Spinning reels make fishing easier. Aside from being relatively easy to use, especially for beginners, spinning reels also give better accuracy while you’re fishing whether over short or long distances. However, in order to make the most of it, using the best fishing line for spinning reels will give you a smoother and stronger reeling experience.
A good spinning reel needs to have a reliable fishing line in place. A quality line is strong, smooth, and has the right level of visibility and sensitivity fit to your fishing conditions. Having a good fishing line not only means better casting, higher success in reeling, and a better fishing experience overall, but it also prevents losing lures and fish. The best fishing lines for spinning reels are listed down below.
Quick Summary: Top 11 - Best Fishing Line for Spinning Reels
Our seasoned editors have picked and rated these products for each specific category and area of expertise to recommend you the best models and products we can. We receive commission from some of these affiliate links.
Best Overall: 1. Kast King Super Power Fishing Line
The KastKing SuperPower Fishing line is a 4-strand or 8-strand braided line that is affordable and durable. It has multiple color options and spool sizes available.
The KastKing SuperPower Fishing line is a 4-strand or 8-strand braided line that is affordable and durable. It has multiple color options and spool sizes available.
Best Monofilament Line: 2. Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line
The Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line features both lo-vis and hi-vis options. The monofilament line offers relatively high tensile strength and low memory.
The Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line features both lo-vis and hi-vis options. The monofilament line offers relatively high tensile strength and low memory.
Best Spool Sizes: 3. Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
Available in a wide range of spool sizes, the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line offers both a 4-strand and 8-strand variant. The 8-strand braided line offers higher tensile strengths.
Available in a wide range of spool sizes, the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line offers both a 4-strand and 8-strand variant. The 8-strand braided line offers higher tensile strengths.
Best Length: 4. Berkley Trilene Monofilament Custom Spool
With a spool size that measures up to 10800 Yds, the Berkley Trilene Monofilament Custom Pool gives a great amount of length. The monofilament material is also thicker and more durable than most monofilament lines.
With a spool size that measures up to 10800 Yds, the Berkley Trilene Monofilament Custom Pool gives a great amount of length. The monofilament material is also thicker and more durable than most monofilament lines.
Best Strength: 5. Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line
The Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line has the highest LB ranges. The line is strong with 4-strand and 8-strand options and up to 300lb range.
The Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line has the highest LB ranges. The line is strong with 4-strand and 8-strand options and up to 300lb range.
Best Clear Line: 6. Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon is a great material for low visibility fishing lines. The Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is a clear line with multiple low visibility options.
Fluorocarbon is a great material for low visibility fishing lines. The Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is a clear line with multiple low visibility options.
Best Material: 7. KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line
The KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line is a dual material line. An inner copolymer coated with fluorocarbon gives the line both strength and low visibility. The 2 materials also work well to make the line more abrasion resistant.
The KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line is a dual material line. An inner copolymer coated with fluorocarbon gives the line both strength and low visibility. The 2 materials also work well to make the line more abrasion resistant.
Best Casting: 8. Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Service Spool
The Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Service Pool is a thinner Trilene monofilament line. The thickness of the material gives it a smooth casting feel.
The Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Service Pool is a thinner Trilene monofilament line. The thickness of the material gives it a smooth casting feel.
Best Value: 9. KastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line
An affordable option is the KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line. It is a monofilament line that is strong, durable, and with multiple spool sizes and color options.
An affordable option is the KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line. It is a monofilament line that is strong, durable, and with multiple spool sizes and color options.
Best Visibility: 10. Stren Original Service Spool
The Stren Original Service Pool is a monofilament fishing line that is easy to see. Although there are also clear and low visibility options available, the hi-vis gold makes untangling and guidiny your line after casting easier.
The Stren Original Service Pool is a monofilament fishing line that is easy to see. Although there are also clear and low visibility options available, the hi-vis gold makes untangling and guidiny your line after casting easier.
Best Uni-filament Line: 11. Berkley NanoFil Uni-filament Fishing Line
The Berkley NanoFil Uni-filament Fishing line is the first uni-filament line in the market. It looks like a monofilament line but exhibits many characteristics of a braided line.
The Berkley NanoFil Uni-filament Fishing line is the first uni-filament line in the market. It looks like a monofilament line but exhibits many characteristics of a braided line.
Top 3 Quick Comparison
Product | Photo | Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |   | Multiple Color Options and Spool Sizes | |
Best Monofilament Line |   | Long Spool Sizes Available | |
Best Spool Sizes |   | Multiple Spool Size and Color Options |
Our Reviews
Best Overall
The KastKing SuperPower Fishing line is a 4-strand or 8-strand braided line that is affordable and durable. It has multiple color options and spool sizes available.
