Fishing thread is an indispensable attribute of fishing, since it depends on it the integrity of the structure. It must withstand the load at the time of hooking and when fishing the fish. Consider the features of the use of monofilament for fishing, what are its advantages and disadvantages, as well as how it differs from braided fishing line.
As you know, fishing line is divided into two main types - wicker and monophilic, which consists of only one thread. We offer you to get acquainted with the features of the product, its properties and popular manufacturers of this type of fishing line.
Small educational program
What is monofilament? Monofilament fishing line is a synthetic product. It is made of polymers, nylon and polyethylene. Previously, it was made from horsehair, linen and silk threads. The prefix "mono" means that the fishing line consists of only one strong thread.
Monofilaments are classified by composition, shade, thickness and cross section. Most often, fishermen use monofilament fishing line of circular cross section. For the manufacture of the product, a method is used in which molten polymers are pressed through a special hole with a diameter of not more than 4 mm.
In general, monofil has the necessary strength, it is resistant to wear and can be used regardless of the characteristics of the reservoir. Products can be either monophonic or color, depending on the convenience of the fisherman.
Application area
Having understood what monofilament is, he suggests familiarizing himself with the specifics of using the product.
Monofilament fishing line is used:
- as the main fishing line in spinning fishing for ultra-light gear;
- the transparent version is considered the best solution in fidelal equipment;
- for snap float fishing rods;
- during fishing in the cold season.
Monofil can be used both for shallow reservoirs for fishing near the coast, and for distant castings. When hunting a predator, the optimal thickness of the thread should be about 0.25 mm, for the rest of the category of fish it will be enough to choose monofilament with a diameter of up to 0.16 mm.
Key Features
Monofilament fishing has the same properties as ordinary fishing line. It can vary in length, calibration, stiffness, scope (for sea or fresh water), and can also be floating or sinking.
Monofilament Properties:
- calibration - how monofil is uniform in diameter over the entire length (you can check this property with a sinker, where the diameter is thicker it will get stuck, this in turn can affect the quality of fishing);
- strength - you can check this quality with a dynamometer at home;
- diameter - checked using a micrometer or optical method;
- rigidity - is closely related to strength (this quality depends on how well the process of forming the fishing line and pulling it through the calibrated hole went through).
The advantages of monofilament fishing line
The most important advantage of monofilament (according to reviews) is its high strength, that is, the ability to withstand significant loads. In addition, it still has elasticity, so it can be used for a predator of different sizes.
Advantages of monofilament fishing line:
- strength and elasticity;
- minimum coefficient of friction - suitable for long casting, since the fishing line does not lose speed;
- resistance to abrasion - such a fishing line can be used for a long time for fishing in reservoirs with a rocky bottom;
- transparency and invisibility in water - most products are colorless, but there are also colored threads (some options are dyed with fluorescent pigment to control the movement of the bait);
- round section - helps to perfectly wind the line onto the reel;
- most of the monofilaments do not sink, since a special material is used in their manufacture, in density greater than that of water;
- suitable for winter fishing, as it does not rub and does not freeze with ice at sub-zero temperatures;
- affordable cost.
Monofilament fishing line is resistant to environmental factors, therefore, has a long service life.
Minuses
With a large number of advantages, monofil has a number of disadvantages. Monofilament fishing line, which is made from kapron-containing polymers, can age faster under the influence of moisture, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes. Also, the product may not be durable enough if it was stored for a long time incorrectly. When the monophile dries on a coil, it deforms.
The disadvantages of monofilament also include reduced sensitivity, which can affect during fish hooking. To prevent this, you should pay attention to the quality of the product when choosing. The products of Japanese and German manufacturers have proven themselves best.
Fishing line age
Monofilament fishing has a special property, which is indicated on the package - this is the age of the product. Often you can see on the label for Japanese products the inscription "fresh, cool," sports fishing line, for example, with a diameter of 0.14 mm, which has a strength of about 1.5 kg. Such marking in kilograms does not at all relate to the strength of the product, but rather speaks of its power. On American products, this figure is indicated in pounds, while conditionally.
