Best Lines For Baitcast Reels – 2021 Round-up

| Last Updated February 11, 2022

Fishing is an enjoyable and relaxing sport if done right. It is not just about throwing bait in the river attached to a hook and wire. You need specialized equipment that varies with the type of fish and water. The equipment involves rod, line, and reel.

Lines play an important role in catching the fish as they are the ones that bring the fish out of the water without breaking. The lines vary in properties and in their proper usage situations.

In this article, we will look at the best lines for Baitcast reels.

Comparison of the Best Lines For Baitcast Reels

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Higher knot strength for versatility in tying knots
  • Material: Double-Knit-fabric
  • Color: Low-Vis Gray / Moss Green / Yellow / Ocean Blue / Multicolor
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  • Strong and long-lasting braided fiber
  • Material: Spectra Fiber
  • Color: Green
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  • Shock resistant features for better control
  • Material: Nylon
  • Color: Coastal Brown
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  • Reduced line visibility with fluorocarbon coating
  • Material: Polyvinylidene Fluoride
  • Color: Clear
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  • Durable and resistant to corrosive elements
  • Material: Fiber
  • Color: Green / Black / White / Blue / Yellow / Colorful
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Are All Lines The Same?

There are many aspects that make the lines differ from one another. Some of the important ones are listed below.

Construction

There are three main ways a fishing line is constructed, namely Monofilament, Braided, and fluorocarbon.

Monofilament lines are good for small fish and have a little stretch element to them. Stretch is not always preferred because it makes the line less sensitive to what is going on underwater, and you are not able to feel small pulls. Monofilament also has a high memory problem, which makes it twist and lose its straight shape. But it is very cheap and easy to handle so, many people use it for normal day to day fishing.

Braided lines have zero stretch and very high tensile strength. Because they have no stretch, they are very sensitive, and you can feel even the slightest pull and movement. This feature is not for everyone because sometimes you need some room for stretch if the fish is too big and is putting up a fight. Braids are also difficult to trim with clippers and are hard to tie. They also often need leaders in the front to increase invisibility. They are a good choice for deep water fishing and smaller fish.  

The fluorocarbon line has a single strand. This line is considered to be the most invisible underwater as light simply passes through it because its refractive index is nearly equal to that of water. It is more abrasion resistant than a monofilament line and also has less stretch, but there is still some there. It is heavy, which means it sinks faster and is not suitable for fish that dwell near the surface. Being heavier also means that it has more strength and can handle bigger fish.

Color

Color is an important factor when choosing a fishing line. It determines the visibility of your line to the fish underwater. You need the line to be invisible or hard to detect for the fish because some fish are very particular about their food and won’t go near a suspicious line. You might think that a white or transparent line should always be the right choice, but that is not the case. Water is not always clear. In fact, it is more frequently muddy or green. For these environments, you would need a different color. The green color is used for green water; there is brown for muddy, and blue-colored lines as well. For clear water, there is always a clear line.

Diameter

The thinness of the line determines its strength and visibility. You need it to be thin yet strong to be durable, so you usually go for a middle ground. A braided line offers the best of both worlds. It is very thin yet strong because of multiple strands. The larger diameter means you can carry heavier fish without the line breaking. The diameter can be as small as 0.06 inches or 0.47 inches. For a braided line, the diameter becomes even smaller.

How to Choose Line For a Baitcast Reel

Choosing the right fishing line is not just about the price. There are several things to consider, some of which are given below.

Line Test

The line test tells you how much pressure the fishing line can handle without breaking. It is measured in pounds and tells you about the fish you can catch with the line. Smaller fish like trout can be caught with a 4-pound line test. Fishing lines always come with their line test so you can buy the right type for the fish you want to catch. A baitcaster reel is made to handle lines of larger diameter and more line test (minimum of 12 to 14 pounds).

