Hey there, have you ever found yourself asking, “What fishing line floats?” Well, wonder no more, because we’re about to reel in the answer! Prepare to be hooked on this deep dive into the buoyant world of floating fishing lines. So, tighten your waders and grab your favorite rod – it’s time to cast off into a sea of knowledge!
Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A… Fishing Line?
Floating fishing lines have several advantages, such as making it easier to control your lure’s presentation and keeping your bait near the surface. To understand which fishing line floats, we’ll explore the three main types of lines: monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines.
Monofilament Madness: The Floating Line Champion
Monofilament, the classic and ever-popular fishing line, is the answer to the question, “What fishing line floats?” Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of monofilament lines:
- Buoyancy Bonanza: Monofilament lines are made from a single strand of nylon, which naturally floats. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice for topwater lures and surface fishing techniques.
- Affordability Advantage: Monofilament lines are typically the least expensive option among the three main types of fishing lines, making them a budget-friendly choice.
- Stretchiness Supreme: The stretchiness of monofilament lines provides a shock-absorbing effect when fighting a fish, reducing the chances of the hook pulling out.
However, monofilament lines aren’t without their shortcomings:
- Vanishing Act: Monofilament lines are more visible underwater than fluorocarbon lines, which could spook cautious fish.
- UV Unfriendly: Monofilament lines are susceptible to UV damage, which means they’ll need to be replaced more frequently than other lines.
- Stretch Struggles: While stretchiness can be an advantage, it can also be a drawback, as it decreases sensitivity and makes detecting subtle bites more challenging.
Fluorocarbon Follies: The Sinking Sensation
Fluorocarbon, the stealthy and durable fishing line, is not the answer to the question of floating fishing lines. However, it’s worth understanding its characteristics:
- Sneaky Stealth: Fluorocarbon lines are nearly invisible underwater, providing an edge when targeting skittish fish in clear water.
- Sinking Samba: Unlike monofilament lines, fluorocarbon lines sink, which can be advantageous when fishing deep-diving lures or targeting fish in deeper water.
- Abrasions Anonymous: Fluorocarbon lines are more resistant to abrasions from rocks and underwater obstacles, extending their lifespan.
Of course, fluorocarbon lines come with their own set of drawbacks:
- Pricey Proposition: Fluorocarbon lines are generally more expensive than monofilament lines, potentially breaking the bank for some anglers.
- Memory Missteps: Fluorocarbon lines can have more line memory than monofilament lines, causing them to retain coils and be more prone to tangles.
Braided Bloopers: The Float-Free Fishing Line
Braided lines, the strong and sensitive fishing line, don’t float either. Here’s a brief rundown of their attributes:
- Strength Sensation: Braided lines boast an impressive strength-to-diameter ratio, allowing for a thinner line without sacrificing strength.
- Super Sensitivity: The near-zero stretch of braided lines results in heightened sensitivity and powerful hooksets.
- Longevity Love: Braided lines are highly resistant to UV damage, which means they’ll outlast monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.
But, just like the others, braided lines have their cons:
- Visibility Vexation: The high visibility of braided lines can be a disadvantage in clear water, as it may deter cautious fish.
- Knot Knowledge: Braided lines can be slippery, necessitating specific knots to ensure a secure connection.
- Budget Bummer: Braided lines tend to be the most expensive of the three types, which might not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
Floating Line Fun: Applications And Techniques
Now that we’ve established that monofilament is the floating fishing line, let’s explore some popular applications and techniques that take advantage of its buoyancy:
Topwater Tactics: Monofilament’s floating nature makes it perfect for topwater lures like poppers, walking baits, and buzzbaits. The floating line keeps the lure on the surface, creating a more realistic presentation and enticing fish to strike.
Shallow Shenanigans: Monofilament is an excellent choice for shallow water fishing, such as when targeting bass around docks, vegetation, or other shallow structures. The floating line allows for more accurate casting and better control of your lure’s movement.