For a fisherman, another characteristic regarding age is important - “fresh” or “old” monofilament. In this case, determining the age is quite simple on your own when buying. The old fishing line has a matte surface, because under the influence of mechanical stress, ultraviolet radiation and heat, microcracks formed on the threads. Fishing line can age due to improper storage, as well as from the low initial quality of the product. Therefore, it is recommended to store monofilament fishing line in the refrigerator at low temperatures.
Product marking
When choosing a fishing line, anglers pay attention to the marking. The package contains information about the length, diameter of the product, tensile strength (for America in pounds, for the Russian Federation - in kilograms). There are certain uniform indicators. For example, if the number 0.03 is indicated on monofilament of foreign manufacture, this means that the diameter of the product corresponds to 0.029 mm. Numbering is applicable not only for monofilament fishing line, but also for braids.
Some ask why such accuracy is required when specifying parameters up to hundredths of a digit, because they are already in millimeters. Such accuracy of calibration and other indicators indicates high quality products, and is also necessary for registering records or competition results. For example, in America, competitions of fishermen are quite common, during which there is a fixation of the caught prey for a certain diameter of the line.
Best monofilament for fishing: top 5
A fairly large number of monofilaments from different manufacturers are presented on the Russian market. Which one to choose? According to feedback from both consumers and professional fishermen, the best producers of monofil forests were selected.
Top 5 manufacturers of monofilament (photo):
1. Sunline Troutist USC.
This fishing line is the first in the ranking of the best products for fishing, presented on the Russian market. It has a good price-quality ratio, ideal characteristics and properties necessary for water hunting.
2. Varivas Super Trout.
Monofilament, which is valued among amateur fishermen. Initially, it was conceived by the manufacturer for fishing for trout, but is actively used for hunting perch, asp and chub. It has good properties, minimal tendency to twist, therefore it is convenient in operation.
3. YGK Ambercord SG.
This is an ultra-thin monofilament that was developed specifically for ultralight. The products have a small diameter and are ideal for spinning. The fishing line is UV resistant, abrasion resistant and has minimal attenuation at the knots.
4. Balsax RXR Kameleon
Monofilament fishing line of a new generation, which can change color depending on the conditions of water hunting. It has increased strength, abrasion resistance and can be used regardless of the size of the predator or the nature of the bait.
5. Sunline Super Natural
This is a budget option that is of good quality. The fishing line can be transparent or green, it is extensible, durable and abrasion resistant.
What to look for when buying
When purchasing polypropylene monofilament, it is worth paying attention to its main characteristics indicated on the package. These indicators include: diameter, breaking load, elongation, memory, stiffness, hydrophobicity, transparency. All this is indicated in the form of marking on the package. If the information on the bundle is barely noticeable or the fishing line itself is stacked unevenly, this already indicates a poor quality product.
When buying, you should not pay attention to such catchy words that can be applied to the packaging as “the best”, “especially soft and durable”, “coated with Teflon”. Often, this is just a marketing ploy, not the properties of the product itself.
When choosing it is worth focusing on the price. Too low a cost means that the product will not last long. But if you do not know what monofilament is and choose a product at one time, then the cheapest option will do.
Also, when choosing, it is worth considering the nature of the reservoir. In the alkaline environment, even the most expensive monofilament fishing line does not withstand two fishing trips, but in clean reservoirs it can last up to 4 years.
When buying, pay attention to the reel and packaging, which should not be damaged. If possible, stretch the line and check its strength.
Monofilament or braiding: what to choose for spinning?
Choosing a fishing line - a braid or a monofilament network - is a difficult task for every beginner angler. What is better for spinning? It depends on the individual preferences of the fish hunter, as one and the second option is suitable and has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Monofilament is a traditional fishing line for spinning, but the braid has appeared relatively recently. And then the fishermen began to test the novelty, noting its shortcomings in comparison with the monophile. Although in some cases a woven thread has great advantages, it cannot fully replace a monofilament.
The question of which fishing line is better for fishermen is considered incorrect, since here everything depends not on product variation, but on its quality, as well as the manufacturer.
Output
Having figured out what monofilament is, its scope and basic properties, buying a product will become easier. Monofilament fishing line is quite popular among anglers, but here it is important to consciously approach the choice and pay attention to quality, price and manufacturer.