So, we come to the fishing shop. Depending on its specialization, we can see on the shelves a very different assortment of accessories for different types of fishing. We can find fishing line or braided line in any fishing store. Fishing line- one of essential elements tackle, and from the right choice a lot depends.

Monofilament line: what is important to know

For millennia, fishing lines have been made by hand from horsehair, silk and, much less often, cotton or linen. In their manufacture, waterproofing impregnations were sometimes used. Since about the 1850s, machines for tying lines have appeared on an industrial scale.

Modern fishing lines are made of polyamide materials, the main of which are nylon and nylon.

What types of fishing lines are there?

1. Nylon

Invented in 1937 by the laboratory of the DuPont company (USA).

Became the first and most massive artificial material for the manufacture of fishing lines.

Refractive index of nylon light. - 1.52 (water - 1.3)

2. Capron

Capron or nylon-6 (Nylon 6) was developed in 1952 by IG Farben (Germany) to reproduce the properties of nylon-66 (Nylon-66) without violating a DuPont patent. Nylon lines are subject to environmental aging. Their service life does not exceed two to three years.

3. Polyethylene

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes are used to produce multifilament lines with high strength and low elongation.

The first artificial material for making braided lines was Dacron. Subsequently, polyesters were replaced by more advanced Kevlar. Since the beginning of the 90s, models have appeared from the finest polyethylene fibers. In Europe new material became known under the trademark "Dynema" (DYNEEMA), and in America - "Spectra" (SPECTRA). All so-called braids are made from the same fibers, the differences lie in the method of their connection (weaving) and the applied protective impregnations.

4. Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon invented in Japan in 1971. Its creators are experts from Kureha (Seaguar). The English name of the polymer (fluoro -fluorine and carbon -plastic) corresponds to the Russian word "fluoroplastic".

What are the features of fluorocarbon?

First, it is resistant to any negative influences. Lines made of this polymer are used all year round, since its operating temperature is from -40C to + 160C. They can be stored for a long time without fear of sunlight. Their structure does not allow water molecules to pass through, so the lines do not swell.

Secondly, fluorocarbon is characterized by resistance to damage and abrasion. For example, Avani Eging Tip Run braids are acceptable for the feeder. Therefore, they are immediately completed with pieces of fluorocarbon in order to make a shock leader from it.

Thirdly, if an ordinary monofile does not belong to the sinking class, then it can stay at the top and take the float away with it in windy weather. Fluoroplastic is 78% heavier than water. Therefore, the fishing line from it always sinks almost 2.5 times faster than nylon. This gives spinners an advantage when jigging, fishing in a snag or on water bodies where the bottom is covered with shells that can cut the braid. It also helps to maintain the working horizon of most wobblers.

Fourth, fluorocarbon has a refractive index of light close to that of water (1.42 and 1.3, respectively). Therefore, the material is more invisible in the pond compared to nylon monofilament.

The rigidity of the fluorocarbon lines will not let you miss even a timid bite. Will be on hand to make a sweep and when fishing on the current. However, this polymer has less tensile strength than nylon at the same thickness.

Since fluorocarbon is more difficult to manufacture, it is more expensive than nylon. Therefore, a compromise arose - nylon lines coated with this polymer ("Fluorocarbon coated").

Comparative characteristics of line materials

Material	UV resistant	Swelling resistance in water	Abrasion resistance	Extensibility
Polyethylene
Fluorocarbon				moderate

And a little note: the strength of DYNEEMA filaments is 20 times higher than that of steel filaments of the same diameter. Impressive ...

Where is mono line used?

Monolesque used for fishing with a feeder, float, spinning and other types of fishing. The main requirements are tensile strength, elasticity (the ability to knot), invisibility (low thickness or camouflage paint), resistance to environmental influences, friction resistance. International fishing line standards are developed by the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA).

How to choose the right fishing line?

You can ask a more experienced angler for advice. And you can choose yourself, having previously studied the characteristics.

Fishing lines have a number of important parameters, but we will consider only those that we will need later.

The most important characteristic is diameter... Almost any diameter can be found in the modern fishing market. However, the bulk is made up of models with a diameter of 0.1 - 0.4 mm. This indicator affects the casting distance (the smaller the diameter, the better its flight characteristics), as well as the visibility in the water (the smaller the diameter, the more imperceptible the fishing line). The smaller the diameter, the less the line takes up space on the spool.