Fishing Environment

Water bodies are not all the same. Some are freshwater, and some are saltwater. This difference also leads to a difference in marine life, i.e., some have bigger fish than others. For saltwater, you need lines that are abrasion-resistant to fight the wear and tear caused by excess salt. For bigger fish, you should choose a line that has higher tensile strength. You should also consider the color of the water when buying the line. As mentioned above, your line should blend into its surroundings rather than stand out.

Resistance

Water bodies don’t just have fish but also obstacles like stone and marine plants. The line should be able to get past them without breaking. The water can also cause the line to become rough, which makes casting more difficult. It should have abrasion resistance properties to last you a long time.

Review of the Best Lines For Baitcast Reels

From several options available on the market for fishing lines, these are our picks for the best lines for baitcasting reels. Have a look and pick one that meets your requirements the best!

Best Overall:
KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line

KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line - Abrasion Resistant Braided Lines – Incredible Superline – Zero Stretch – Smaller Diameter – A Must-Have!

PROS

  • Has great tensile strength
  • Can easily be cast to long distances
  • Zero stretch and minimum memory
  • Durable and abrasion-resistant construction
  • Different colors for different fishing environments

CONS

  • The color easily peels off when spooling

What Recent Buyers Report

Like many other braided lines, this one also fades over time, but that is not considered an issue by most users. The strength and other features remain the same. A braided line at such a low price is what attracts many buyers to it. Its durability, ease of use, and strength are what keep them coming back. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This braided line has varying diameters from 0.07 to 0.8 mm, with increasing test weight as well. It is very strong and can handle big obstructions easily. It is made from the fiber that bullet vests are made from so, you can be sure of its strength and abrasion resistance. It has an 8-strand design, which adds to its strength. It is smooth and easy to cast with no memory problems.

Who Will Use This Most

The larger diameter line variation can handle up to 150 pounds, which is good for baitcasting reels. It can be used for big fish like sharks and smaller ones like trout. You can use it in both saltwater and freshwater. It has great strength. You can also buy it in different colors like Low is-Green, Moss Green, Multi-Color, Ocean Blue, and yellow. This gives your line the ability to blend with different fishing environments.

Bottom Line

Overall, this braided line adds to its strength with an 8-strand design. It can handle an impressive size and variation of fish. It does all that at a very low price as well. Its size varies from 327 to 1097 yards. The different colors and abrasion resistance make it suitable for all kinds of fishing.  

Product Specs

Material:

Double-Knit-fabric

Color:

Low-Vis Gray / Moss Green / Yellow / Ocean Blue / Multicolor

Available Line Weights:

6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 65 / 80 / 100 / 120 lbs

Length:

327 / 547 / 1097 yd

Line Memory:

Low

Runner-up:
Power Pro Spectra

Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line

PROS

  • Braided line design for strength
  • Zero stretch means it is more sensitive
  • Minimum line memory to reduce twists
  • Abrasion-resistant and durable construction
  • Can be purchased in varying lengths of up to 300 yards 

CONS

  • It is more expensive than other products

What Recent Buyers Report

Users state that this line is thin yet very strong, which is perfect for a spinning reel. The different test weights let you choose the one you will need. They all work well, even the lighter ones. It is highly durable and can be used for months without the need of spooning again. The sensitivity is very high, and it lets you know about the slightest movement below.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Braided lines are always best for spinning reels. This line is very thin so you can be sure to get invisibility and the fish won’t be scared away. Its diameter varies from 0.05 to 0.035 inches. It has no stretch, which means it will be easy to cast, go long distances, and be very sensitive. It has good tensile strength as well, so it will not break easily.     

Who Will Use This Most 

This line can be used in clear water because it is quite thin and transparent. Depending on how much you want, it offers varying sizes, i.e., 150 to 300 yards. They can be used for almost any kind of fish like Trout, Panfish, Bass, and Walleye, etc.

Bottom Line

If you are going to be using a spinning reel, you will always hear that you should switch to a braided line. These lines have no twisting and coiling problems and are easy to use. This Power Pro line is made from top quality fibers and is smooth and round. It can handle harsh conditions as well.

