Monofilament nylon is humble. It has been around for a while, so chances are you fished with it before switching to braided lines or fluorocarbon. Monofilament is often regarded as inferior by anglers, which is a sad fact.
We aren’t convinced they should and would like to tell you why.
Nylon monofilament is extremely strong and resistant to shock. It also offers easy tying, high knot integrity, low visibility, excellent shock strength, great tying and a lot of give to avoid line breaking or hook throwing. Nylon monofilament is also much more resistant to abrasion than you might think. What’s not great about this?
It can be difficult to decide if mono is worth another try. It can be hard to find the right brand for you, given the variety of brands that are available. Keep reading to learn more!
We will discuss the basics of mono and dispel some myths regarding the fishing line.
Here’s a quick overview of the top monofilament fishing lines on the market:
| Image | Line | Weights | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Stren Original | 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30, | Clear, Clear Blue Fluorescent Clear, Hi-Vis Gold and Low-Vis Green |
 |
McCoy Mean Green | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30, | Clear Blue Fluorescent and Mean Green. |
 |
Sufix Siege | 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30, | Clear, Camo, Neon Tangerine, Smoke Green |
 |
Trilene Big Game | 8, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40. 50. 60. 80. 100. 130 | Clear, Green, Solar Collector, Steel Blue |
| Trilene XL | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 20, 25, 30, | Clear, Clear/Blue Fluorescent Clear, Low-Vis, Green | |
 |
Yo-Zuri Hybrid | 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30, 40 | Clear |
Best Monofilament Fishing Lines Reviewed
Stren Original – Our Choice!
Weights 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30,
Colors: Clear, Clear Blue Fluorescent Clear, Hi-Vis Gold and Low-Vis Green
Stren Original has been around since the beginning, and many anglers have tied their first knots using it. Although Stren Original has been around for a long time, many anglers have abandoned it in favor of braid and fluorocarbon, this mono is worth a closer look.
There are two options for color: high- and low-vis, as well fluorescent for night fishing. Stren offers solid options in Clear and Low Vis Green, as well as Hi-Vis Gold for Nymphing and Aging Eyes.
Stren Original shines when abrasion becomes a problem. More than a few fishermen have also discovered that it is a great leader material for braid. SaltStrong confirmed this statement. Stren Original was the winner in a head-to-head four-way contest!
Stren’s line, which is quite limp, leads to incredible casts and it ties easily, as you would expect.
We were surprised at its sensitivity. Stren can detect light strikes with very little line in the water, which we find quite impressive. Although it won’t offer the same slack-line sensibility as rival fluorocarbons, we were not disappointed.
Pros
- Very low memory
- Excellent casting
- There are many options for night fishing
- Available in high-visibility versions
- Amazing resistance to abrasion
- It’s easy to tie
- Sensitivity is a virtue
Cons
- Not available for heavy weight
McCoy Mean Green
Weights 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30,
Colors: Clear Blue Fluorescent and Mean Green.
McCoy’s Mean Green copolymer monofilament is hard to beat. We are impressed by how it combines all the strengths of monofilament while avoiding many of its flaws.
This line is not only available in Mean Green, but also in Clear Blue Fluorescent or Xtra Clear. Clear Blue glows in blacklight making it a great choice for night fishing. Mean Green is a master at disappearing in murky or stained water. We like Xtra Clear when it’s visible below the surface.
McCoy’s Mean Green, particularly in the lower tests, is very limp. It has virtually no memory. This allows for some amazing castings.
It can also knot easily.
Mean Green’s abrasion resistance is exceptional, so we won’t hesitate to use it in areas where we expect to be in contact with rocks, shells, pilings, stumps or rocks.
Pros
- Very low memory
- Excellent casting
- There are many options for night fishing
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- It’s easy to tie
Cons
- There are not many color options
- Not available for heavy weight
Sufix Siege
Weights 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30,
Colors: Clear, Camo, Neon Tangerine, Smoke Green
Sufix Siege monofilament is very popular. It performs well and provides all the quality you would expect from monofilament.
We love Siege in all of its colors. This line disappears in water, from Clear to Camo to Smoke Green. Neon Tangerine is a great option if you require high visibility. If you are a night angler, it is best to find a fluorescent alternative.
Siege is extruded to prevent forgetting and wound. We find it limp and easy to cast and manage. Knotting is easy, expect no problems.
Siege is strong in terms of abrasion resistance. Stren, however, is difficult to beat.
Mono is about average in sensitivity for The Siege.
Pros
- Very low memory
- Excellent casting
- Available in high-visibility versions
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- It’s easy to tie
Cons
- Sensitivity average
- There are no fluorescent options
- Not available for heavy weight
Trilene Big Game
Weights 8, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40. 50. 60. 80. 100. 130
Colors: Clear, Green, Solar Collector, Steel Blue
If you need heavy-weight mono, Trilene Big Game delivers. This line is perfect for tackling lake trout, redfish, striped bass, or monster catfish.
