Walking down the aisles of a tackle store, you will most likely encounter several different choices of fishing line. The line can be fluorocarbon, monofilament, or some type of braided material in multiple colors. One of the biggest questions anglers have is whether fish can see line. As a serious angler, I have used them all and have developed a good understanding of when and where to use each of them based on personal experience, manufacturer claims, and available research.
As mentioned, there are three major types of fishing line. Each has its benefits and should be included in your arsenal. When it comes to being seen underwater, here is what I have found out about each one.
Fluorocarbon line is touted by line companies as the most invisible line on the market. It is said to have the same light refraction properties as water, making it virtually invisible or as invisible as fishing line can get. Fluorocarbon line offers many advantages to anglers, with the invisibility being among the best properties of this type of line. It is well suited for all water clarities. This near-invisible quality of the line is the way to go in ultra-clear water and, theoretically, will lead to increased bites from spooky fish that are used to seeing line connected to lures.
Manufacturers who make pink fluorocarbon lines claim that this tint of line is hard to detect underwater. While it may be hard to believe since they are very visible to anglers, there is some truth to their claims, especially with pink lines. Scientific studies and first hand accounts of divers underwater have shown that pink loses its color at various depths. It works to blend in with the water and becomes clear to fish. While it may seem unusual to tint a line type like fluorocarbon that is said to be virtually invisible, by all accounts, pink line loses its color and is hard for anglers and fish alike to see underwater.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