Quick Specs
The Kast King Super Power Fishing line is available in either a 4-strength strand option or a higher tensile strength 8-strand option. The 8-strand option is tightly packed to give better casting and a higher LB range of 65-150LB. The available spool sizes are set in 150, 300, and 600 yard options, and this fishing line also comes in a variety of colors. It’s a good brand that offers several options in terms of tensile strength, length, and color. Even moreso, it is also one of the more affordable fishing lines in the market.
In terms of durability, the Kast King line is made of a polyethylene braid fiber; in fact, the same material is also used for bulletproof vests and provides good longevity and strength. The 4-strand 100 yard spool size, when tested in short and long distance fishing, gave a breaking limit at around 17lbs. However, casting this line feels very smooth even after prolonged use in saltwater.
Overall, the Kast King Super Power Fishing Line is a great option for those looking for good quality fishing lines at a decent cost. The variety of options as well as the high quality of the material give the product great value. On top of that, the line is also quite easy to put on your spinning reel, does not tangle as easily as other lines, and is also long-lasting.
Product Review
"This braided line works as good as or better than ANY of the higher priced brands on the market"
Best Monofilament Line
The Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line features both lo-vis and hi-vis options. The monofilament line offers relatively high tensile strength and low memory.
Quick Specs
The Stren High Impact Monofilament Fishing Line is a monofilament fishing line that performs quite well compared to other lines. A common problem with monofilament lines is the material’s tendency to coil up when casting. The thin material also tangles more easily compared to other fishing line types. However, the High Impact fishing line from Stren actually addresses both of these problems quite well. The High-Vis Green color option also makes it easier to avoid tangling up fishing lines, especially when you go fishing with other people.
This line was built specifically for saltwater use. Since most off-shore anglers require stronger and high-impact lines, the larger spool size and LB range option is great for saltwater fishing. There are also other lengths and strength options available, as well as other color options. The line is also quite stronger than the actual tensile strengths provided, with the 30lb range capable of slightly heavier catches. The Stren brand, itself, is also popularly known as a reliable and durable fishing line manufacturer.
Product Review
"I bought this line for leader and for two ultra light casting rod and reels I want to use this year for panfish and local evening fishing around the area. It is plenty strong for it's size and weight rating and it comes off the spool without coiling like so many monofilament lines will."
Best Spool Sizes
Available in a wide range of spool sizes, the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line offers both a 4-strand and 8-strand variant. The 8-strand braided line offers higher tensile strengths.
Quick Specs
The Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing line is available in multiple spool sizes, ranging from as short as 150 Yds to as long as 3000 Yds, each length is also available in varying tensile strengths, starting from 8lbs to 80lbs. The line holds true to their strength ranges, with some of the lower ranges actually capable of withstanding a bit more pressure. One of the most notable aspects of this line is that it is actually very compact and thin when compared to other braid lines. The 30lb option is close to the thickness of most monofilament lines and you can expect the 8lb and 10lb options to be thinner.
Despite the thin material, the braided line proves to be quite durable. Unfortunately, even though the line itself does not lose strength, the colors tend to fade over time, especially when used in the sea. The material and braid also gives the angler higher sensitivity and better control during both casting and reeling. However, you might need to tie double knots on your lures to ensure that these are secured tightly.The many options in terms of both spool size, tensile strength, and colors also gives anglers a good range of choices.
Product Review
"Been using this product for over a year, and find it superior to the previous brand braided line. So far no wear after hundreds of casts."
Best Length
With a spool size that measures up to 10800 Yds, the Berkley Trilene Monofilament Custom Pool gives a great amount of length. The monofilament material is also thicker and more durable than most monofilament lines.
Quick Specs
This Trilene Monofilament Fishing Line from Berkley is made of an abrasion resistant monofilament thread that comes in multiple spool sizes. The longest length is at 10800 Yds, while the highest tensile strength is at the 130lb test range. There are many other lower range options in terms of spool size and tensile strength. It’s important to note that the strength ratings provided for this line are quite accurate whether in salt or freshwater fishing.
There are also different color options available, with an ultra clear fishing line that is nearly invisible when cast. If you need a more visible line, the solar collector color option is very easy to see. Unlike other lines, the colors are retained well even after prolonged use. One problem that some people may encounter is that the line tends to stretch. However, this is quite common for monofilament fishing lines.
