to the same questions you do. What’s the best fishing line for spinning reels? How do mono, fluorocarbon, and braid compete with each other?

Assessing the pros and contras of the various types of fishing lines for spinning reels is rather complicated, and it’s not getting any easier by advertising. What exactly is low-stretch mono? Or abrasion-resistant braid? Is fluorocarbon really invisible? So we’ve provided a thorough analysis, relying on testing, and real-life practice.

What is the Best Kind of Fishing Line?

First of all, I need to state the plain fact:

There is no one best type of fishing line. What is best depends on the technique, conditions, season, and kind of fish.

What are the Popular Types of Fishing Lines?

Monofilament. The monofilament line is a great choice for almost all cases. Its stretch qualities help prevent shocks. Knot strength and easy tying ensure far fewer line break-offs. And it’s quite resistant to abrasion, yet inexpensive and available in a variety of colors including transparent.

Fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is probably the most popular material among most fishers. It stretches like mono and absorbing shocks but tends to stay stretched once it’s been stretched. It’s rather hard to tie and features low knot strength.

Braid. Braid is a good choice for superior casting. It ensures more lines on the spool and the highest possible tensile strength. It’s an exceptional choice when casting distance is critical, but it shows a very low shock resistance and poor knot strength. However, braided lines are not abrasion-resistant enough and too visible in the water.

Top 10 Fishing Lines for Spinning Reels

1# Berkley BGQS50C-15 Trilene Big Game Monofilament Custom Spool

Berkley BGQS50C-15 Fishing Line

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One of the most popular monofilament lines in the United States, which speaks for itself. This model demonstrates extreme fighting power for big fish, both for saltwater and freshwater thanks to its incredible reliability and strength.

Extreme durability gives you confidence and full control of any situation. The shock-resistant material ensures a controlled stretch for terrific fighting power. The line shows extraordinary abrasion resistance, as well as exceptional knot strength. A really good chance of catching your Big Fish. The line shows extraordinary abrasion resistance, as well as exceptional knot strength. A really good chance of catching your Big Fish.

Pros
  • Extremely durable

  • Shock-resistant design

  • Controlled stretching

  • Exceptional abrasion resistance

  • Outstanding knot strength

  • Low price

Cons
  • Gets tangled up easily

  • Difficulty in casting lures where you want it to

2# RUNCL Material Multiple Freshwater Saltwater Braided Fishing Line 8

RUNCL Braided Fishing Line

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This durable fishing line is made of polyurethane material with eight braids. It is extra strong and resistant to abrasion and offers excellent knot strength. You will never worry about line breakage when a hooked fish pulls hard on the line.

A thinner diameter helps you to spool more fishing lines onto your reel and makes it easy to cut water faster. And it allows the bait to faster reach the needed water depth to catch the fish. The smooth sheathing without burr lets you easily slip the line through the rod guides for a superior casting. You can cast farther to reach any fish you aiming at. This fishing line has zero extension and high sensitivity, letting you feel the slightest bite of fish. Your catch ratio has never been higher!

Pros
  • Еxtra-durable material

  • Powerful knot strength

  • Resistant to wear and abrasion

  • Compact weaving and extra sensitivity to fish bites

  • Smooth line with no burr

  • Small line diameter

  • Affordable price

Cons
  • Colour fades quickly

  • Not very good packaging

3# Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line

Power Pro Braided Fishing Line

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Today’s fishermen are getting more and more demanding. They consider many facts when making a decision about picking a fishing line for spinning reels. This Microline fiber braided line was created especially for clearer water bodies. The thin diameter allows more action of lures in the water. It is an extra-sensitive fish line thanks to its three-end braided construction and low stretch. This perfect Microline line will change the way you think about fishing forever.

