Fishing Line: Nylon, Fluorocarbon and PE Braid

The line is the only link between you and the fish. Lines of the same thickness can behave very differently depending on the material.

Nylon monofilament

The most common and cheapest line. It stretches, which absorbs shocks, and it is soft and easy to handle. It sinks slowly. It makes a good main line for beginners, and there are hi-vis yellow versions that are easy to see.

Fluorocarbon

Hard to see underwater and resistant to abrasion on rocks. It is heavier than nylon and sinks fast, so it is often tied on as a leader near the hook. It helps with wary fish.

PE braid

Many thin fibers woven together. It is the strongest line for its thickness and barely stretches, so you feel bites directly. It is light enough to float. It wears through on rocks and knots can slip, so a fluorocarbon leader is usually added. It is the go-to for lure fishing, jigging and boat fishing.

Some boat braids change color at fixed lengths. By counting the colors that have gone out, you know how deep your rig is, which matters in deep water.

Line ratings

In Korea, line thickness is rated by number, such as #1, #2 and #3. Higher numbers are thicker and stronger. The same number in a different material can have a very different strength, so PE #1 is far stronger than nylon #1.