As an angler, selecting the right fishing line is crucial for catching fish successfully. Braided lines have become increasingly popular among anglers over the years because of their strength and sensitivity, but they are not always the best choice. Knowing when not to use braided line can save you from frustration and disappointment on your fishing trip.
While braided line has many advantages, it is not always the best option for every fishing situation. For example, fishing in clear water can require a more subtle approach, and braided line can be too visible and scare off the fish. Additionally, using braided line for certain fishing techniques, such as finesse fishing, can cause the bait or lure to behave unnaturally, leading to fewer bites. In this article, we will explore the situations where you should avoid using braided line and what alternatives you can consider.
When Should You Not Use Braided Line?
Braided fishing lines are popular among anglers for their excellent strength, sensitivity, and durability. However, there are some situations where using braided line may not be the best option. In this article, we will discuss when you should not use braided line.
1. Clear Water Conditions
If you are fishing in clear water conditions, braided line may not be the ideal choice. The high visibility of braided line can spook fish, making them less likely to bite. In this situation, it is better to use a fluorocarbon or monofilament line with a lower visibility.
Moreover, braided line has a tendency to float on the water surface, which can also make it more visible to fish. So, if you want to avoid spooking fish in clear water, avoid using braided line.
2. Light Lure Fishing
When fishing with light lures, braided line may not be the best option. Braided line has a very small diameter, which means it has little stretch. This can make it difficult to cast light lures accurately and can also result in the lure being pulled out of the fish’s mouth.
In this case, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a higher stretch can be a better option. This will help to absorb the shock of the hook set and keep the fish hooked.
3. Fishing for Line-Shy Fish
Some fish species are known to be line-shy, which means they are easily spooked by fishing lines. In this situation, you should avoid using braided line, as it is highly visible and can easily spook the fish.
Instead, use a fluorocarbon or monofilament line with a lower visibility. These lines are less visible underwater and are less likely to spook line-shy fish.
4. Fishing in Heavy Cover
Braided lines are known for their strength and durability, making them a popular choice for fishing in heavy cover. However, in some situations, braided line may not be the best option.
If you are fishing in heavy cover with a lot of snags and obstacles, braided line can easily get caught and tangled. In this case, a monofilament line with a higher stretch can be a better option, as it is more forgiving and less likely to get snagged.
5. Fishing in Cold Weather
In cold weather, braided lines can become stiff and difficult to manage. This can make it harder to cast and can also result in the line breaking more easily.
In this case, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line can be a better option. These lines are more flexible in cold weather and are less likely to break.
6. Fishing for Small Fish
Braided lines are known for their strength and durability, making them a popular choice for fishing for large fish species. However, when fishing for smaller fish, braided line may not be the best option.
The lack of stretch in braided line can make it difficult to detect bites from smaller fish. In this case, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line can be a better option, as it has more stretch and can help to detect bites more easily.
7. Fishing in Shallow Water
Braided lines have a tendency to float on the water surface, which can make them more visible to fish in shallow water. In this case, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line can be a better option, as it has a lower visibility and is less likely to spook fish.
8. Fishing for Trout
Trout are known to be line-shy and can easily be spooked by fishing lines. In this case, using a braided line can be a bad idea, as it is highly visible and can easily spook the fish.
Instead, use a fluorocarbon or monofilament line with a lower visibility. These lines are less visible underwater and are less likely to spook trout.
9. Fishing in Weedy Areas
When fishing in weedy areas, braided line can easily get caught and tangled. In this case, a monofilament line with a higher stretch can be a better option, as it is more forgiving and less likely to get snagged.
10. Fishing for Finesse Techniques
When fishing for finesse techniques, braided line may not be the best option. Braided line has a very small diameter, which means it has little stretch. This can make it difficult to detect bites and can also result in the lure being pulled out of the fish’s mouth.
In this case, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a higher stretch can be a better option. This will help to absorb the shock of the hook set and keep the fish hooked.
In conclusion, while braided line is an excellent choice for many fishing situations, there are some situations where it may not be the best option. By understanding when not to use braided line, you can make the best choice for your fishing needs and increase your chances of success on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about when to avoid using braided line:
What kind of fishing should I avoid using braided line for?
Braided line is generally not the best choice for finesse fishing or when you need a delicate presentation. It is also not recommended for fishing in clear water, as it may be more visible to fish and spook them. In these situations, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line may be a better choice.
However, braided line can be a good option for fishing in heavy cover or when you need to set the hook quickly, as it has very little stretch and is very strong. It’s also great for fishing in deep water, as it has minimal line drag and allows you to feel even the slightest bites.
Can I use braided line for saltwater fishing?
Yes, braided line can be a great choice for saltwater fishing, especially when you need to cast long distances or fish in strong currents. However, it’s important to choose a braided line that is specifically designed for saltwater use, as saltwater can cause corrosion and damage to some types of braided line. Additionally, braided line may not be the best choice for targeting certain species of fish, such as bonefish or permit, which can be easily spooked by the visibility of the line.
If you decide to use braided line for saltwater fishing, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with freshwater after each use and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent damage and corrosion.
What are some other situations where I should avoid using braided line?
In addition to finesse fishing and fishing in clear water, there are a few other situations where braided line may not be the best choice. For example, if you are fishing for very small or light-biting fish, braided line may be too heavy and cause them to spit out the bait. Additionally, if you are fishing in heavily pressured waters, braided line may be more visible to the fish and cause them to shy away from your bait.
However, if you are fishing in heavy cover or need to make long casts, braided line can be a great choice. It’s also ideal for fishing in deep water, as it allows you to feel even the slightest bites and has minimal line drag.
Can I use braided line on a spinning reel?
Yes, braided line can be used on a spinning reel, but it’s important to choose a braided line that is appropriate for your reel and the type of fishing you’ll be doing. Some braided lines may be too heavy or thick for certain spinning reels, which can cause problems with casting and line management.
Additionally, because braided line has very little stretch, it can be more difficult to control on a spinning reel, especially if you’re trying to finesse fish or make delicate presentations. In these situations, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line may be a better choice.
How do I know if braided line is right for my fishing needs?
The best way to determine if braided line is right for your fishing needs is to consider the type of fishing you’ll be doing and the conditions you’ll be facing. If you need a line that is very strong, has minimal stretch, and allows you to feel even the slightest bites, braided line may be the best choice.
However, if you’re fishing in clear water, targeting small or light-biting fish, or trying to finesse fish, a monofilament or fluorocarbon line may be a better choice. Ultimately, the best line for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including your fishing style, the species you’re targeting, and the conditions you’ll be facing.
Top 3 Reasons YOU should Use BRAIDED LINE !
After exploring the various scenarios in which braided line might not be the best choice, it is clear that there are several situations where anglers should consider using a different type of fishing line. While braided line is known for its strength and sensitivity, it can also be prone to tangling, visibility issues, and damage to fishing gear. As such, anglers should be aware of the potential downsides of braided line and assess their fishing needs accordingly.
Ultimately, the decision to use braided line or not comes down to a combination of personal preference, fishing conditions, and the type of fish being targeted. Anglers should take the time to evaluate each of these factors before choosing their fishing line, and be willing to experiment with different types of lines to find the one that works best for them. By doing so, they can ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing experience, regardless of the type of line they choose to use.