Generally, monofilament is a top choice for all-purpose and all-level fishing situations, but there are certain applications where this line specializes:  

• Beginners: Due to its forgiving and manageable nature, monofilament is ideal for those fair-weather anglers or new to fishing altogether (plus let’s not forget the cost makes for a smart initial investment before moving into more heavy-duty equipment).  

• Topwater Fishing: The floating properties of monofilament make it the perfect choice for targeting species that might strike on the surface of the water like bass and for overall depth control. It’s important to pair this line with the proper lures for topwater fishing as well such as frogs, poppers, or spinners.  

• Trolling: With line flexibility like monofilaments, trolling isn’t a problem and will find a way to work around most coverage and obstacles without snapping.  

• Aggressive Species: Who doesn’t want a good fight? Monofilament’s flexibility makes it the top-choice for freshwater fish that are known for making aggressive strikes such as pike or musky. This additional stretch in the line will give the angler a little give to work with and greatly reduce the risk of the line snapping during the fight.  

• Cold Water / Ice: Monofilament line is great for hitting the ice fishing shack as it performs very well in cold water and retains its elasticity in winter climates better than other line types. 

While the applications and variations of Berkley monofilament line expand beyond what is listed in the chart below, this will give youan overview of the high-level types of line and most general guidelines for each to point you in the right initial direction: 

• Trilene® XL®: Extra limp, smooth casting for a high manageable monofilament

• Trilene® XT® Extra Tough: Extra tough for maximum abrasion resistance

• Trilene® Sensation®: Highly sensitive nylon copolymer

• FluroShield™: An additional Berkley call-out under the monofilament banner is our fluorocarbon infused copolymer fishing line, not to be confused with a traditional Fluorocarbon line. FluoroShied has all the benefits of a regular monofilament line with an added benefit of higherabrasion resistance. 

Since monofilament line maintains the best stretch and flexibility, there are several acceptable knot tying methods for optimal success:  

• Rapala Knot: A non-tightening knot that creates an open loop that allows lures to swim freely for finesse presentations.  

• Palomar Knot: A simple knot that’s widely known as one of the strongest and most reliable for attaching a line to a hook.  

• Double Uni Knot: An ideal knot for attaching two lines of similar diameters. 

• Uni/ Ginner Knot: A multi-purpose fishing knot that makes a slidable stopper and undergoes a transformation as it is tightened. 

• Improved Clinch Knot: A high strength knot that is easy to tie and is one of the most widely used by anglers.  

• Albright Knot: A knot that is most useful for attaching two lines together that are not the same diameter.  

• Blood Knot: A knot commonly used for attaching two strands of monofilament line together or for leader attachment.  

Monofilament has several advantages and specific properties that have resulted in its mass adoption in the angler industry: 

• Value: While monofilament is a very solid fishing line, one of the strongest purchasing factors it has going for it is its cost or rather the quality and value you’re receiving for the cost.  

• Versatility: Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater, monofilament is great for any fishing environment with a variety of techniques including casting and trolling.  

• Knot Tying: The stretch properties of monofilament line make it the most manageable for tying knots and casting with minimal memory for fewer tangled messes (knot strength to straight break strength is 1:1).  

• Buoyancy: Monofilament line was designed to float, which makes it ideal for topwater fishing and for lures that require surface action. 

While there are many benefits to using monofilament line, it is important to recognize the minor drawbacks to understand if this is truly the line for you: 

• Line Stretch: We know we’ve also mentioned this as a pro to monofilament under some definitions but due to the stretch of this line type, it can often reduce the sensitivity making it hard for anglers to detect those subtle nibbles. 

• Durability: The nylon composition of monofilament can create weaknesses over time that could result in fraying and breakage, especially with additional exposure to UV rays.  

• Water Absorption: Monofilament is a line that absorbs water, which can help it retain some of its castability but will also weaken it and reduce its flexibility over time. 

• Abrasion: Monofilament can often be abrasion prone so you might want to stay away from rough or rocky fishing terrain with this particular line.   

All said, monofilament fishing line is reliable, affordable, and caters to a wide breadth of fishing needs. Not sure our Monofilament line is right for your next fishing adventure? Learn more about our other line type options to see if there is a better fit: 

• Fluorocarbon Line 
• Braid Line
• Full Line Guide