Product Specs

Material:

Spectra Fiber

Color:

Green

Available Line Weights:

50 lbs

Length:

3000 yd

Line Memory:

None

Best for the Money:
Berkley Trilene Big Game

Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Fishing Line

PROS

  • The price is very low
  • It is available in different colors
  • Thin line and sturdy construction
  • Enough stretch for catching big fish easily
  • Smooth design makes it easy to cast the line

CONS

  • It has some line memory that makes it twist

What Recent Buyers Report

The stretch on this line is not too much that it becomes a hindrance. It is pretty cheap, considering its quality. This line holds well in saltwater as well. It is very strong and can handle very large fish. For a monofilament line, this does not disappoint and delivers what it promises.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Monofilament lines are some of the most common lines as they are cheaper. This line offers great strength and can be bought in test weights of up to 50 pounds. It is abrasion-resistant and is safe against sharp objects. The knot strength is also good, so you can be sure that it will hold.

Who Will Use This Most

Because this is a monofilament line, it has some stretch, which means you can use it for small and large fish. It has a great shock-resistant design as well, so you can fight back when a big fish puts up a fight. You can buy it in clear, coastal brown, green, steel blue, solar, and ultra-clear colors. This means you have options for any kind of fishing environment.  

Bottom Line

Many fishermen are more comfortable with monofilament lines as compared to the newer models. They will work in just about any situation. You just need to know how to use it properly. You also get large yard sizes i.e., 1500 yards at a low price. 

Product Specs

Material:

Nylon

Color:

Coastal Brown

Available Line Weights:

15 lbs

Length:

3600 yd

4. KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line

KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line,4LB,150Yard

PROS

  • Less stretch than a monofilament line
  • Features an abrasion-resistant design
  • Sinks fast to facilitate deep-water fishing
  • The line has high invisibility underwater
  • Copolymer construction gives better casting

CONS

  • The memory could be lower

What Recent Buyers Report

Looking at customer reports, this line is very cheap and loved by those that don’t really need to spend too much on a fishing line. The invisibility of the line helps a lot in catching fish like bass. It also does not give frequent twisting and coiling problems.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The reason this unit stands out to us is that it is made from copolymer with fluorocarbon coating on the top. This helps reduce the line’s visibility underwater and its memory. Reduced memory means easier casting and little management. This line also has low stretching, which gives you more sensitivity, and you can tell what is going on underneath. It is also abrasion-resistant and has good knot strength.   

Who Will Use This Most

This line is good for clear water fishing because of the invisibility underwater. It also sinks fast so it can be used for deep-water fishing. This line will probably be the go-to choice for those looking to buy on a budget. It has a very low price, given its great quality. You can also buy it in varying diameters i.e., 0.18 to 0.48. The larger diameters are suitable for baitcasting reels.   

Bottom Line

For a cheap fishing line, this one offers great strength and reliability. It is easy to use and cast. You can use it in any fishing situation. It can handle rocks and other obstructions well. It is very durable and should be the choice for beginners and casual users.

Product Specs

Material:

Polyvinylidene Fluoride

Color:

Clear

Available Line Weights:

6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 15 / 17 / 20 / 25 / 30 lbs

Length:

150 / 300 yd

Line Memory:

Low

5. Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line

Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line, Superline Abrasion Resistant Braided Lines, Zero Stretch Super Strong, Low Memory, Fast Water Cutting PE Fishing Lines, 6lb-150lb

PROS

  • It has very little memory
  • Comes in six different colors
  • Abrasion-resistant braided line
  • You can get a 150 pound line test
  • Sinks fast to reach the target sooner

CONS

  • The color comes off quickly

What Recent Buyers Report

As per recent reports, this is a very strong braided line. It easily fights heavy fish without breaking. Some people use it with a monofilament leader for invisibility. It seems to be a popular choice because of its 8-strand structure and is used by people for all kinds of fishing.  

