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Line, leader and wire.

Your line is the only thing between you and the fish. Here is what each type does best.

  • 01

    Monofilament

    Single-strand nylon line. It stretches, which helps absorb a sudden run, and is easy to knot.

    Best for: Main line for general surf fishing, and as a shock leader.

    Strengths

    • Forgiving stretch
    • Easy to tie
    • Cheap

    Watch out for

    • Thicker for its strength than braid
    • Weakens in sunlight over time

  • 02

    Braid

    Woven fibre line, much thinner than mono for its strength. Little stretch, so you feel every bite.

    Best for: Long casts and sensitivity, always with a mono or fluorocarbon shock leader.

    Strengths

    • Thin and strong, so casts further
    • Very sensitive
    • Does not stretch

    Watch out for

    • Needs a shock leader
    • Cuts into soft hands
    • Can tangle if spooled loosely

  • 03

    Fluorocarbon

    A stiff, low-visibility line that sinks and resists abrasion well.

    Best for: Leaders and traces for line-shy fish and for fishing over rocky ground.

    Strengths

    • Almost invisible underwater
    • Abrasion resistant
    • Sinks

    Watch out for

    • Stiff and harder to knot
    • More expensive

  • 04

    Shock leader

    A heavy length of mono tied to the end of the main line to take the load of the cast.

    Best for: Any heavy cast. The rule of thumb is about 10 lb of leader for each ounce of sinker.

    Strengths

    • Stops the main line snapping on the cast
    • Absorbs the shock of heavy sinkers

    Watch out for

    • Adds a knot to the line

  • 05

    Wire trace

    Single-strand or cable wire used where teeth would cut through the line.

    Best for: Sharks and toothy fish such as elf.

    Strengths

    • Resists teeth
    • Strong for its size

    Watch out for

    • Stiff, can kink
    • Visible to fish

New to this? Read how to match line, leader and sinker weight, or see the knots that join them in the knot guide.