Getting Back Into Fishing : Fishing Line – What To Choose?

I haven’t fished in several years and am getting back into it. I live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota so it’s freshwater. In the past I’ve used mono, ranging in strength from 4 lb to 15 lb, depending on my rod/reel combo. They’re all spinning setups. Now there are so many line choices, braid, fluoro, mono, and so many colors. I’m wondering what a good choice would be for line for general fishing. I’m not super-serious and will be mostly shore fishing, sometimes for panfish, sometimes for bass, maybe northerns. I might even try to find some streams to spin fish for trout.

I want to keep it simple. Do any of you have any advice or suggestions?

Thanks.
Bob P

You are asking a question that has the potential to get complicated because of the multiple species. And most of it is opinion related anyway.

If you want to keep it simple, stick with mono. It still works.

8lb monofilament will cover pretty much all your bases. Berkley Trilene XL can be found pretty much anywhere. If you have multiple combos, spool one up with braid — Suffix 832 and PowerPro are pretty popular choices. Fish the lines side by side and figure out which you like best for which applications, and go from there.

Thanks lindirig79,

I’m trying to avoid complexity. I’m not looking to maximize my chances by species or by water tint/clarity. I just want a line that generally works and is easy to deal with and maintain.

If I use mono, is there a color preference? In the past I’ve used the clear and the green. I’m guessing that for the lakes around me, maybe the green is slightly better and if I do go to some small trout streams, the clear would be better. Just a guess.

Bob P

Just go buy some 8lbs mono and you will do just fine

I would probably go with 6lb trilene sensation clear and use a leader if you go for pike.

Thanks for all the help.

I was just at Fleet Farm to buy some line. Then I saw that they can spool bulk line so I’m going to go back tomorrow to do that. I’m going with clear Trilene XL, 4 lb on my ultralight and 8 lb on my medium-light.

Bob P

I would agree…can’t go wrong with trilene xl. 4 and 8# and you’ll be all set.

Good luck!

Now ask about lures Bob and things will really explode-good luck!

Don’t forget to ask what action rod is best for blade baits….oh boy.

I figure if it worked 5,10,20,30,40 years ago, it’s still ok. If you wanna play with new stuff, do it on your terms.

XL is what I’ve used and gone back to multiple times after a lot of trial and error. Low memory, good strength, easy to re tie and lots of forgiveness. Plus it’s relatively inexpensive.

If you plan on fishing with a bobber, stay away from fluoro. If you choose braid, expect annoying wind knots. Mono is still the best line for the casual fisherman.

Have 2 set ups, one for panfish, one for bass and bigger fish. 4# for panfish 10# for bigger fish.

I have braid on all my rods, I find it easier to manage than mono. If I have an application where mono or fluoro would work better I just tie on a leader of however much length is appropriate and have at it. That being said, still nothing wrong with a straight mono set up, but I won’t be going back to that.