The fishing line that you chose can make a huge difference when you’re trying to catch a monster catfish. Your chances of catching a catfish can be greatly affected by your selection of fishing line. The best way to increase your chances of landing a big one is by buying a line type that is effective, affordable, and high-quality. Your performance in the water is hugely influenced by the type of fishing line that you choose.
When you’re considering the best line for catfish, you first need to be aware of your fishing conditions. For instance, does the hole that you’re fishing in have a strong current? Is it very deep? Perhaps your fishing area is surrounded by sharp rocky edges.
These factors are important to consider when you’re purchasing a fishing line brand. In addition to your fishing environment, there are some other general guidelines about factors that need to be considered.
In this article, you will find a fact-based and careful analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of lines, as well as reviews of some of the best lines for catfish.
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
Best Line For Catfish: Our Top 5 Picks
1. KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
- Strong knot strength, dynamically incorporated strands in Casting Superpower braided lines allow you to easily tie a more solid knot; you can even tie an improved clinch knot.
- Low memory helps you achieve a better, farther casts, less chance of wind Knots
- Ultra-high sensitivity & Zero stretch for superior hook setting that increases your catch ratio.
- Greater abrasion resistance casting braided fishing line decreases the likelihood of losing your “big one”!
- Smaller diameter compared to other brands allowing you to spool more fishing line on to your reel.
With the KastKing SuperPower Braided fishing line, a clinch knot can easily be tied without issue. The line has low memory, which means you will achieve better casts that move further, with minimal knotting due to windy conditions. This brand features four different colors of fishing line, which allows you to select one that provides the most camouflage depending on your fishing environment.
Dyneema strands are used for the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing line, which makes the line very abrasion-resistant. Dyneema is one of the strongest fibers in the world. A tight diamond pattern weave is used in this KastKing line, which makes the diameter of the line much thinner. More line is allowed on the reel spool by having a thin diameter line, and this type of diameter is quite common for braided lines.
Pros:
- Amazing value for the money
- Great line to use for saltwater fishing
- Durable and strong fishing line
Cons:
- Not suited for rods with weak material due to the fact that the diamond weave is rough
- Some user complain of color dye on the line that ends up on your hands
2. Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
- Incredibly round, smooth and sensitive line.
- Enhanced body technology (bet) boosts handling performance.
- Constructed with spectra fiber for incredible abrasion resistance.
- High strength-to-diameter ratio.
Many experienced fishermen can attest to the superior performance of the brand PowerPro. Even though the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line might seem like one of the more basic products that PowerPro has to offer, what makes this product far from average is its enhanced body technology.
EBT, or Enhanced Body Technology, is one of the hallmarks of the Power Pro Spectra line. The entire woven line is permeated,which makes it smoother and rounder than other braided lines on the market. In addition, enhanced body technology also adds abrasion resistance to the line.
It is important to mention that this line doesn’t have stretch, just like many braided lines on the market. This results in a connection from hook to reel that is extremely sensitive.
Pros:
- Extra-resistant to abrasion
- Provides ease of handling
- Adds a few more yards to your cast
Cons:
- Under sudden stress, the Power Pro can break, just like any other braided fishing line
- Some customers complained of receiving frayed line upon purchase
3. Reaction Tackle Braided Fishing Line
- This premium braided fishing line from Reaction Tackle is engineered from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, one of the strongest woven fibers on earth. This braided line is designed to be super tough and withstand the most demanding conditions. When you need braid fishing line that’s as tough as you are, trust only Reaction Tackle.
- People fishing braided line rigs in situations with logs and rocks know the importance using fishing line that can navigate the conditions. Reaction Tackle’s freshwater and saltwater fishing line offers incredible abrasion resistance that allows you to fish around obstacles without wearing out your line.
- Say goodbye to fishing braid that quickly loses color over time. This advanced fishing line braid uses colorfast technology with UV resistant pigments that won’t easily fade when exposed to the elements. For bright and vibrant colored fishing line, Reaction Tackle is the answer.
- Feel every nibble and strike with Reaction Tackle’s braided fishing lines; With compact weaving that lets you sense what’s happening underwater, our pro braided fishing line is the preferred choice for serious anglers who care about quality tackle.
The Reaction Tackle Braided Fishing line is a great choice for those who will be fishing in primarily sun and are likely to reel in some heavy fish. If you need a line that has little memory, stretch, and excellent sensitivity, then this is definitely the line for you.
