How is Fishing Line Made? All You Need To Know!

Every angler knows there are different types of fishing lines.

They vary in their appearance and in the way they are made. The same types of fishing lines differ in diameter.

They all have their advantages and disadvantages. All fishing line types have a specific purpose and work better in certain conditions.

A lot of anglers know something about fishing line differences and their use, but they don’t know exactly how is fishing line made.

Most beginners know about monofilament and braided lines because those two types are the most common ones. Here we are going to explain every type of fishing line in detail.

How Is Fishing Line Made? Types of lines ...

As we already mentioned, there are different line types. The main four types are monofilament, braided, fluorocarbon and fly lines.

Materials used in manufacturing are different. Also, some are more complicated than others. Some are best used alone, and some are used with leader/are leader lines.

Different fishing lines are not modern invention, at least some of them. Braided lines have a long history, but materials evolved. First monofilaments were very different than the ones today.

Let’s see how are fishing lines made and what are their features.

How is Monofilament Line made?

Monofilament lines are made of single fiber of nylon (plastic).

They can be produced in different colors, from transparent to blue, red, white or even fluorescent. Transparent and blue are most popular because they are less visible to fish underwater. They have different diameters, and their strength depends on it.

Monofilament lines are the cheapest ones.

They are elastic and can absorb shock very well. Lines like this are resistant to abrasion (more than braided lines). The shape of Monofilament line is circular so it lies well on the spool.

Monofilament lines absorb water, which means they act differently on land and in water when wet.

Beginners like monofilaments because tying knots is easy, so they are suitable for a beginner in the learning process. The problem is that lines made like this have “memory”. It means they are prone to keeping their shape. They have a tendency to have loops that are shaped like spool.

Monofilament lines are very popular for saltwater use. They are strong and have good knot strength. There are modern monofilament lines available that have lower “memory”.

Downside of these lines is that they are very sensitive to sunlight. They have to be changed every few months if used often. They can break down from sunlight exposure and that can cost you your catch. Also, they are not as strong as braided lines. To have the same strength they have to have wider diameter and take up more space on your spool.

Now you know how is this fishing line made, now let’s see how are other types different.

How is Braided Line made?

Braided lines are made from a number of strong and thin fibers. Those lines are braided together to form a round shaped line.

Materials used are similar to Kevlar. They do not absorb water, which means they act the same when dry and underwater.

Braided lines are very strong, much stronger than monofilament of the same diameter. Modern braided lines are just 1/3 or 1/4 diameter of a monofilament, but have the same strength. That means you can have longer lines on your spool.

High strength feature made them popular in deep sea fishing because anglers don’t have to use huge and heavy reels to accommodate very long lines. Thin lines have higher resistance to sea currents.

Also, braided fishing lines are becoming ever more popular with carp anglers.

Downside of braided lines is that they are less resistant to abrasion. Sharp rocks can damage it easily, so when using braided lines anglers should be more careful.

Braided lines are not very stretchy so fish bite can make a high impact.

They are also very visible to fish. Because of visibility, some anglers prefer to use them in murky waters with a lot of vegetation. If used in clear waters, they can be used with leader.

Most of braided lines float so they are popular for top water fishing. They can also be cast very far because of their flexibility.

Tying knots is harder on braided lines and some knots are not suitable for this line type. They have no memory and sunlight doesn’t affect them. That means they won’t develop loops after sitting on the spool for too long. That is one of the reasons they are very good for spinning reels.

Cutting of that line is also very hard. If you use it, make sure you have extremely sharp scissors, or maybe nail clippers.

How is Fluorocarbon Line made?

Fluorocarbon lines are rarely used as main lines. Most anglers use them as leader, especially when using braided lines. Fluorocarbon lines are invisible underwater and resistant to abrasion.

They are made from special material, polyvinylidene difluoride. It forms a single line, similar to monofilament. Fluorocarbon lines are heavier than monofilaments, due to material used.

It does not absorb water. It has high “memory”.

This relatively new concept became popular for saltwater fishing. Fluorocarbon is denser and it sinks faster, fish can’t see it, it doesn’t refract light and it is stronger than monofilament.

The problem with this line type is that sunlight affects it badly. It is also very stiff so tying knots is hard.

Interesting fact about fluorocarbon lines is that most anglers think this type of line is not stretchy. It actually stretches more than nylon for monofilament lines, but force required to stretch fluorocarbon is much greater.

How is Copolymer Line made?

Copolymer lines, when compared to other types, are new on the market. These lines combine features of different line types to get the most benefits as possible.

Name copolymer is given due to the fact that these lines are made from two different types of nylon.

The result of this combination is less stretch and memory than mono has, thinner diameter than mono, but slightly higher visibility.

Copolymer lines have excellent abrasion resistance and great strength. Thinner diameter enables you to put more line on your reel.

It is an excellent replacement for mono in certain conditions, at least when you can settle for higher line visibility.

Although it is made from two different nylons, it can’t compete with braided lines.

How is Fly Fishing Line made?

Fly fishing lines have different weights. They have to be paired with the rod of the same characteristics. Weight of fly fishing lines marks how heavy the line is. Beginners usually think it marks the strength but that is incorrect. Weight of the line enables casting, not the weight of lures, which is the case while using braided or monofilament lines.

Fly fishing lines can be floating, tip-sinking or sinking.

Construction of this lines is also different and more complicated. Core of the line is made of braided nylon. That core has a PVC coat.

PVC coat can contain different substances, which make the line sinking or floating.

Unlike other types of lines which are same trough their length, fly lines have tapers. Tapers are adjustments made by manufacturers where parts of the line can be thicker and heavier, or thinner and lighter. Most popular is weight-forward taper.

Unlike other line types, fly fishing lines can’t be used for any other purpose, or with any other gear, except compatible fly fishing rods and reels.

How is Ice Fishing Line Made?

Ice fishing lines are specially made for conditions with temperatures below freezing.

When it comes to their type, these lines can be mono, braided, or fluorocarbon, however, they are made in a different way.

When comparing ice fishing line vs regular line, you will start noticing the differences. First of all, these lines are usually available in colors that are almost invisible under ice, and those are transparent, crystal, or light blue.

Another important feature is the coating. Ice fishing lines are covered with substances that are resistant to freezing and repel ice. Yes, these lines can freeze too, but much harder than regular ones.

When fishing under ice, the line will rub against the ice hole edge, and that can severely damage it. This is why ice fishing lines have greater abrasion resistance, because ice is much more harmful for lines than weeds or gravel.

Besides all of this, ice fishing lines are made from a bit different material, to make their performance better in icy conditions. Temperature affects how materials behave, and lines made for summer will become stiffer when frozen and there is a high chance that they could break.

If you are planning an ice fishing expedition, make sure that you use suitable lines to prevent losing your catch.

Conclusion

All fishing lines are different and they all have properties that suit a certain fishing technique. If you have ever wondered how is fishing line made or what is the difference between certain types, now you have the answer.

Before choosing a line for you, decide where will you fish and how will you do it. Choosing the correct line is essential part of the fishing experience. It may seem to a beginner that every line is the same, but the science behind it exists for a reason.

For a complete beginner, handling monofilament lines is the easiest way to learn how to tie knots and use the line properly.

It is impossible to say which line is the best, and it would be wrong to do so. Every line has certain advantages and make sure you educate yourself before fishing in order to choose the right one!