How To Buy The Best Saltwater Fishing Line

Even if you are a diehard freshwater angler, you have to admit that there are few things quite as exciting as fishing in the open waters.

Of course, there are a few challenges associated with saltwater fishing.

This is why you need the right gear with you to ensure that your fishing trip is as successful as possible. A particular type of gear you should be focusing on is the best saltwater fishing line.

In many instances, it is the fishing line alone that will determine whether you are actually able to reel in a good fish.

So, in this section, I will focus on all things to do with saltwater fishing line including some of my personal recommendations.

Best Saltwater Fishing Lines

Getting Started With Salt Water Fishing Line – Why Choose Special Line for Saltwater Fishing?

Now, you may be wondering whether you actually need a saltwater fishing line. After all, you probably know a few anglers who don’t bother with making the switch.

Well, the reason why it is a good idea for you to use a different line for saltwater fishing is because of the varying conditions that you will experience.

First off, the fish that you will encounter in open waters will tend to be a lot bigger and heavier. So, the weaker lines that you use for freshwater fish will simply not do. In some cases, you may be fishing for size twice the length and weight of those in bodies of freshwater.

There is also the fact that the conditions in the ocean tend to be a bit more grueling. The wind, waves and often the higher temperatures require you to have different, more durable fishing line with you.

Also Read: The Complete Guide To Saltwater Spinning Reels

The Importance of the Pound Test

Now, keeping in mind the special conditions you will face fishing in saltwater, you need to keep the pound test of the fishing line in mind. Pound test can be defined as the pounds of pressure required before the line breaks.

As a rule of thumb, most anglers consider the weight of the fish that they are looking for when determining the pound test. So, if you are looking for fish that are in the thirty-pound region, a similar line test will work.

At the same time, it is important for you to understand that the drag pressure you apply also matters when calculating the pound test. So, if you prefer quickly reeling in a fish rather than tiring them out, a higher pound test may be in order.

The Different Types of Saltwater Fishing Line

You will now need to figure out which type of fishing line is best suited to your fishing style:

Monofilament Line

This is perhaps one of the oldest types of fishing line around and continues to be popular, even today. One of the main benefits of this line is that it is quite inexpensive. At the same time, it is also quite manageable, making casting a great deal easier.

The stretch factor in monofilament line is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Since it has more stretch, this line is often more forgiving and is less likely to tear a hole in the mouth of the fish. At the same time, it can also result in a lack of sensitivity, which means that it can be more difficult to detect smaller nibbles.

Then there is the diameter of the fishing line which is often a bit thicker than other types. Although this makes the line more abrasion-resistant, it also limits just how low the line can sink beneath the water. There is also the fact that its lifespan is shorter under UV rays so it isn’t great for tropical weather.

Fluorocarbon Line

If you are fishing in crystal clear waters then you will find that the fluorocarbon line comes in handy. This is because it has a light refractive index that is similar to that of water. So, when the line is in the water, the fish will not be able to see it so easily.

The other benefit is that this is an incredibly sensitive fishing line that allows you to feel every bite. Adding to this is that the fishing line is strong and durable and continues to be efficient under UV light conditions.

The fluorocarbon has a lot less stretch than the monofilament. This means that it provides you with much better hooksets, particularly if you are casting farther out. The downside of this trait, though, is that the line tends to be less manageable as well.

Braided Line

As the name suggests, braided line is made of several strands fused together. This is what lends this type of fishing line its strength. One of the main benefits here is that you get a smaller, lighter diameter with a much higher breaking strength. In fact, both you and the fish are going to find it incredibly difficult to cut through this line which can be either a good or bad thing, depending on the situation.

Now, particularly when compared to monofilament, this line has very little stretch. So, if you are looking for a line that is quite sensitive, this is it. Unfortunately, this also means that you will find it a bit more difficult to manage and will have to be rather careful when reeling a thrashing fish in.

However, one of the things that make this braided line quite so perfect for saltwater fishing is that it doesn’t break down either under UV rays or saltwater. So, you can expect it to last a lot longer than some of the other types of line.

The Best Saltwater Fishing Lines Review

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Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Custom Spool

The feature that stands out the most about the Berkeley Trilene monofilament line is the fact that it is incredibly strong. This is partially due to the way that the line is constructed but also has to do with the thicker diameter.

The bottom line is, though, this is spool that is resistant to a variety of conditions associated with saltwater fishing. On a similar note, the line is also very abrasion-resistant and works well in areas with lots of obstacles.

So, if you are rock fishing or fishing in an area with lots of algae, you can guarantee that the line is going to hold.

This is a line that also offers up an excellent performance. It is shock-resistant which means that while you do get a bit of stretch, it is very controlled. This makes it a lot easier to control the line.

To top it all off, this is a line that has been built to handle big, flailing game fish so it can easily take on most of the fish you will encounter in saltwater.

