Want to catch more fish? You’ll need to get your hands on the best braided fishing line the market has to offer. Whoa… Okay, that sounded like a bad 90s commercial. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s true.

If you’re a monofilament purist, listen up: You might be missing out on some pretty major catches. Braided fishing lines offer a wide range of benefits compared to their mono counterparts. For starters, the fact that they have smaller diameters means that more line length fits on your reel. And, if you have more line length, you can cast over a wider range when you’re out fishing.

Plus, they have no memory, which means you don’t have to worry about the line coiling as it comes off the reel. Braided fishing lines also age like fine wine and remain as strong as they were on day one. The same can’t be said for a monofilament line that is prone to breakage with continued use.

That being said, we’ve reviewed 8 of the best braided fishing lines and also put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you choose the best one.

KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line

KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line

Let’s face it. Regardless of the length of the fishing line you get, the fact remains – they don’t come cheap, particularly if you’re on the hunt for the braided variety. KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line is the exception to the rule. It is incredibly strong and retails at an even more incredible price.

It is made from either four or eight tightly woven Dyneema fiber strands, which is well-known for its exceptionally high abrasion resistance. So, while a sharp knife will cut through it, dragging it over a rock while reeling in a big catch won’t do much to change the structure of its diamond weave.

Another great thing about this braided superline is its low memory. It snaps back into its previous form quite easily, unlike conventional monofilament lines. As a result, it offers remarkable knot strength allowing you to even tie a clinch knot. You can also cast farther out into the water without running the risk of wind knots in the process.

Unlike several other braided superlines you might come across, the KastKing SuperPower has no elasticity whatsoever, even when fishing at depths of 400+ ft. The line is ultrasensitive, meaning you’ll be able to feel each nibble the moment a fish latches on to the bait. You do, however, have to keep an eye on your hook sets; otherwise, you might end up losing bigger fish.

The KastKing braided line is subjected to a proprietary treatment process that allows it to seamlessly pass through the guides of your fishing rod. The best part is – it doesn’t leave behind any waxy residue, which is something you don’t often find with other brands of braided fishing lines.

All in all, the outstanding quality of the Superpower, its high-performance capabilities, and the overall value it delivers to anglers cannot be matched by any other braided fishing line in the market today.

Pros

● Available in five color variants
● Great value for money
● Fits perfectly on any fishing reel

Cons

● Some anglers have found its diamond weave a bit rough

PowerPro Spectra

PowerPro Spectra

If you’re in the market for a premium braided fishing line, then you’ll love what the PowerPro Spectra range brings to the table. Granted, it costs way more than your average braided line, but the performance you get is worth every penny.

It comes in several different spool sizes and colors. The number of strands in the specific line you get depends on the pound test you use. There’s the 4-strand count for a lower pound test, 6-strand count for an 80-pound test, and 8-strand count for a 150+ pound test.

The Spectra lines are made using Enhanced Body Technology (EBT), which subjects the lines to a resin treatment that permeates the interwoven strands, as opposed to merely coating them. This process makes the overall line smoother and rounder, which sets it apart from other braided fishing lines you’ll encounter. The benefits of using EBT manifest in several different ways.

First, it makes the line abrasion-resistant reducing the overall wear and tear that happens over time when the line flies through the reel, fishing line guides, and rod eyelets.

Second, the EBT treatment adds more volume to the line. This makes it easier to handle when doing things like threading hooks and tying knots since the line won’t keep falling all over the place.

Finally, since EBT ultimately increases the line’s slickness and smoothness, causing more fluidity as it flows through the rod’s eyelets, it adds a few extra yards to your cast.

Spectra Lines are also well-known for their high sensitivity since they have virtually no elasticity. So, you’ll be able to instantly feel any strike regardless of the size of the fish you’ve hooked.

Pros

● EBT technology makes handling and casting easier and more efficient
● Ultra-high line sensitivity
● Has a high strength-to-diameter ratio

Cons

● May not be ideal for deep rock pile fishing

Reaction Tackle High-Performance Braided Fishing Line

Reaction Tackle High-Performance Braided Fishing Line

You’re probably already aware of the fact that braided fishing lines can be pretty expensive, with some costing upwards of $200. Now, if you’re not prepared to spend that kind of cash on a fishing line, there are several high-quality low-budget options available.