The next characteristic is. If you think that having bought a fishing line with a breaking load of 4.5 kg, you will be able to "throw fish weighing up to two kilograms over your shoulder" onto the shore, then you are deeply mistaken. Yes, it is possible that on test tests the line showed a breaking load of 4.5 kg. However, in testing, the line is at the correct angle and the load increases smoothly. In life, everything is completely different: you will have the wrong angle, and a sharp increase in load will make itself felt. It should also be borne in mind that the fishing line will rub against something (for example, stones or shell rock). Moreover, at our site breaking load will decrease. As a result, in fact, we get the actual discontinuous less than the declared one. This must be taken into account.

Another important parameter is unwinding, that is, the length. The most common unwindings are 100, 150 and 300 meters. There are also 50, 75, 110, 135, 200 and 250 meters unwinding. Which one to choose - everyone decides for himself, choosing the optimal one for his tackle and conditions.

How to choose the diameter of your fishing line?

When choosing a diameter, one should proceed from the conditions of the catch and the object of the catch. If we have to catch small, non-predatory fish, then thick fishing line will not be needed here. Conversely, when fishing for large and strong fish, such as carp, for example, you should use a line with a solid margin of safety. Also, if we fish in the open space of a clean lake, then we can afford to use a thin model. But if we fish on a curled stream, then here we will have to take a thicker fishing line. This also applies to fishing in shell rock.

Every year its assortment only increases, which, of course, plays into the hands of lovers of angling.

There is only one caveat: it is getting harder and harder to choose the line... In this regard, it would be more correct to at least consider and understand what types of fishing line exist and what characteristics they have.

Purpose

The braided cord has the following advantages:

1. Does not stretch- and this is the main advantage of the braid. Undoubtedly, every material is subject to deformation. For this species alone, the likelihood of stretching is so small that it is almost imperceptible. The braided line captivates the angler with its ideal lure sensitivity. By using it, you can also understand the nature of the bottom surface.
2. Heavy-duty braid can handle the load, which exceeds the permissible weight by 2 times.

Braid is endowed with quite significant advantages relative to other types, but disadvantages are not excluded. The existing disadvantages of this line do not allow beginners to fully taste all its positive qualities.

Disadvantages of braided cord:

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon line is used as leashes for feeder, spinning and other rigs.

The main advantage of this line is its invisibility in the water.

Considering that it is fixed on a fluorocarbon leash, a fish that has shown interest in it does not notice the line and does not feel any danger for itself. This is the main factor prompting you to attack the bait.

The disadvantages include the following points:

1. High price- the main disadvantage, but since it is used for leashes, it will be quite enough for 5 m, and at the price this option is within the acceptable range.
2. Does not carry loads well enough. If we compare fluorocarbon and monofilament, then the strength of the first is 2 times inferior. Here you can solve the issue by acquiring a thicker (in the same 2 times) fishing line than the main braid or mono line.
3. Material too hard, which provokes the spread of the nodes. In this case, this trouble can be minimized by knitting special knots for fluorocarbon fishing line.
4. Has memory- poor elasticity of the material entails memorizing stretches, deformations and bends of the fishing line. This ailment is practically incorrigible. All that remains is the frequent replacement of the fluorocarbon leash with a new one.

Of course, it is better to use fluorocarbon line for the leash, but this is not important.

Knowing the characteristics different types fishing line to summarize.

What to use with what tackle?

For spinning fishing, an ordinary monofilament is most often used, and for jigging, an exclusively braided line is recommended.

The presence of a fluorocarbon leash is of particular importance when fishing with braids., a leash made of this transparent material also does not interfere with a mono line.

The best option for the main line would be to use a quality non-stretching mono line. And, of course, the presence of florocarbon leashes.

It is believed that monofilament is suitable as a material for a leash. This condition is feasible given that the bait is at the very bottom, and the line is practically invisible on the surface. In this regard, it is she who is most often used. However, if you use fluorocarbon, then the result will clearly not be worse.

The ideal option is the use of monofilament, braiding is excluded. The use of a fluorocarbon leash will also be appropriate here.

For ice fishing, only fluorocarbon line is used. To date, a large number of cords are presented, but often monofilament is also used for hole fishing.

When choosing a fishing line, it is necessary to take into account all its pros and cons, so as not to be disappointed in the purchase made. It is the fishing thread that connects all the elements into one whole, secretly delivers the bait to Right place and gives the angler a connection to what is happening under the water.

