What are the advantages of using monofilament line for topwater fishing?
While braided line has gained significant popularity for topwater fishing, monofilament line still holds a valuable place in the tackle boxes of many anglers. It offers a unique set of advantages that can be particularly beneficial in certain topwater scenarios. Here are some key reasons why monofilament remains a viable and sometimes preferred choice for throwing topwater lures:
1. Superior Shock Absorption for Treble Hooks:
One of the primary advantages of monofilament is its inherent stretch. This elasticity acts as a shock absorber during the hookset and the fight, particularly when using lures with multiple treble hooks like walking baits, poppers, and prop baits. The stretch helps to prevent the hooks from tearing out during aggressive strikes or powerful runs, especially with fish that tend to thrash violently. This forgiveness can lead to a higher landing ratio, especially with larger fish.
2. Reduced Visibility in Clear Water:
Compared to braided line, monofilament generally has lower visibility underwater, especially in clear water conditions. While modern braids come in various colors and some are designed for low visibility, monofilament, particularly in clear or low-visibility colors, can be less detectable to wary fish. This can be a significant advantage when fishing pressured waters or targeting species known for their keen eyesight.
3. Enhanced Knot Strength and Ease of Tying:
Monofilament is generally considered easier to tie strong and reliable knots with compared to some braided lines. While knot technology for braid has improved significantly, some anglers still find monofilament more forgiving and less prone to slippage when tying knots like the Palomar knot, improved clinch knot, or uni knot, which are commonly used for attaching lures.
4. Greater Abrasion Resistance in Certain Situations:
While braid excels in cutting through vegetation, monofilament often offers better abrasion resistance against hard structures like rocks, docks, and submerged timber. This can be a crucial factor when fishing topwater lures around these types of obstacles where line fraying is a concern. The thicker diameter of monofilament provides a buffer against sharp edges.
5. Quieter Performance on the Water's Surface:
When working topwater lures, especially subtle presentations, the sound of the line can sometimes spook fish. Monofilament, being generally smoother and with a slightly larger diameter, tends to create less noise as it moves across the water's surface compared to some braided lines, which can have a more abrasive texture. This can be advantageous in calm conditions or when targeting skittish fish.
6. More Forgiving for Beginners:
For anglers new to topwater fishing, monofilament can be more forgiving in terms of casting and handling. Its inherent stretch can absorb some of the impact of a less-than-perfect cast, potentially reducing the risk of snapping the line. It also tends to be more manageable on the reel and less prone to digging into the spool compared to some braided lines.
7. Lower Initial Cost:
Generally, monofilament line is more affordable than braided line. For anglers on a budget or those who don't fish topwater extensively, monofilament can be a cost-effective option that still provides good performance in many situations.
In conclusion, while braided line offers undeniable advantages in sensitivity and hooksetting power for topwater fishing, monofilament remains a relevant and effective choice due to its superior shock absorption, lower visibility, ease of knot tying, abrasion resistance against hard structures, quieter performance, forgiveness for beginners, and lower initial cost. The best line choice ultimately depends on the specific fishing conditions, the type of topwater lure being used, and the angler's personal preferences and experience. Many experienced anglers even carry multiple setups with different line types to cater to various topwater scenarios on Lake Norman.