The Reaction Tackle High-Performance Braided Fishing Line delivers amazing value for its low price. It is made from 100% UHMWPE polyethylene, which is known to be the strongest fiber in existence. Reaction Tackle is a household name in the fishing industry. The company is well-known for producing some of the best fishing gear you’ll ever come across, and at prices most anglers can afford.

The High-Performance Braided Line has almost-zero stretch and possesses super-high sensitivity that allows you to feel even the slightest tag. Unlike many of the other fishing lines you may have come across, this particular one has an ultra-thin diameter and is super slick – two features that allow it to fly through fishing rod guides with ease.

But don’t be fooled by its small diameter. It remains one of the strongest heavy-duty lines around, capable of reeling in some pretty massive catches. It also has high abrasion resistance, ensuring that the line doesn’t cut even when it rubs against a hard surface like a rough rock in the water.

It is made using color lock technology, which prevents the color from bleeding even with frequent use in a wide variety of fishing environments. It is ideal for catching Trout, Bass, Muskie, Walleye, and several other fish species. It also works well for saltwater fishing and freshwater and is great for bow fishing, surf fishing, and even ice fishing. The tackle comes in 15 different color variants.

Pros

● Offers unmatched value for money
● Heavy-duty and abrasion-resistant
● No color bleeding

Cons

● You may need to set the hooks a little softer since the line has virtually zero elasticity. It may take some getting used to if you’re a newbie

Hercules 8-Strand Braided Fishing Line

Hercules 8-Strand Braided Fishing Line

The difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing has everything to do with the kind of experience you get from each. If you’re chasing an adrenaline rush and enjoy the thrill that comes with wrestling a big catch, then you’ll love saltwater fishing.

Fish in freshwater environments, on the other hand, don’t put up much of a fight. They’re more laid back and relaxed, which is a far cry from all their saltwater counterparts.

Saltwater fish fight against being caught. So, the type of braided fishing line you get needs to have a high breaking strength and should also be able to withstand the corrosive properties of saltwater environments and sun exposure.

The Hercules 8-Strand Braided Fishing Line is specially made for saltwater. It comes in tests ranging from 10 lbs. to 300 lbs. and is made from UHMWPE polyethylene, which happens to be one of the strongest fibers around.

The diamond weave strands are woven around a solid core giving it a nice smooth and rounded finish before being coated with Enhanced Coating Technology (ECT) for extra slickness. That way, you don’t have to worry about it getting snagged in the rod eyelets when casting. Plus, it flies off the reel with remarkable ease and speed.

ECT uses a resin-like substance to coat each strand of the fishing line giving it an ultra-silky finish, as well as preventing it from becoming waterlogged. So, saltwater won’t sip into the stands causing them to corrode.

It has superior abrasion-resistance, high sensitivity since it is non-elastic, and exhibits remarkable knot strength capabilities. Now, that’s a fishing line that was created for saltwater use.

Pros

● High tensile strength for enhanced durability
● Waterproof thanks to its ECT coating
● Available in a wide range of colors to blend with the marine environment you’re fishing in

Cons

● Doesn’t come with color-lock technology

SF Braided Trout Line

SF Braided Trout Line

When choosing the best braided fishing line for trout, you need to pick one that’s ultra-sensitive, particularly if you’re trolling in 90+ feet deep lake water. That way, you’ll be able to detect every strike, bump, or tick. You also need something super thin to cut through the water with the least amount of resistance and dive deep into the water.

The SF Braided Trout Line is just the thing you need when you go out trout fishing. It is made from high-quality Dacron polyester and comes in two tests – 20 lbs. and 30 lbs. The 20-pound test is great for a trout fishing experience. It is UV-resistant, rot-proof, and ultra-thin, which is what you want in a braided trout line.

This 8-strand line is hollow braided and extremely abrasion-resistant. So, you don’t have to worry about it fraying from frequent use or when you cut it to attach it to other lines.

It has a smooth and slick surface, which minimizes the friction produced when casting. So, it won’t damage your fishing rod guides, like some of the other lines you might come across. The small diameter makes it easy to knot and has an excellent curl degree, which is something you don’t often find in many trout fishing lines.