Useful video

Video on how to choose the right fishing line:

Braided line video:

Hello dear readers of the Fishing for Beginners blog
In this publication, we will talk about the properties of fishing line, which have a serious impact on the behavior of the tackle, and therefore on the quality and results of fishing.
Before starting to read this note, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the previously published article on the materials of fishing lines by clicking on.

Fishing line is a thread, made of artificial or natural fiber, connecting all the elements fishing tackle and is the link between the angler and the object of fishing.

In sports and recreational fishing, two types of fishing lines are used:

monophilic- one-piece monolithic thread made of synthetic fiber (nylon, nylon, fluorocarbon).

braided (braided cord)- a multi-strand thread, consisting of a multitude of ultra-fine fibers intertwined with each other.

Line properties

The properties of the fishing line are considered to be its characteristics manifested under various kinds of influences on it (mechanical, chemical, ultraviolet, etc.) or other circumstances. For example, to determine the tensile strength of a fishing line, it is necessary to stretch it, the possibility of long-term use of the fishing line in direct sunlight, without harm to it, indicates its resistance to ultraviolet radiation, and the increased chemical resistance allows the use of fishing thread in salt water, while maintaining its performance in chemically aggressive environment.

Important properties to be considered when purchasing and using mono and braided cords include:

• tensile strength;
• impact strength;
• knot strength;
• extensibility;
• permanent deformation (memory);
• abrasion resistance - wear resistance;
• visibility;
• line age.

There are also other qualities of the fishing line: elasticity, sizing accuracy, coefficient of friction and some others that indirectly affect its behavior during fishing, but not so essential to dwell on them. Special attention the characteristics of the line are given at competitions in sport fishing, where the time counts for minutes and even seconds, and any little thing can be expensive.

Despite the fact that the fishing line produced in the fishing industry has only two types - monofilament and braided, it is designed for a wide range of applications, including different conditions and possibilities of its use. Therefore, different types of fishing lines are endowed with properties oriented according to their direct and narrow purpose.

For example: a lead line has a relatively high breaking strength; marine - resistant to salt water and ultraviolet; match - has the ability to sink.

For this reason, when choosing a fishing thread, one has to ignore some of its qualities, giving preference to the properties necessary for this fishing method and type of tackle, taking into account the conditions and specifics of fishing, as well as the weight and habits of the fish.

For example, when increased rigidity is required, it is often necessary to neglect the elasticity of the fishing line, and use special crimping tubes or other devices to connect it with accessories, since the thick thread is very stiff and does not fit well into knots.

In cases where it is not possible to combine the necessary qualities in one solid line, they use a combined installation, in which for the section of the thread that is in constant contact with the guide rings of the rod, they use high-quality wear-resistant line of increased strength, called the shock leader, and for the rest - less demanding thread. You can also use an undemanding, but thicker line for the shock leader.

If it is necessary to have an inconspicuous tackle of increased strength available, a braided cord is used as the main line, and fluorocarbon or nylon monofilament is used for leashes.
Very often, when choosing a fishing line, the question arises: which one is better, braided or monofilament? To answer it, let's consider in order the most important properties of both, comparing them.

Breaking strength of the line

The ability of a line of a certain diameter to withstand extremely permissible load tensile strength is called breaking strength. In other words, the breaking strength of the line is determined by the threshold value of the tensile force, up to which the line of a certain diameter retains its integrity. Breaking strength measured and marked in librach - lb or kilograms - kg... and corresponds to the line of the specified diameter.

One libra - "Lb" equals one pound = 0.4536 kg. Most manufacturers measure and indicate the diameter of the line in millimeters - "mm", and its length is marked with meters - "m" or by yards - "yds", one yard - 1 yard = 91.4 cm = 0.914 m
For example, the inscription: "Diameter - 0.25 mm 11 lb", indicates that monofilament with a diameter of 0.25 mm is able to withstand a maximum tensile load of 11 lb, corresponding to 4.99 kg.

It is not always possible to check the compliance of the strength declared by the manufacturer in the store, for this you need to have a special tool - a dynamometer, an analogue of which is represented by spring hand scales (steelyard), with which it is possible to check the breaking strength of the fishing line with approximate accuracy.

If we compare high-quality monofilament and braided line of the same diameter, then we can confidently note that braided fishing line , produced from polyethylene fiber, is at least 2 times stronger than nylon monofilament.

Impact strength

Impact strength- counteraction to the thinning of the thread at short-term impact breaking load.
An obvious example of such a phenomenon often occurs during a power casting, when the line loses the ability to freely descend from and sharply slows down the lure flying with high acceleration. At this moment, there is a short-term action of a force capable of breaking the line and shooting the bait.