This fishing line has several features that are worth mentioning. The line is made of tough polyethylene, and is coated to provide a high degree of resistance to abrasion. However, despite the strength of the line, it is still pretty thin, so on a single spool, you should be able to fit a higher volume. It is easy to cast and retrieve from far distances, and it comes in 4 and 8 stand options.
With plenty of colors to choose from, you can find something for every fishing situation you’re in. Nevertheless, keep in mind that most of these colors can be seen in the water, and even the options that are claimed as low-visibility lines are still visible.
Pros:
- Comes in many different colors
- Great sensitivity and low stretch
- Great casting distance
Cons:
- The line is very visible in the water
- Tying knots with this line can be difficult
4. Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line
- Powered by new epoxy coatings technology and keep the braided lines far away from being damaged.
- Unmatched strength fiber material / 4 Strands fishing line holds up tight allow you to easily tie a more solid knot; high abrasion resistance to avoid fish coming off.
- Unparalleled smoothness and consistent roundness / backlashes free; to help the bait faster to reach the target water layer to catch the fish.
- Minimal stretch create the braided fishing line with highly sensitivity and extremely low memory / Small diameter to test LB ratio.
One of the best braided fishing lines on the market is definitely the Piscifun braided fishing line. Due to its epoxy coating technology, this line has great durability and superior resistance to abrasion, and the line is harder to damage or knot up (which is an obvious advantage when fishing).
You can also avoid fish pulling off the line thanks to the abrasion resistance. You are able to tie a knot that is solid due to the four strand intertwined construction, and the fiber material is pretty durable. The target water layer can be reached quickly because the line is smooth, with consistent roundness.
On top of everything we mentioned, this line is also reactive, with its low memory and high sensitivity. For anglers with a range of skills that are looking for a line that offers top-notch quality at a reasonable price, the Piscifun is a win.
Pros:
- Very affordable option
- Highly sensitive with low memory
- Consistent roundness and smoothness
Cons:
- The colors tend to fade over time.
- Can be prone to knotting in windy conditions
- Line colors can bleed, staining hands/clothing
5. RUNCL Braided Fishing Line
- The RUNCL braided fishing line is constructed with premium quality raw materials, which is extra durable, and it additionally comes with powerful knot strength
- The braided fishing line is equipped with 8 strands, that is massively more resistant to wear compared to 4-strand braided line
- The braided line features compact weaving with zero extension, lets you clearly feel even the slightest bite, helps catch every fish that nibbles on your line
- This braided line contains smooth plait without burr and allow you to conveniently pass the lines through the rod guides for improved casting experience
Premium quality materials are used in the construction of RUNCL’s Braided Fishing Line. This line is known for its powerful strength and it is extra durable. Compared to four strand braided lines, this line is a lot more resistant. Many people are instantly attracted to this fishing line because of the bright colors it has; however, it offers more than just visual appeal.
Every fish that nibbles on your line is great potential for a catch thanks to this line’s high biting sensitivity. You get better accuracy and casting distance due to its smooth plait. You can roll an extra amount of line to your spool thanks to its thin texture.
Pros:
- The 8 strand-braided line is resistant to harmful factors
- Maximizes biting sensitivity
- It’s highly durable
Cons:
- The colors tend to fade over time.
- Some customers report that spools are only half-full of line
Types Of Line Used For Catfishing
In this section, we will go over the different types of fishing lines that are suitable for catfishing, because the fishing line you use plays a key role in your fishing success. There isn’t necessarily one specific type of line that is best to use since it’s all up to your own unique preference. The best line is the one that suits you the best.
In this section, we will explain the pros and cons of the different types of fishing lines available so you can decide which type is the perfect match for you.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon is made out of PVDF, or polyvinylidene fluoride, which is denser and harder than nylon. The fluorocarbon fishing line isn’t used in catfishing very often, even though it is said to be the most abrasion-resistant and strongest line that you can find on the market. One of the reasons why the fluorocarbon fishing line isn’t used so much for catfishing might be due to its steep price.
In order for the resistance to abrasion to be improved, this type of fishing line is typically coated, which improves their casting and handling performance. The fact that it’s hard to tie and to cast, and it’s quite expensive is the reason we don’t suggest using it for catfishing. Instead, it’s a great fit for heavier fish.
Monofilament Fishing Line
Monofilament is made from tough nylon. As we all know, nylon is a really tough material, and it can be pried off of downed trees, stumps, sharp rocks, and other hazards that could affect the line. You can easily tie up monofilament lines, and the knots that you tie hold up really nicely. You can find this type of line at any place that sells gear for fishing. It is resistant to abrasion, strong, and inexpensive.
