Baitcasting is probably one of the most common and popular types of fishing between both novice and seasoned anglers. The number one advantage for a baitcaster is accuracy. After hours of practice with a baitcaster, you’ll be able to put a lure exactly where you want it.
You’ll also be able to stop the lure on a dime, meaning bad casts that are headed for a snag can be swiftly recovered.
However, using a baitcaster is not child’s play, and one has to practice for quite a while before they’re able to use the skill effectively. But the results can be awe-inspiring once you get the hang of it, and include the ability to catch more fish and benefit from your line’s versatility.
Speaking of which, there are four different fishing lines that you can use for baitcasting depending on the application. And before we get into which lines to buy, let's take a look at what line might be best for your particular use.
This line from Seaguar is constructed from Double Structure Fluorocarbon, a process that makes it a very durable, strong and yet supple baitcasting line. It’s extremely resistant to abrasions; it can last for quite a long time and ties solid knots that hold up well. Sizes for this particular line range from 4-pound test strength to 24 pounds, and it comes in one transparent color.
This is a 100% Fluorocarbon line, which has been specially designed for heavy cover/growth conditions, although it works just as well for numerous other applications. It’s constructed from Seaguar resins and goes through an extrusion process that toughens it up to make it exceptionally resistant to abrasions.
It takes on a transparent appearance underwater, so that fish never see it coming, and it has superior knot strength and durability.
The line’s performance is typically not affected by extremely cold weather conditions, and it's robust enough to withstand UV rays, chemicals, and other scratches.
The memory on this line is quite low, and it’s remarkably sensitive and supple, which means that it casts like a dream. Lastly, this line is available in sizes from 4 to 25-pound test strength.
This Berkley mono line is versatile enough to perform well in a variety of applications and weather conditions. Its features include low memory, so it doesn’t bunch up over time, it’s long lasting and durable, and is easy to use when baitcasting. Another notable feature is its sensitivity, which makes it easy for you to instantly feel nips and bites on it so that you never miss a catch. The line comes in sizes from 2 to 25-pound test, and the spools range from 110 yards to 3000 yards.
The Suffix line is created from the J7 Micro Resin formula, a manufacturing process which makes for better precision and performance overall. The line features impressive tensile strength, is easy to handle, ties decent knots, and it offers smooth casting and sensitivity as well. The best part of all is that this line gives you more versatility with different color options, including, clear, green and yellow.
Although small in diameter, you just can’t beat the strength of this line, as it’s made from 8 different fibers, including the super strong GORE® Performance Fiber and 7 Dyneema® Fibers. Its features include extreme resistance to abrasions, improved casting distance and precision, and very low visibility.
Other notable features on this line include extreme sensitivity to underwater movement, low memory and the knots you tie on it won't let you down.
You can get it in various sizes from 6-pound test strength to 80-pound strength, and it's available colors include low-vis green (which is ideal for night-time fishing), neon lime and ghost.
The Power Pro Slick Line is constructed with 8 yarns of the super strong Spectra fiber. It’s a silent killer and casts as smooth as butter. It’s also robust and resilient, with superior knot strength, especially with the Palomar knot. Baitcasting with this line is not easy, especially for novice anglers, but it can be a real prize winner for a seasoned pro. Sizes range from 20-pound test strength at 300 yards to 80-pounds at 1500 yards, and it’s available in colors aqua green and marine blue.
This Berkley line has a thin diameter, a feature which makes it virtually invisible underwater. On the other hand, it boasts remarkable sensitivity and resistance to abrasion. When it comes to color options, you can have your pick between blaze orange, flame green, crystal, and smoke. Spool sizes range from 125 yards to 1500 yards.
This fancy sounding line comes with a thermally fused coating on a Spectra base, which gives it the edge with more buoyancy when compared to earlier Spectra lines. This means that it’s easy for you to see it while baitcasting, but it remains nearly invisible to the fish.
The line was designed with steelhead and salmon anglers in mind and allows for a positive hook set on long drifts. It also has low memory and floats easily, thanks to the HYDROFLOAT. Sizes run from 10 to 50-pound test strength.
While the above may resemble a cheesy one-liner, there's nothing laughable about the amount of fish you're likely to catch when baitcasting with a good line by your side.
Whether it's your first time, or you're looking for something new to add to your illustrious baitcasting ammo, you can never go wrong with a good quality line.
It must be flexible and versatile enough to carry you through different conditions and applications, with enough tensile strength and durability to last as well.
But even better than the line is your ability to maximize on its features and capabilities, and the only way you'll get better with baitcasting is to practice. So, get out there and 'lure the best!'