A similar example is a sweeping sweep, during a deaf toe, falsely mistaken for a bite.
All braided cords have impact strength several times higher than any monofilament line.

Line strength at knots

A property that determines the strength of the line at the nodes - in the places of its deformation. The strength of the fishing line in the knots recommended by the manufacturer of the product, as a rule, is 20% -30% less than the strength of the solid - solid thread, this is provided that the knots are tied correctly.
The quality of the knot directly affects the strength of the thread and can significantly reduce it if the knot is not properly tied.
It is necessary to acquire a fishing line with this property in mind, since no tackle is mounted without a knot. For example, if the breaking strength of the line is 4.0 kg, then on the correct knot it will decrease by 30% - 1.2 kg and will be = 2.8 kg. As you can see, the difference is significant. Some connections lose less strength, but these are mainly used for attaching hooks and other fishing gear.
It is believed that braided lines they do not hold the knot well and if they do not break in solid sections, then they are untied precisely at the attachment points. These rumors are fueled by the erroneous opinion of people who apply knots for monofilament lines to "braids", who do not follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using special braids for them.

Line stretch

The ability of the line to increase in length under the action of the tensile force and return to its original size when it is removed.

The amount of line elongation is determined when the load is close to the maximum allowable. The extensibility of the fishing line disappears by the percentage of the difference in lengths in the stretched and calm state to its original value.
For example, if a 50 - meter thread in the process of fishing, with a load close to the maximum, stretched up to 55 m, then the difference between the lengths is 5 m, it is 10% of its original length, hence the extensibility of this fishing line is 10%.

Knowing the elongation of a synthetic fiber product, it is easy to calculate how much it will stretch at maximum load.

Often, to determine the extensibility of a fishing line, a coefficient is used that characterizes a given value, obtained by dividing the difference in lengths by its initial value.
In our case, the difference in lengths of 5 m (55 - 50 = 5) divided by the initial value of 50 m is 0.1 (5 m: 50 m = 0.1). Therefore, the line stretch ratio = 0.1.
Extensible monofilament fishing line is poorly suited for spinning fishing, as it poorly transmits signals about the behavior of the bait and rig in general, dulling them with its stretching, and also dampens the actions of the angler aimed at manipulating the tackle.

For these purposes, braided cords are widely used, produced from an inextensible polyethylene fiber, which has increased sensitivity, which transfers any changes in the behavior of the rig to the angler and does not interfere with his manipulation with the bait.

Moderate line extensibility - in the range of 10-15% for many types of fishing is an acceptable and even favorable quality, since it can soften the shock loads on the line, reel and rod, due to some circumstances of the fishing process.

Residual deformation (memory) of the line

Residual deformation in fishing slang is called "memory" of the line.
Good memory is the case when "good" means "worse than ever" - a line with a large permanent deformation, "remembers" its original state and tends to return to it.
Large permanent deformation is characteristic of nylon monofilament - a material with a sufficiently high water permeability, which facilitates the penetration of water molecules into its structure and changes it. In the process of moisture volatilization, the structure of the material retains ("remembers") the shape taken upon drying and subsequently tends to it.

For this reason, do not transport wet nylon line on a reel; straighten and dry it before winding. If the wet nylon line has time to dry on the spool, then when you try to straighten it, it will fold into rings, "memorized" by it when it dries.

The residual deformation from the nylon thread is removed by soaking; for this, it is removed from the spool and placed in a vessel with water for a couple of hours.
Braided lines, like fluorocarbon monofilaments, have virtually no memory.

The memory of the fishing line can be checked by the "old-fashioned" method, by gently stretching a small piece between the nails of two fingers, lightly pressing the fiber with them. This should be done carefully so as not to injure yourself. If, after the manipulation done, the deformed section of the thread is strongly twisted into a spiral, this means that this fishing line has an abundance of memory.
Timely measures to prevent the manifestation of permanent deformation relieve you of the troubles associated with it while fishing.

Abrasion resistance - line durability

There is something other than the ability of the line to prevent abrasion of the surface layer, thereby maintaining the integrity of the entire thread for a long time. Any synthetic fiber has a relatively high wear resistance, depending on its material.

Of all the materials used in the production of fishing lines, fluorocarbon is the most abrasion resistant.
To increase the wear resistance of nylon fiber, its surface is strengthened by applying fluorocarbon as an additional layer or sprayed by diffusion.