It comes in five different colors, although green blends in well with the freshwater, marine environment that trout live in. Plus, you’ll be able to see it clearly under the water surface.

Pros

● Sturdy and abrasion-resistant
● It is UV-resistant, so the color doesn’t fade over time
● The ends don’t fray after cutting

Cons

● Tangles from time to time when unspooling

Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line

Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line

When it comes to fishing for catfish, the size of the fish you’re hunting will dictate the test strength of the line you should get. For average-sized catfish, a 20 to 30-pound test will suffice. However, if you’re hunting the big boys, you’re going to need something a little stronger, somewhere in the 40 to 80+ pound-test range.

The Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line has all the features required for a successful catfishing expedition. It is made of an 8-strand woven braid that’s coated with cutting-edge Epoxy Coating Technology to prevent the strands from getting damaged or getting waterlogged. It provides superior knot strength allowing you to tie more solid knots than would otherwise be the case with other types of braided fishing lines.

It is abrasion-resistant, so it won’t wear and tear even with frequent use. The Onyx line is super-smooth and round, allowing it to cut through the water fast, with virtually no backlash, and get to the targeted fishing layer quickly.

It has little to no elasticity and extremely low memory, two features that make it ultra-sensitive to any nudge on the fishing line. So, it sets the hook instantly the moment you pull back on your rod.

The fact that it is extremely thin allows it to glide through your fishing rod’s eyelets and guides with ease without worrying that they may get damaged in the long run. All in all, the Onyx braided line is a great option for all you catfish lovers out there.

Pros

● Super strong and durable
● Specially designed with minimal elasticity, which is ideal for catfishing
● Superior strength

Cons

● Slightly noisy when casting

Gevicont Braided Fishing Line

Gevicont Braided Fishing Line

You don’t always have to get on a boat and go out into the open seas to catch fish.  You can do it while standing on the shoreline. That’s precisely what surf fishing is. It’s the umbrella term that refers to any type of shore fishing. Now, if you were wondering what type of line you should get for this activity, the answer to that would be a braided line – specifically the 4-strand Gevicont Braided Fishing Line.

It is made from UHMWPE polyethylene fiber, which is arguably the strongest fiber in existence today. It is abrasion-resistant, rendering it virtually unbreakable. So, the likelihood of it cutting if it gets snagged in grass, weeds, or rocks is slim to none.

The other great thing about it is that it allows you to straighten the hook if you want to retrieve the lure you used while surf fishing. These are usually expensive, so that’s a definite plus.

It has low memory and a small diameter that allows you to cast farther out into the water. This feature is pretty important when it comes to surf fishing. You want to get your line and bait as far out into the water as possible, therefore increasing your chances of catching several fish. The fact that it is quite thin also allows you to fit a longer test line on your spool, which isn’t very common with other brands.

Additionally, Gevicont fishing lines are known for their ultra-high sensitivity properties. So, you’ll instantly notice if there’s any activity on or near your hook.

The other thing that sets apart this particular braided line from other surf fishing lines in the market is just how lightweight it is. Not only is this essential for casting at long distances from the shoreline, but it also floats on the water, which is critical in surf fishing situations.

Pros

● Lightweight, ultra-thin, and durable
● Long casting distance
● Ideal for top-water fishing

Cons

● Slightly hard to knot

Mounchain Extreme Braid

Mounchain Extreme Braid

Baitcasters offer several benefits to anglers. For starters, they give you more strength and control, which is something you don’t quite get with spinning reels. However, if it’s your first time using one, it may take a bit of time and practice to hone your skills since they are delicate and a lot harder to handle than regular reels.

That aside, the quality of the fishing line you use with baitcasters also plays a major role when fishing with one.  It needs to be strong enough to not only handle the fish you’re going to catch – particularly if they are aggressive, but also keep the baitcasting reel itself in check.

You also need to ensure you get a thin line so that there’s less friction and to be able to fit more line length on your reel. This, in turn, gives you a greater casting distance.

In our quest to find the best braided fishing line for baitcasters, we came across the Mounchain Extreme Braid. This high-performance polyethylene fiber fishing line comes in 4- and 8-strand options with tests ranging between 10 and 40 lbs. It is extremely strong, durable, and highly abrasion-resistant, which are all qualities you want in a good baitcasting fishing line.