People who catch catfish commonly choose this type of line for fishing. Your line is put under a lot of stress when a big fish darts in different directions or hits your line hard. Some of that strain can be absorbed thanks to proper drag settings and good rods; however, a beating is taken from your line as well. The chance of this line snapping is a lot smaller thanks to its elasticity, which allows it to properly absorb the shock.
However, it is important to note that monofilament fishing line also has some drawbacks. Your hooksets can be weakened by the stretch that monofilament fishing line provides. This weakening will get worse if there are more lines. In the water, there is more drag, especially when you’re trolling or drifting since it is thicker than a braided fishing line. In addition, you can always tell when a monofilament fishing line has been on your reel for a longer period of time since the line has memory.
Braid Fishing Line
Polyethylene fibers are used to make braided fishing lines. These fibers are interlaced together into one single strand. Spectra and Dyneema are the two types of fibers that are available for fishing line manufacturers for use. The only difference between these two types of fibers is the processing. The number of fibers that are interlaced in a braided fishing line can be different, ranging from three fibers to eight.
In order to reduce the absorption of water, this type of line is typically coated. The coating also provides higher endurance to scratches, and it improves casting and handling. Since the braid doesn’t have any stretch, when you pull back on your rod, the line sets your hook immediately. When you’re trolling or drifting, this type of line glides through the water easily due to the fact that it has far less diameter. Unlike the monofilament fishing line, this braid doesn’t have memory.
One of the disadvantages is the immediate hookset that you get with a braid fishing line. Unfortunately, this type of line isn’t shock-absorbent. Even the strongest braided lines can snap if sudden force is applied to them. This is due to the fact that they aren’t elastic. In addition, the knots that you tie with braided lines aren’t very strong.
Abrasion resistance isn’t a strong suit for brand fishing lines, due to their thin diameter. Since this type of line is made out of multiple strands that are interwoven together, it is possible that there can be a separation of those strands. The surface that was once sealed can open up and allow for internal water exposure, in braided fishing lines, which can result in abrasion. Additionally, a good-quality braided fishing line is a lot more expensive than a monofilament fishing line.
Features To Look For When Buying The Best Line For Catfish
We will now examine some of the qualities that you should keep in mind when deciding what fishing line to buy for catching catfish.
Color And Visibility
Catfish hunt by using their sense of smell. If you’ve ever fished for catfish before, then you probably know that catfish bait tends to be very smelly. However, bait aside, it’s also important to disguise the visibility of your line, since some catfish see a line will shy away. Mono or fluorocarbon is the best type of line to use to reduce line visibility.
The reason why mono or fluorocarbon is the best type of line for catfish is because when they are underwater they turn clear, which makes the line very hard to see. The reason for this is that they have a low refractive index.
A colored line is also a smart choice if you plan to fish in dim lighting so that you can still see your line, and some of the best catfishing is done at night.
Strength
In order to do its job properly, the fishing line should have enough strength. A fishing line can have some amazing features, but it will be useless if at the first sign of a bite or during the cast it breaks. The breaking strain of a good fishing line should range from 20lbs to 30lbs for catfishing. A spool can only fit so much line, and this limitation is the most important reason why we don’t recommend using a fishing line that is really thick.
Stretch
Strength and stretch aren’t the same thing. If you give a sharp tug to a harder line, it will break a lot faster. So, the question arises, why are stiff lines used? The detection of a bite is a lot better if your line has less stretch. The fish can pull off your line if the line has too much stretch.
Strength Of Knots
When it comes to fishing lines, one of the most important qualities is knot strength. The strength of the line won’t matter if a knot isn’t able to hold. You can be sure that a well-tied knot will properly work with a monofilament fishing line. If you want to make a knot hold with a braided fishing line, you’re going to need some modifications in your tie. Even in that scenario, you can’t be too sure about the strength of the knot.
Absorption Of Shock
When it comes to shock absorption, it’s pretty clear which type of fishing line is the winner. The monofilament fishing line consistently has the best shock absorption. Make sure that you use a monofilament shock leader if you are determined to use braided since it can help absorb some of the stress that a big fish on your line can cause.
Now That You Know All About The Best Line For Catfish…
You can now determine that type of line best suits your own catfishing needs and preferences. There are many amazing lines on the market you can choose from. Our guide has provided you with a clear picture of what features and qualities you should look for in a line. Regardless of your experience level, any of the line brands that we have shared should provide you with a satisfying catfishing experience.
