Kayak fishing is a thrilling activity that has gained a lot of popularity over the years. It is an excellent way to connect with nature, and the feeling of catching fish from a kayak is second to none. One of the most important decisions when fishing from a kayak is the choice of fishing line. The two most popular options are braid and monofilament lines.
Both types of fishing lines have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing one over the other depends on different factors, such as fishing conditions, personal preferences, and the type of fish you are targeting.
Monofilament lines have been the traditional choice for kayak anglers for decades. They are made of a single strand of nylon and are known for their stretch and shock-absorbing capabilities. This stretch is beneficial when fighting fish, as it allows the angler to tire out the fish before reeling it in.
Furthermore, monofilament lines are also easier to knot, and anglers can use a wider range of knots, including the improved clinch knot and the Uni knot.
However, monofilament lines have some serious drawbacks as well. They tend to break down faster than braid lines. Exposure to sunlight, heat and saltwater can cause degradation. They also tend to absorb water which makes them feel heavier and fish differently. This harsh reality can quickly lead to line failure, which in turn leads to lost fish and dissatisfaction in the paddlers who relied on monofilament lines to get the job done.
On the other hand, braid, as the name suggests, is made from several strands of synthetic material such as Spectra or Dyneema. This newer technology offers an almost zero stretch fishing line, meaning the angler can feel everything that is going on with their lure or bait. Additionally, Braid lines perform well in windy conditions and a stronger line can be used in place of a mono line in the same situation, providing greater casting distance and strength without having to up the line diameter. Since it does not degrade as quickly as monofilament line, it usually lasts longer and, therefore, a better value in the long run.
Braid is becoming an increasingly popular choice of fishing line among kayak anglers. With improvements in manufacturing processes, it is now possible to get braid lines with a reduced diameter, which makes it possible to use it in a wider range of fishing conditions. However, one of the downsides to braid is that it can be difficult to knot and requires a specific set of knots.
The choice of fishing line is subjective to an individual’s style and preference, but most kayak fisherman would agree that braid line is the more modern way to go. It has a significant edge in a kayak environment, where the fishing is sure to be competitive, and it is important to have an edge in the tools you chose. It gives an angler the ability to feel every detail of their lure and gives them the casting distance they need with strength to bring in the big one. On the other side, monofilament still has a place in some kayak fishing situations and is still popular with many anglers. At the end of the day the best advice for anyone is to try both lines and see which one they are most comfortable with, but for those in the know; braid line is the new leader in the kayak fishing environment.