Pros
  • Ultra-strong braided Microline fiber

  • Incredible round and sensitive line

  • Varying Diameters (0.005-0.035 inch)

  • Varying Lengths (150-3000 yards)

  • Manufactured in the USA

Cons
  • Loses color and paint smears around

4# KastKing Superpower Braided Fishing Line

KastKing Superpower Braided Fishing Line

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This braided fishing line has everything you need to catch big fish. It allows you to fish from shore or offshore with much confidence. Ensures better, farther casts, less chance of wind knots. Dynamically incorporated strands allow you to easily tie a more solid knot. The special proprietary treatment ensures the supple fishing line to zip through the guides to your target and gives you better lure swimming action. Smaller diameter allows you to spool more fishing lines onto your reel. No matter if you’re fishing in a rocky mountain river or along the beach this braided line ensures superior abrasion resistance. Experienced anglers rely on this line’s extra strength whenever they fish sharks or trout. You can really rely on this guaranteed quality.

Pros
  • Strong Knots

  • Low memory

  • Great Abrasion Resistance

  • Ultra-high sensitivity

  • Zero stretch

  • Smaller diameter

Cons
  • Impregnated with a dye that fouls up

5# KastKing Worlds Premium Monofilament Yards Fishing Line

KastKing Fishing Line

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This durable fishing line demonstrates the finest monofilament line manufacturing technology on 275-meter spools in the various tests. The monofilament line is offered in clear, green, yellow, red, and blue colors. A single strand of nylon fiber gives the monoline superior abrasion resistance and provides powerful tensile strength when fighting with fish. This fishing line is thin, durable, and abrasion-resistant. No matter if you are fishing in fresh or saltwater, in a tournament, or for fun,  the great performance of the KastKing monofilament fishing line confidently beats more other monofilament line brands. Maximum efficiency in moving baits. With a monoline, you can fish in almost any condition using any technique.

Pros
  • The unique design of paralleled roll track

  • Less spool memory

  • Soft and supple, easy to tie knots

  • Gives live motion to lures and baits

  • Superior abrasion-resistance

  • Awesome features for freshwater and saltwater fishing

Cons
  • Line sticks to itself and can cause snags

6# Stren SHIQS10-15 High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line

Stren SHIQS10-15 Fishing Line

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Ensures extreme shock resistance for hard-hitting fish. Extensively durable and great for saltwater fishing from the bay and coastal fishing to blue water. A brilliant combination of strength, durability, and impact resistance. Perfect for avid coastal and offshore anglers with casting, spinning, and trolling reels.

Pros
  • High impact monofilament fishing line

  • Shock resistant

  • Saltwater proof for coastal and offshore fishing

  • Excellent transparency for ultra-low visibility

  • Good memory

Cons
  • Tangles way too easily

7# Berkley VPS6-15 Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Berkley VPS6-15 Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

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Remains transparent underwater. Virtually invisible and proven not to spook fish. Fluorocarbon material refracts light similar to water and literally disappears in it. Non-absorbing and maintains strength and abrasion resistance underwater. State line weight. Casts well, and is sensitive enough to detect the softest bites. Also, it offers excellent shock absorbency when you set the hook.

Pros
  • Extra sensitive yet shock-absorbent

  • Soft low memory for easy casting

  • Great for spinning and casting reels

  • Maintains strength and abrasion resistance underwater

  • Refracts light like water

  • Virtually invisible to fish

  • Shock absorbent

Cons
  • Stretches and breaks easily

8# Yo-Zuri Hybrid-600 Yard Fishing Line 8 Pound

Yo-Zuri Hybrid-600 Fishing Line

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The go-to line for anglers who prefer a stealthy approach with smooth handling. The unique, patented co-polymer line contains a 50/50 blend of fluorocarbon and nylon bringing out the best features of both. This fishing line combines extreme abrasion resistance and sensitivity of fluorocarbon with the flexibility and stretch of nylon. Waterproof and UV-resistant, invisible in the water.  Easily flows off the reel spool thanks to its low memory. Great for all species and technics.