Big Game offers a wide range of colors, with some options that are almost invisible. However, you shouldn’t expect to see fluorescent or high-visibility choices. These colors blend well into the background under a variety of conditions. This is something that many saltwater anglers are very familiar with. This is a popular choice for fishermen who don’t want to spend a lot on expensive fluorocarbons.
It is strong and easy to tie, even at heavy weights. It casts well, despite being limp and light on memory.
Trilene Big Game is very resistant to abrasions, especially as you gain weight and increase in size. Trilene Big Game is the best product for large fish that are prone to fighting near rocks and reefs.
Pros
- Very low memory
- Excellent casting
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- It’s easy to tie
Cons
- Sensitivity average
- There are no high-visibility or fluorescent options
- Lights not available
Trilene XL
Weights 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 20, 25, 30,
Colors:Clear, Clear/Blue Fluorescent Clear, Low-Vis, Green
Trilene XL is a well-known line to anglers. The XL–extra-lean–isn’t just marketing hype. This line is worth a try.
Trilene XL doesn’t come in many colors. However, Clear and Low Vis Green are great choices for situations when your line needs to blend with water. They don’t have a high-visibility option, but they can be used for night fishing.
Trilene XL is a very limp line that has low memory. It casts very well and knots easily. This is not something we recommend with any line. However, if you take the time to respool, or at least remove the kinks, it will be fine.
It is tough and can withstand abrasions. It’s not the best, but it will deliver, especially for heavier weights.
We didn’t feel any loss of sensitivity after running Trilene XL. Surprisingly. It’s not braid.
This line is a reliable choice for long casts. I have used it a lot.
Pros
- Very low memory
- Excellent casting
- Good abrasion resistance
- It’s easy to tie
- Sensitivity is a virtue
- Fluorescent options are available
Cons
- There are no heavy-weight options available
- There are no high-visibility options
Yo-Zuri Hybrid
Weights 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30, 40
Colors: Clear
Yo-Zuri Hybrid, a copolymer that blends traditional nylon with fluorocarbon is the line.
This line is only available in clear due to the fluorocarbon in its composition. Night anglers and fishermen will need a high-visibility option for the dark. Clear is still a good choice, even if you have only one color.
Fluorocarbon is added to this line to prevent it from absorption water. The added density also increases its natural sensitivity. This line is our top pick. If mono is your only option, Yo-Zuri Hybrid might be the one for you.
However, casting and knotting are affected as you would expect with fluorocarbon. This hybrid experienced knot failure at approximately 65 percent of its tested Tensile Strength. The added stiffness of fluorocarbon does not bode well for this line’s memory. This is the most problematic casting of all the lines that we have reviewed.
Overall, it is probably a poor compromise. However, with the exception of UV resistance and sensitivity, all other products that we reviewed were superior.
Pros
- Good abrasion resistance
- Excellent sensitivity
- Extremely UV resistant
Cons
- There are no color options
- Poor casting
- Weak knot strength
Monofilament Fishing line: Why choose it?
Monofilament standard is made up of one strand of mixed nylon polymers. These are the key differences between brands. Nylon monofilament has a high shock strength, good knotability, and low visibility. Monofilament has only improved with the advancements in line technology.
Pros
StretchMonofilament’s nylon polymers are elastic and can stretch up to 25% under load. The exact amount of stretch will vary from brand to brand and diameter to diameter. However, nylon mono is more flexible than braid and about as much as fluorocarbon.
This stretch is a lifesaver if a large fish strikes your line. The give in mono acts as a shock absorber and prevents stress from reaching your knots, causing failure at the weakest point. It is also easier to handle for delicate fish like crappie. This makes it an excellent choice when you want to use treble-hooked lures and top water for aggressive fighters such as largemouth.
Why?
While braid can be advantageous in certain circumstances, it can also cause problems in hard fighting, particularly when the fish shakes its head to throw a lure. Mono provides extra cushion to keep hooks in place.
Bobby Lane, 2008 Bassmaster Rookie-of-the Year, Elite Series champion and six time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, explained that mono “makes it harder for bass to throw’ lures during fights.” When it’s cold, the bass are finicky or you need them holding the bait for a few seconds longer to hook you, the stretch is helpful.
Options for low- and high-visibilityNylon mono is very easy to dye. It’s available in many long-wearing colors that will match your specific conditions. Mono is also available in bright yellow or other high-visibility colors for those who fish using nymphing techniques. Many brands also offer fluorescent line that glows under blacklight, making it easy to handle for night anglers.