Line visibility and camouflage properties

The visibility of the fishing line directly depends on such important operational properties of the material as light transmission and transparency.

The light transmission of a material is characterized by its ability to transmit direct and scattered light, and not only the visible part of its spectrum, but also infrared and ultraviolet rays.

The transparency of a fiber is the ability to transmit light without changing its direction. Both properties depend on the optical density of the line material and its refractive index (refractive index of light). If we compare a monofilament made of nylon and fluorocarbon, then the latter is more invisible, since it has a high light transmittance and a refractive index of light close to that of water, due to which it practically "dissolves" in water.

The desired camouflage effect is achieved by dyeing the synthetic fiber in colors appropriate to the environment. This direction has two versions - painting of transparent and matte raw materials. In the first case, the weak color serves as a tint to the transparent fishing line, increasing its invisibility in the water. The second option is when matte fiber is dyed with one or more colors.

It is worth noting that nylon fiber undergoes a special treatment before painting, after which it becomes matte, due to which certain qualities are lost and its service life is reduced. Older anglers don't trust matte lines.

If you need visual control over the condition of the bait or fishing line, then you have to neglect its masking, using bright fluorescent colors noticeable in the water.
For angling cautious fish, use a transparent fishing line or leashes made of fluorocarbon invisible in the water.
If it is necessary to disguise the tackle according to the color of the bottom or the surrounding landscape, use an opaque brown, black, green or multi-colored vein.
Due to the peculiarities of production, braided lines have poor light transmission and transparency, so dyeing is the only way to hide them from the observant eyes of aquatic inhabitants.

Age - shelf life of monofilament line

The age of the fishing line refers to consumer properties that have a significant impact on all its qualities. Any fishing line is a product of chemical production and has a certain life and storage period, after which it loses its properties and, above all, its strength characteristics.
As already mentioned, aging occurs due to exposure of the chemical fiber to ultraviolet radiation and ambient temperature, causing the process of thermo-oxidative destruction (destruction) in the air - the line dries. The dark packaging, which protects it from drying out under the influence of ultraviolet rays, and the low storage temperature, prolong the life of the synthetic fiber product.

Many anglers practice storing expensive fishing lines in the refrigerator, where there is no heat or light. "Not fresh" - Dried monofilament line loses its transparency, as evidenced by matte spots on its surface.

All the pros and cons of braided line

Braided fishing line in all strength characteristics it surpasses monofilament, has increased abrasion resistance, does not have stretching and permanent deformation. These qualities allow it to be effectively used in spinning fishing and in fishing trolling, where the ratio is "for" and "against", when choosing necessary complex properties lean in her favor.

Some properties, the origin of which the braided line owes to its special multi-strand structure, are not in its favor:

• high coefficient of resistance, preventing long cast, does not allow you to effectively use it with light baits;
• the specificity of the interlacing of the fibers of the braided line contributes to the trapping of solid particles in them, falling on the line during fishing, thereby increasing the abrasiveness of the line. This fact entails rapid abrasion and wear of the rod guide rings and the reel line guide roller;
• poor camouflage properties are reflected in the results of catching cautious fish;
• the high price of the product limits the possibility of its alternative use;
• an increased tendency to twist and tangled knots is inconvenient.

Line marking

Despite the fact that different designations and units of measurement are used for marking fishing line, adopted in the country of the manufacturer of the product; yards, pounds, inches, libres, special numbering and other symbols, together with them, for products oriented to the domestic market, information on its breaking strength in kilograms is always indicated.

To the parameters indicated on the package (reel) with fishing line, only its length, diameter and breaking load are related, the other properties can be judged empirically or you can trust the description of price lists and catalogs of online stores, in which anything will be written for the sake of good sales.
Advertising phrases often found in Runet such as: "abrasion resistance 8" (8 times higher than usual), or "increased elasticity", "silicone coating", etc. absolutely do not say anything, since the existence of the declared device it is not possible to install in a store.

Those people who have been fond of fishing for a long time know that the numbers on the packaging and advertising propaganda are not always worth believing; when buying fishing accessories, they give preference to proven firms, long-term work and quality that have proven themselves in the world market. Yes, a product with a global brand is more expensive, but believe me, it has been proven more than once: "A miser pays twice."
It's no secret that the best line produced by Japan, and the marking on it in most cases corresponds to reality. This is because Japan is trying to strictly adhere to the testing standards of IGFA - the International Sport Fishing Association.

That's all. All the best, see you again. Ask questions, leave comments.