Fishing lines and braids

Main line and leader line: diameter and strength

Any line consists of two parts. The main line, coiled on the spool, absorbs the cast and the fight; the leader line, thinner, connects the rig to the hook and should be inconspicuous. The diameter is measured in hundredths of a millimetre, while strength is in kilos or pounds, with one pound roughly equal to 0.45 kilo. The more suspicious the fish are and the clearer the water, the smaller the diameter; the more cluttered the spot, the more you prioritise strength. The leader line tends to be slightly less strong than the main line to break closer in case of snagging.

The rest of the rig

The rig also comes in variations:

• Main line.
• Leader line.
• Weights.
• Hooks.
• Small gear.
• Tools.

The entire setup is gathered on the rig page.

Nylon or fluorocarbon: the properties of each line

Nylon, or monofilament, stretches under load, which cushions the head shakes and allows for a firm strike: the Shimano Catana as the main line, the Guru N-Gauge and Matrix Power Micron as leader lines for match fishing, or the Matrix Horizon, sinking, are examples. Fluorocarbon, such as the Gamakatsu G-Line, Maver Elite, or Guru Pure, has a refractive index close to that of water, making it highly discreet. Denser, it sinks quickly and stands up better against abrasion from rocks and zebra mussels. Braided line, on the other hand, hardly stretches and transmits every nibble.

Surfcasting, predatory fish and line renewal

Some types of fishing require specific lines. In surfcasting, the Shimano Speedmaster Surf Taper, a conical nylon, gradually transitions from a thin diameter to a thick one to withstand the force of casting with a heavy weight. For predatory fish, the Berkley Flex Zander, flexible, is suitable for zander, and the Korum Dropshot for perch fishing using drop shot, while the fluorocarbons Berkley Nautil and Fox Rage Strike Point serve as leader lines against teeth and obstacles. A line ages due to ultraviolet light and heat: store it out of the sun and remove any twisted metres after each outing.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are packed and sent within 24 hours. The major events of the year follow a steady rhythm: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Braid or nylon fishing line: which to choose?

Braid, which has no elasticity, transmits every bite and casts far with a thin diameter, ideal for lures. Nylon, being more elastic, cushions head shakes and is more forgiving, making it more versatile for beginners.

What line to use for trout fishing with lures?

A fine braid paired with a leader line in fluorocarbon about a metre long provides sensitivity and discretion in clear water. For trotting or with live bait, many anglers stick with fine nylon, which is more forgiving.

How to connect braid to a leader line?

Use an appropriate knot, such as the Albright or the FG, which is slimmer than a swivel in the rings. Always moisten the knot before tightening it, to prevent the heat from friction from weakening the line.

How much line to put on a reel spool?

Fill the spool to within one or two millimetres of the edge: too full, it causes tangles; not full enough, it shortens the casts. The capacity marked on the spool indicates the length suitable for each diameter.

Why is fluorocarbon stiffer than nylon?

Its high density makes it less supple and gives it a strong memory on the spool. Therefore, it's often reserved for leader lines, where this stiffness also helps to prevent the rig from tangling during the cast.