Why it Stands Out to Us

Many factors make this unit stand out. This line has a Nano-resin coating that improves its abrasion resistance properties. The stretch is very low, which gives it great sensitivity and increased speed. In addition to being very smooth, it also has minimum memory, which makes casting better. The 65 pound and above tensile strength lines have an 8-stranded design while the lower ones have a 4-stranded design, both extremely strong.

Who Will Use This Most

This line comes in different colors for different water bodies. The colors include black, green, ocean blue, white, and yellow. It can be used in both salt and freshwater. The tensile strengths vary from 6 to 150 pounds for fish of all sizes and types. It is advertised as being a good option for surf fishing and ice fishing as well.

Bottom Line

Braided lines are known for their strength and high sensitivity. This line ticks all the boxes, plus it has a very good abrasion-resistant construction. It remains smooth after many uses. The price range is also very reasonable.  

Product Specs

Material:

Fiber

Color:

Green / Black / White / Blue / Yellow / Colorful

Available Line Weights:

6 - 150 lbs

Length:

150 / 300 / 547 yd

Line Memory:

Low

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

While reading the review, you will have noticed some things that are common for every type of fishing and line type. These features should not be compromised when buying the line.

Strength

Strength is probably the most important factor in a good fishing line. The line’s strength determines its durability and value for money. It also determines how much pressure the line can handle from the fish if it fights. Braided lines are considered the strongest, but the newer fluorocarbon lines also have good tensile strength. This feature can be checked by the line test.   

Durability

Fishing environments can be rough on the equipment, which is why they require maintenance and replacement. Fishing lines come in contact with water and fish and have a high chance of breaking and weakening. The fishing line should give you good quality for money and handle harsh conditions.

Price

The budget should be the last thing on your list. You should first check for the strength and quality of the line. But after that, the price is important. There are many high-quality lines that can be bought at a very low price. The price depends on the size and material of the line. The stringer the line or the longer the line, the pricier it is.

How to Tie a Line on a Baitcaster

Properly attaching the line to your reel is important. If not done right, the line might get tangled, and you will not be able to cast properly. You can follow these simple steps to do it properly on a baitcasting reel.

What you will need:

  1. Long neck screwdriver
  2. Pliers
  3. Cardboard box

Steps

  1. Poke a hole on one side of the cardboard box using the screwdriver.

  2. Put the screwdriver through the side and put the line spool on it.

  3. Balance the screwdriver by poking another hole on the opposite side of the cardboard box.

  4. Thread the line through the first guide on the fishing rod.

  5. Thread the line through the guide in the reel.

  6. Tie the line around the spool.

  7. Cut the tag part.

  8. Reel in the line slowly.

  9. When done, cut off the line from the end.  

For more details and tips, see the video given below.

Conclusion

There are different types of reels, just like the line. The baitcasting reel is made for a heavier line so it can catch big fish. It also needs more experience than some other reels, so beginners don’t normally use this reel. All the lines in our review fulfill the criteria of strength and ease of casting, and all have their merits. You should go with what you prefer and what fish you are expecting to catch.   

People Also Ask

If you have more questions about baitcasting lines, you can read the following frequently asked questions below.

How Much Line Do You Put on a Baitcaster Reel?

Normally, reels have lines that go up to 1/8 from the top. About 150 to 300 yards of the line should be spooled on the reel.

Is Mono or Braid Better For Baitcasters?

No one line is better than the other. Baitcaster reels can be used with both lines. They have their own pros and cons, depending on what you are comfortable with. Braids have no stretch, while mono has considerable stretch. The stretch gives the line the ability to handle large fish. 

Is Fluorocarbon Line Good For Baitcasting Reels?

Fluorocarbon can be used with a baitcasting reel. These lines are more transparent and can be used in clear water. They also have less stretch.

How Do You Spool Fluorocarbon Line on a Baitcaster?

Spooling a fluorocarbon line on the Baitcaster is no different than spooling any other line. For the instruction, see the steps given in the article above.

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My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.