Braid v Mono
With today’s technology, there are so many different types of mainline to choose from. They all fall into 2 main categories – braid and mono – but the options are endless.
Sometimes it comes down to personal preference, and other times a specific type of main line will be better suited to the species you’re targeting, the environment you’re fishing in and the style of fishing you’re doing.
This guide is designed to give you an overview of both types of mainline, so you can make an educated decision for your next fishing adventure.
BRAID
Braid is typically manufactured from thin strands of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), known as PE, which are braided together.
Generally speaking, a higher number of strands woven together will delivery a rounder profile and a smoother finish. This typically delivers a higher breaking strain and a smoother cast.
Braids like our Hyperglide® 13x are considered a high performance casting braid. Its’ round structure and thin diameters help deliver long, accurate, smooth casts; which are imperative for many styles of fishing.
- Braid has minimal stretch, which makes its very sensitive to bites. This helps you stay in touch with your terminal tackle, which is particularly helpful if you're fishing in deeper water
- This can also help when you need to strike, to secure the hook. Any action you create on the rod is quickly translated down to the hook
- Braid is thinner than mono, which also makes it more flexible and supple. This makes it ideal for casting, you can also fit more on your spool (which is a definite requirement when fishing in deeper water), and delivers a higher strength to diameter ratio
- The diameter means you can fish in stealth mode as its not as visible underwater (depending on the colour of your line), and will also cut through the water column easier. Thi can make it ideal for targeting wary species like trout and squid
MONO LINE
Mono, or nylon as some call it, is versatile, cost effective and easy to use. It's made by melting and mixing polymers and then extruding the mixture through tiny holes, forming strands of line, which is then spun into spools of various thicknesses.
Mono mainlines usually have a wide variety of breaking strains, and it's stretchier and thicker than braid. While thinner lines usually offer better casting and less drag in the water, thicker line has better abrasion resistance. Your mainline should be slightly heavier than your leader.
- Mono has more stretch than braid, so it can act like a shock absorber when a fish strikes
- Mono is less expensive than braid, so can be a more cost effective option
- It has a high level of abrasion resistance
- IGFA rules state that mono linemust be used for any records claim. Our IGFA line (available inclear and high viz yellow) is designed to meet IGFA regulations by breaking close to or under the specific breaking strain
- Mono is easier to tie knots with but does tend to cut into itself over time, so always check your knots before deploying your line
VIDEO GUIDE
BLACK MAGIC BRAID
Our braid range offers you options for every fishing scenario.
HYPERGLIDE 13x is ideal for casting - its round structure delivers a long, smooth and accurate cast, and is available inbreaking strains from 8lb to 80lb.
RAINBOW Braid is your go-to for deepwater fishing. The colour changes every 10 metres, and also has 1 metre and 5 metre markers, so you can drop your line to the exact depth you've marked a fish on the sounder.
INFERNO Braid is perfect for bottom fishing, or when you need good visibility of your line. It's a good all-round braid.
BLACK MAGIC MONO LINE
Our comprehensive range of mono line gives you options depending on your fishing style and environment.
IGFA is a high quality tournament grade line, designed and tested to break close to or under our specificed breaking strain. Your go-to when chasing those local and IGFA records.
PREMIER TOUGH has a low visibility green colour which makes it ideal for a range of slatwater fishing environments andmethods.
PREMIER SUPPLE is a clear line with a high level of flexibility, making it ideal for natural bait presentation, and fishing over sandy areas.
VELOCITY SURF is a high visibility line designed to provide the ultimate casting distance making it ideal for surfcasting or any landbased fishing adventure.
VELOCITY SPIN is a speciality casting mono, ideal for casting spinners, spoons and hardbody lures. A great choice for freshwater anglers.
WASABI 1/4 POUNDER is a durable and reliable mono line,ideal for most saltwater fishing environments and methods.
BALANCE
Fishing is all about balance. Match your mainline to the size and style of your rod and reel. Match the weight of your leader to your mainline, target species and environment. Match the size of your hook or lure to your leader. And lastly, match the size of your hook to the size of your bait.
At every stage of your gear set up, consider what species you’re targeting, what fishing style you’re using and what environment you’re fishing in. Set yourself up for success by using a balanced gear set up.
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