Fly Fishing Frenzy: Monofilament is commonly used as a leader material in fly fishing. The floating quality of the line helps keep the fly on the surface and enables a more natural presentation.
The Line’s The Limit: Customizing Your Floating Line
Floating fishing lines, like all lines, can be tailored to your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a monofilament line:
- Line Diameter: Thinner lines are less visible to fish and have less water resistance, allowing for longer casts. However, thinner lines also have a lower breaking strength.
- Line Color: Monofilament lines come in various colors, including clear, blue, green, and high-visibility options. Consider the water clarity and lighting conditions when selecting a line color.
- Line Strength: Choose a line with an appropriate breaking strength for the size and power of the fish you’re targeting. Be aware that stronger lines are generally thicker and more visible to fish.
Additional Applications And Techniques: Expanding Your Floating Line Repertoire
Now that you’re familiar with monofilament’s floating abilities, let’s dive deeper into some more techniques and situations where a floating fishing line can be beneficial:
Drift Fishing Delights: Monofilament is an excellent choice for drift fishing, especially in rivers or streams. The floating line allows you to naturally drift your bait or lure with the current, simulating a lifelike presentation to attract fish.
Live Bait Lovin’: When using live bait, such as minnows or shiners, a floating line like monofilament can help keep your bait at the desired depth. This is particularly useful when targeting fish species that prefer to feed near the surface.
Carolina Rig Craze: A Carolina rig is a popular technique used for targeting bass in deeper water. Using monofilament as your main line for a Carolina rig allows the bait to maintain a slow, natural ascent when you reel in, which can entice strikes from curious fish.
Float Fishing Fundamentals: Monofilament is a popular choice for float fishing, where a bobber or float is used to suspend the bait at a specific depth. The floating line helps maintain the proper depth and presentation of the bait beneath the float.
Line Maintenance: Maximizing The Lifespan Of Your Floating Line
To get the most out of your monofilament fishing line, it’s essential to take proper care of it. Follow these tips to ensure your floating line stays in top condition:
- Storage Solutions: Store your fishing line away from direct sunlight and heat sources to minimize UV damage and maintain its strength and buoyancy.
- Reel Realities: When spooling monofilament onto your reel, ensure that the line is wound evenly and tightly to avoid tangles and line memory issues.
- Inspection Intuition: Regularly inspect your fishing line for signs of wear, such as fraying, nicks, or discoloration. Replace damaged line promptly to prevent break-offs and lost fish.
Going Beyond Monofilament: Other Floating Line Options
While monofilament is the most widely known and used floating fishing line, there are other options available for anglers seeking alternatives:
Floating Fly Lines: In fly fishing, specialized floating fly lines are designed to float on the water’s surface, allowing anglers to present their flies in a lifelike manner. These lines are often coated with a buoyant material to enhance their floating capabilities.
Fused Lines: Fused lines are made by fusing multiple strands of polyethylene fibers, resulting in a strong, durable, and lightweight line that also floats. Fused lines have similar properties to braided lines but with added buoyancy.
Floating Braided Lines: Some braided lines are specially treated or coated to provide buoyancy, allowing them to float. These floating braided lines combine the strength and sensitivity of traditional braided lines with the added advantage of floating on the water’s surface.
Fishing Line Floatants: If you’re looking to make your existing fishing line float, there are floatant products on the market that can be applied to your line. These products are typically used in fly fishing to help maintain the buoyancy of leaders and tippets.
Final Thoughts: Float On, Fishermen
In conclusion, monofilament is the answer to the question, “What fishing line floats?” Its buoyancy, affordability, and stretchiness make it an ideal choice for topwater lures, shallow water fishing, and fly fishing leaders. While fluorocarbon and braided lines have their own unique advantages, they don’t float and aren’t the focus of this Fishing Line 101 crash course.
So, next time you’re gearing up for a fishing trip and need a floating line, reach for the trusty monofilament and get ready to make a splash!