It has a very small diameter, which allows you to cast farther out into the water. It is non-elastic, making it super-sensitive, which, in turn, gives you more hook-setting power, something you don’t often get with other baitcaster lines. So, you’ll feel any bite instantly regardless of how deep the waters you’re fishing in are.

The strands are woven smoothly, with no burr. This minimizes the friction that would otherwise be produced as the lines pass through the rod eyelets and guides.

All in all, the Mounchain Extreme braid delivers outstanding performance for baitcasting reels and has a wide range of applications. These include freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and even ice fishing. The fact that it has a UV-resistant coating means that you don’t have to worry about the color fading over time.

Pros

● The thin, smooth line minimizes friction during use
● Specially made for baitcasters
● Incredibly strong, abrasion-resistant, and durable

Cons

● Some anglers find the colors a little bright

How to Choose the Best Braided Fishing Line – Buyer’s Guide

4-strand braids… 8-strand braids… 20-pound test… 80-pound test… With so many different types of braided fishing lines in the market, how on Earth do you pick the best one? Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right braided line for your fishing needs.

Fishing Location

The first thing you need to think about when picking the best braided fishing line is where you’re going to fish. Will you be casting in a freshwater lake or out in the salty waters of the ocean?

Do you plan to do a bit of surf fishing by the shoreline, or will you be heading out into icy waters? If you’re fishing in saltwater, for instance, you might need to get a stronger and heavier fishing line since average lines don’t sink as much in dense waters.

If you’re surf fishing by the shore, on the other hand, you’ll need a lighter line to give you farther casting distance.

Type of Fish

Depending on the size and species of the fish you’re hunting for, you need to get a braided line with features that can deal with them. If you’re fishing for larger, heavier, and more aggressive species, you may need to get an 8-strand line with a higher-than-average test.

If you’re out in freshwaters hunting for small to average-sized catfish, a 4-strand line with a lower test will suffice. Some fish species are line shy, in which case you may have to get a braided line in a color that blends in with the environment. Look for one that has undergone some kind of color-setting treatment to prevent it from fading with continued use.

Line Test

“Test” is angler lingo for the strength of a line. It refers to how much weight a fishing line can hold before it breaks. If you’re hunting for sharks, you don’t want to use a line that’s hair-thin since it will break instantly the moment you try to reel in your catch.

The species, size, weight, and overall aggressiveness of the fish you’re hunting will determine the ideal test for the line you should get. For instance, if you’re hunting a 20-pound fish that wrestles with the aggressiveness of a 25-pound fish, you’re better off getting a line with a 30-pound test.

Line Length

Once you’ve identified the line test you’ll need, the next step involves figuring out what length line you should get. You first need to identify the specific depth that the fish you’re hunting for like to swim in. You’re going to need a heavier braided line when fishing in deep waters since you’ll need it to sink further down.

There’s also a direct correlation between the length of the line you want to get and your fishing reel’s corresponding length capacity. There’s only so much line your reel can fit. These are usually indicated on the reel itself.

Line Diameter

Next up is how thin or thick your braided line is. The diameter of your line has a direct impact on its performance. The thinner it is – the farther out you’ll be able to cast since the air and water resistance will be less compared to thicker lines.

Plus, there’s also the fact that you’ll be able to fit more line length on your reel when using a thin line compared to a thicker one. However, when fishing in saltwater, thinner lines tend to float and may not get to your intended depth, particularly if you’re hunting for deep-water fish.

Durability

The quality of the line you get determines its overall longevity. One of the key features you want to look out for when choosing the best braided fishing line is  – abrasion resistance. Does it fly off the reel through the rod’s eyelets and guides seamlessly? Does friction or cutting it cause fraying?

You want a line that’s super smooth and coated to withstand abrasion so that you can derive the maximum utility from it before you have to replace it.

Experience Is the Best Teacher

There you have it – the top 8 options for the best braided fishing line. To know what works best for you as per the environment you’ll be fishing in, you might have to try out different lines and gather experience as you go.

The two things you need to be looking out for, though, are quality and efficiency. The tips and products detailed here are a great starting point.

In the meantime, are looking for a new Marine GPS Unit or Fish Finder? We’ve reviewed the best ones on the market.