Our research has shown that nylon monofilament in water is just as invisible to fish as fluorocarbon. This is likely to shock many people, as it was for us!
This video comparison is worth a look, paying particular attention to 4:32.
This is only one video comparing brands, but there are many more. We have done our research and aren’t convinced monocarbon is superior to fluorocarbon.
Superior abrasion resistanceMono is also very resistant to abrasion, compared with braid and fluorocarbon.
It’s not hard to see why nylon mono is so tough. Repeated testing has shown that nylon mono outperforms fluorocarbon in every dimension.
Mono absorbs water and becomes less abrasion-resistant. However, it is true. Check out this video.
This isn’t science, but it is fair to say that this only tests one brand. SaltStrong repeated the test withWet mono as well,The result was the same. Although it isn’t conclusive, it does show that mono is far more resistant to abrasions than you might think.
There are also differences between brands
Knot friendly Monofilament is much easier to tie than braid or fluoro and has a higher knot strength. Monofilament has a significant advantage over fluoro, with some exceptions.
TackleTour, for instance, tested the strength of an average monolike Trilene XL’s knots and found it to be exceptional. Line verified to hold 9.7 pounds at its knot, held by line verified as being 10-pounds!
Floating Nylon doesn’t sink quickly and isn’t dense. This can be a benefit when fishing top water, but it isn’t ideal for all situations or for all techniques.
Cons
- Memory Monofilament remembers the shape of the reel, which can cause line twist, especially for ultralight reels and heavier weights.
- Absorbs water – Mono absorbs water. This means it will be easier to handle, cast and tie because it has lost much of its memory. It will encourage more stretch.
- Sensitivity low –Mono has a weakness that can make it difficult to detect bites and feel details. Mono is flexible and doesn’t feel dense so it can be difficult to sense bites or feel details.
Both braid and fluorocarbon have superior results on this front.
Mono Fishing Lines: What We Love
Monofilament nylon has many strengths and is an excellent choice in many situations.
- Topwater –Mono’s slow-sinking ability is perfect for topwater applications. Add to that its amazing shock strength, and you have the perfect combination for topwater lures with aggressive strikes.
- Troble-hooked lures To set a triple hook, you don’t need to exert a lot of force. Mono’s stretch solves the problem of too much force on the hookset. It’s not the best option for all applications, but we prefer to use it with positively buoyant treble hooked lures such as Rapala’s Original Floater.
- Cast distance and abrasion resistance are two of the most important things we require. Mono is generally more stable than comparable fluorocarbons, and offers better abrasion resistance that braid or fluorocarbon. Mono is the best choice when we require long castings and high abrasion resistance.
- If we have concerns about knot integrity or need shock strength or stretch, we can talk to a leader Attaching a length fluorocarbon leader or nylon monofilament leader to braid can be a solution. Every knot can fail, especially if it is braided. We spool on excellent mono to ensure we don’t have any problems.
- If we don’t have much money to spend, –Let’s face it. There’s a bass angler who has a lot of gear, a boat and every lure in Bass Pro. But there are also those who have a tight budget. While braid and fluorocarbon are both expensive options, monofilament can be as effective for the same price. We appreciate nylon monofilament for that reason, and so do you!
How Monofilament Fishing Lines Are Used
Mono has a key advantage: It’s simple to use and you won’t have to worry about any problems.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight Nylon is not UV-resistant, so don’t leave your reels or line out in the sun. It will rapidly degrade its quality. When not in use, keep your gear indoors and out of direct sunlight.
- Turn the fix line –There is a simple solution if your line twists as it leaves the spool. You can loop it over a stick, tree branch, fence post or friend and then start walking. Take the entire line off the spool and reel it in with a slight tension at the reel. This will allow the line’s memory to be untwisted and allow it to re-spool.
What we look for in the Best Monofilament Fishing Line
Mono has many advantages: low shock strength, stretch and low-visibility. We also know its integrity. These are the things we like to increase, but still look for good casting, low memory and as much sensitivity possible.
Our Pick – Stren Original!
Monofilament is often considered obsolete by the introduction of braided or fluorocarbon lines. However, those who are well-informed know that monofilament is still the best choice in most situations.
Stren Original is our favorite. Stren Original is our favorite monofilament fishing line. Despite being around for many years, it still delivers. This line is extremely durable, sensitive, long-casting and easy to tie. Because of its superior color options, Stren Original narrowly beats McCoy’s Mean Green. This makes it a great choice for most anglers.
Trilene Big Game is a great choice if you are looking for a heavy-weight. This is an excellent choice for fishing for monsters as it comes in extremely strong tests.
Try monofilament fishing lines again. You won’t regret it!
Tell us what you think! We are looking forward to hearing from YOU!