Pros
  • Extremely abrasion resistant

  • Denser, tougher sensitive line

  • Stealthy mainline with smooth handling

  • Blend of fluorocarbon and nylon

  • Abrasion-resistant and sensitive

  • Flexible performance with low memory

  • 100% waterproof and UV-resistant

Cons
  • Has high memory, so often gets tangled

9# Piscifun Braided Fishing Backing Fluorescent Fly Line Backing

Piscifun Fishing Line

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There is no longer any reason to overpay for high-quality fishing tackle. Piscifun offers everything avid fishers need in tackles at more than affordable prices. This fishing line shows a perfect compromise between thinness and the ability to make blind splice loops. Extremely abrasion-resistant, virtually no stretch. A low coefficient of friction will prevent your fly rod guides from damage. The line retains all its qualities while underwater. One of the most popular lines in the whole industry. Available in three colors: white, orange, and fluorescent yellow.

Pros
  • Thin and durable

  • Virtually no stretch

  • Low coefficient of friction

  • Retains 100% of its strength underwater.

  • Easy to knot

  • Good price

Cons
  • Pretty thick

10# RUNCL PowerFluoro Fishing Line 100%Fluorocarbon Coated

RUNCL Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

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The amazing strength of this fishing line allows it to withstand sudden, aggressive fish strikes. The fluorocarbon coating ensures outstanding shock strength, abrasion resistance, and knot strength. The fluorocarbon’s light-refractive index is close to water, which makes the line literally invisible to fish in the water. Extra strength allows it to withstand aggressive strikes of big fish and ensure solid hooksets.

The line shows high-density construction with non-absorbency, it sinks faster than monofilament of the same diameter. It won’t freeze, which makes it great for ice fishing. A constant uniform diameter with low stretch and extra sensitivity allows feeling the slightest fish bites. Get ready to see your catch level shooting up!

Pros
  • Made of a 100% fluorocarbon outer coating with copolymer core

  • Outstanding shock strength

  • High abrasion resistance and knot strength

  • Reduced memory

  • Virtually Invisible

  • Ultimate Strength

  • Faster Sinking

  • Low Stretch & Extra Sensitivity

Cons
  • Holds memory when twisted

FAQ

Why does a fishing line come in different colors?

One of the main questions fishers have is whether fish can see lines. There are several major types of fishing lines. Each has its benefits. When it comes to color, here is what is known about each one:

  • The bright yellow color of the line is a good choice for dirty water, but in clear water, the line is fairly easy to see underwater.
  • Red lines are considered to become invisible underwater. The fishers who use red lines also like the fact that they are easy to spot above water.
  • Green is good for blending into the water. Like camouflage, the green line merges with the environment and looks invisible to fish. On the other hand, green may be more visible in very clear water.
  • Clear monofilament is great if you are concerned about fish being able to see your line underwater.
  • Clear blue. The clear blue line is relatively clear underwater, but the blue tint makes it easier to see above water.

How do you spool a fishing line on a spinning reel?

  • Insert the fishing line into the first eyelet on a rod.
  • Continue bringing the line under the roller on your spinning reel. Please make sure the bail is closed.
  • Tie two overhand knots onto the spool and synch it snug onto the spool.

Does the fishing line go bad?

Fishing lines have no expiration date. That doesn’t mean that you can use it forever.

The average shelf life of a fishing line mainly depends on its type:

  • The monofilament line has the shortest shelf life due to its vulnerability to heat and UV light. It’s recommended to replace it after every season.
  • Fluorocarbon is not affected by sunlight, but its memory can shorten its lifespan. However, if properly used, fluorocarbon will last up to four times longer than mono.
  • The braided fishing line seems to be the longest-lasting product. It may serve as long as an entire human lifetime. However, fishers who are after large fish should pay special attention to strikes.

How to prolong the life of the fishing line?

Proper storage is of utmost importance. You should keep the line in a cool and dark place, out of reach of sunlight and high temperature. It’s a good idea to keep the used fishing line we don’t need at the moment on a spool. However, this only works for a braided line. Both monofilament and fluorocarbon have way too much memory for that.

How can I know my fishing line needs replacing?

It depends on the type of line we’re using. With the monofilament line, you should be attentive to loops and tangles. It’s most susceptible to breaking down due to extensive exposure to sunlight. If you use fluorocarbon, you need to regularly check it for fraying and stretching, and other damage caused by UV light. The braided line is considered the most resistant to wears, but you should keep in mind that it also has a limited lifespan. In case you notice any decolorization or fraying marks, you’d better replace them.