The main issue with this line, however, is that it has high spool memory. So, it is not something that you can keep unused for very long.

Goture Superpower Braided Fishing Line

The Goture Superpower line is aptly named as it makes it quite easier for you to snare bigger fish. Its precision weave pattern also means that it is incredibly strong and durable. So, if you are looking for a line that will last, then this is it.

Now, this line boasts zero stretch which means that you have an incredibly sensitive line on your hands. You will be alerted to even the slightest nibble which allows you to react a lot faster than with other lines.

Typically, with braided fishing line, there are a few issues when it comes to handling the line. While some of these do exist with this particular line, they are largely offset by the low memory and smoothness of the line. This greatly improves the castability of the line, allowing you to get a much better hookset.

The thinner diameter of this fishing line also comes in quite handy if you are working on your finesse presentations. The line is available in several colors so you can choose one depending on the waters that you are fishing in.

However, you should be warned that the color has a tendency to fade after only a short time.

Stren High Impact Fishing Line

The reason that this Stren fishing line works so well in saltwater conditions is because it has been made for coastal fishing purposes. As such, it is incredibly durable and able to resist abrasions, saltwater, and UV light.

If you are someone who prefers to fish solely in saltwater, then you will find that this is a line that will continue to be strong for a long time. This is also a line that works equally well whether you are using a trolling, casting, or spinning reels.

All these factors ensure that this is a line that will allow you to easily reel in some seriously big catches.

There are a variety of colors to choose from here and you can choose to go with either a low visibility clear option or a green or blue that works with differently colored waters.

Unfortunately, with continuous use, the color can fade.

The other problem with the line is its propensity to develop tangles while you are trying to use it. So, novices may find this line a bit more frustrating to use.

Hurricane Monofilament Saltwater Fishing Line

This is yet another fishing line that has been designed specifically for saltwater purposes. As such, you can use it in some of the toughest conditions imaginable and it will still hold up.

The high level of abrasion resistance on this fishing line also means that you can use it for heavy cover areas such as rock fishing or where there are any other obstacles.

What’s great about this fishing line is that you get improved strength and durability with a thinner diameter. So, while you will be able to haul in some large fish, you won’t feel any additional weight of the line.

The other great thing about this fishing line is that it boasts great knot strength. So, regardless of the knot that you prefer, you can be quite sure that this line is going to not to snap at any point. It also has low visibility so you can use it in clearer waters so that the fish will not notice your line.

The thing to keep in mind, though, is that this line does have some memory to it. As a result, you can expect to have to contend with a few tangles every now and then.

KastKing DuraBlend Monofilament Leader Line

The most noticeable thing about this KastKing DuraBlend leader line is its thinner diameter. Despite this, it has an incredible pound test. This means that you get to fish for larger fish without having to sacrifice lightweight equipment.

Speaking of which, this line is quite strong which makes it excellent for withstanding any condition associated with saltwater areas. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the knot strength. While it does hold up for most fish, you can find the knot snapping with a particularly active one.

The good news, though, is that this line has very little stretch. Due to this, you get to enjoy a line that is incredibly sensitive. So, if a fish is even remotely curious at the bait or lure that you have, you will know about it immediately.

The other great thing about this fishing line is its low visibility. When compared to other monofilament lines, it is easy to see that this line offers a great deal more camouflage when in the water. As such, the fish will hardly even notice it.

Pisfun SuperPower Braided Saltwater Fishing Line

There is no denying that the Pisfun fishing line is one of the strongest on the market. After all, it does consists of four strands woven together to ensure that the line has even strength to handle even the largest, most active fish in the water.

Now, while this can make the management of this line a bit more difficult, the line is actually quite smooth throughout the length of it. This greatly improves its castability, particularly when you are casting to a greater distance.

The other thing that makes this fishing line stand out is its incredible sensitivity. Even the slightest nibbles and bites will be picked up and transferred to your line in no time at all. This means that you will be able to act fast to catch your fish.

The knot strength of this line is also quite impressive and it will take an incredible amount of force to break it.

Now, this line is available in a variety of colors. The downside here is that the colors tend to rub off on your hands while you are handling the line.

Wrapping Up – Best Saltwater Fishing Lines Review

While all of these fishing lines perform admirably well in saltwater, I would have to say that the Berkely Trilene Big Game line is perhaps the best of them all.

It is very strong and durable which is what makes it so great for saltwater conditions, particularly if you want a line that is going to last for a longer time.

It is also abrasion-resistant which means that you can fish either onshore or offshore and still have a line that will not snap easily.

Last but not least, this is a line that can handle most large fish with the greatest of ease while still providing you with an amazing amount of control.

So, these are the saltwater fishing lines that you can use on your next fishing trip.

Any one of them will serve you well, ensuring that you are very happy with your catch.