Can I use the same line for freshwater and sea fishing?

Of course, you can, since there is no difference in saltwater and freshwater lines. Saltwater lines are just usually sold in larger quantities, marketed to anglers who expect to hook into fish that make long runs.

Tags: #best fishing line for spinning reels / #best monofilament fishing line for spinning reels / #best mono fishing line for spinning reels / #best braided fishing line for spinning reels / #best trout fishing line for spinning reels

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!

About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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Spector Odgenbone
Spector Odgenbone
4 months ago

A great resource for anglers looking to purchase new fishing lines for their spinning reels. The breakdown of the top lines and their respective strengths is extremely helpful in making an informed decision.

Sebast Richbald
Sebast Richbald
4 months ago

This article on the best fishing line for spinning reels is very informative and helpful. It’s great to see the different options and their respective pros and cons laid out in an easy-to-understand manner.

Anaphalon Darktrack
Anaphalon Darktrack
4 months ago

I found the comparison of different types of fishing lines for spinning reels to be very useful. I will definitely be using this information when I go to purchase a new line for my spinning reel.

Rosper Hardfort
Rosper Hardfort
4 months ago

As a beginner angler, this article on the best fishing line for spinning reels was extremely helpful. The clear explanations and recommendations made it easy for me to understand and select the right line for my needs.

Armando Maidenhair
Armando Maidenhair
4 months ago

I appreciate the thorough research and detail in this article on the best fishing line for spinning reels. The tips on selecting the right line strength and diameter were particularly useful.

Atalus Sunseeker
Atalus Sunseeker
4 months ago

As an experienced angler with over 20 years of fishing experience, I found this article on the best fishing line for spinning reels to be very informative and helpful. I have mainly used the braided lines on my baitcaster in the past, but this article has provided me with new options to consider when using a spinning reel. I have only used the mono line on spinning reels in the past, but this article has opened my eyes to new possibilities. Thank you for the great information.

Alvaro Maplecreek
Alvaro Maplecreek
4 months ago

I recently got my nephew a Shakespeare spinning rod as a birthday gift, however, I realized that I should also get him some fishing line to go with it. I am specifically looking for a line that would be ideal for catching bass on a spinning rod. Is there any specific type of line that would work best for this purpose or is there a general type of line that would work well on a spinning rod for bass fishing?

Orynor Eastbridge
Orynor Eastbridge
4 months ago

I prefer to use the lightest test line possible for added challenges when fishing. My ultralight spinning rig is set up with a 3 lb braided line, while my musky fishing setup uses a 20 lb line. For bass, walleye, and other types of fish, my rig uses an 8 lb braid. I have never encountered any issues using braided lines and my old ceramic guide rods have sustained no damage. Additionally, I have not experienced tangles or any other problems using braid, which is why I continue to prefer it in my fishing setups.

Gorenzo Goldrio
Gorenzo Goldrio
4 months ago

I am a fan of Maxima Ultragreen monofilament as it’s a versatile line, but it has been known to coil in colder weather conditions. As an alternative, I’ve tried P-Line Fluoroclear and found it to be quite impressive, particularly during winter as it remains limp, making it ideal for float fishing.

When it comes to braided lines, I prefer to use Power Pro. One thing to keep in mind when using a braid is that it can be quite sharp and can cut skin if you try to yank out a snag, so it’s a good idea to keep a pair of thick gloves or a dowel rod on hand to safely remove snags.

Personally, I only use pure fluorocarbon for leaders, as it can be costly for me to use it for the entire line.

PierceTheVeil
PierceTheVeil
4 months ago

As a new angler, I have been wondering about the memory of different types of fishing lines. I have heard that braid has no memory, does this mean that I can leave it on my reel for longer periods without worrying about it deteriorating? I have been replacing my mono line halfway through the season due to it coiling up and becoming unusable, and it feels wasteful. Can you please clarify this for me?