Product Review
"I love trilene and i have to say it is the best quality line available at the price. its knot strength is amazing and the line is nice and limp not full of memory like lesser lines, as for overall abrasion quality i use this off the beaches and also lure fishing for pike in very rocky still waters."
Best Strength
The Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line has the highest LB ranges. The line is strong with 4-strand and 8-strand options and up to 300lb range.
Quick Specs
The Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line is made of a 4-strand braid of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers (UHMWPE) which is known as one of the strongest fibers. The material gives this fishing line a great amount of tensile strength, minimal stretch, and a compact and thin feel. The line is also available in an even stronger 8-strand braid giving higher tensile strengths of up to 300lbs.
There are many colors available for this line, however, like most braided lines, the color tends to fade over time, especially when used in saltwater environments. Despite the short term lifespan of the line color, the line itself is actually very durable and high quality. It is also great for longer casting since the material provides a balance between being stiff and pliable, giving anglers good control.
Product Review
"This stuff is unbelievably strong and abrasion resistant. When I get a snag I just grab the line and pull slowly as hard as I can and either the hook will straighten and it's free, or the log will come out of the water."
Best Clear Line
Fluorocarbon is a great material for low visibility fishing lines. The Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is a clear line with multiple low visibility options.
Quick Specs
The Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is a good option if you are looking for a clear fishing line. Since it a fluorocarbon line, it exhibits low visibility in the water. Fluorocarbon has a near refractive index as water which means that light passes through the line the same way as it would in water, making it almost invisible.
This fluorocarbon line from Berkley is incorporated with improved flexibility and superior water strength. The former means that it is a highly sensitive line which makes it easier to control than other fishing lines. The latter means that it does not absorb water, which can be a problem with a few fluorocarbon fishing lines. Because of its high water strength, the line exhibits high resistance to abrasion and is fairly strong despite the low LB ranges. In addition, the high flexibility also make it easier to tie knots with this line.
Product Review
"Berkley Vanish is a super high quality line and key to landing more fish. I use it on all my freshwater reels."
Best Material
The KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line is a dual material line. An inner copolymer coated with fluorocarbon gives the line both strength and low visibility. The 2 materials also work well to make the line more abrasion resistant.
Quick Specs
The KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line is made of 2 blends of materials. The inner portion of the line is a superior copolymer which makes it strong and durable while the outer is a coat of soft fluorocarbon which aids in making the line clear with low visibility. The combination of both materials also reduces water retention, allowing the line to remain solid and dense, sinking easily into the water. Other benefits from using these 2 materials include less stretch and higher abrasion resistance.
In terms of longevity, the outer fluorocarbon coat may tend to wear out over time. However, the inner copolymer material is long lasting and very durable. Unfortunately, when the fluorocarbon wears out, the integrity of the entire line is affected. Despite this, it still fairs very well in rocky waters.
Product Review
"Been fishing this line in some very tough conditions, and it has performed much better than I would have ever expected. I fish a creek that has tons of structure."
Best Casting
The Calamus Stainless Steel Fillet Knife has a protective nylon sheath that protects the German Stainless Steel (G4116) Blade. The knife blade features a blue Teflon finish. The handle also carries a cool blue and gray design.
Quick Specs
Another Monofilament fishing line from the Berkley Trilene line is the Trilene XL Smooth which is made to give anglers a good and smooth casting experience. When compared to the Berkley Trilene Monofilament XT it is thinner, more stiff, and has less memory. Although the XL is not as durable as the thicker Trilene XT, it is most recognized for its smooth cast. The thin line is also easy to knot.
Despite the thinner material, the Trilene XL is still quite durable when compared to other monofilament lines. It is also very flexible and sensitive. To minimize breaking, getting a Trilene XL with a minimum 17lb range is advisable. The spool sizes are also longer with the higher LB ranges. But the 3 color options are available in all spool size and tensile strength option; all color options, however, are low visibility lines with low-vis green, fluorescent clear, and clear as the only colors available.
Product Review
"I've used Trilene XL Smooth Casting mono on all of my spinning reels for at least the last 20 years and for good reason - it casts so well. This low memory monofilament is smooth through the eyelets during casting, and it has low memory so it doesn't coil up as quickly over time after being left on your reels out in the garage."
Best Value
An affordable option is the KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line. It is a monofilament line that is strong, durable, and with multiple spool sizes and color options.
Quick Specs
The KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament fishing line is made of a thin and strong single-strand of nylon fiber. The material is best used when you are fishing with moving baits but you can easily use it in nearly all types of fishing. This line is made with a parallel roll track that keeps the line in place and prevents it from digging into the spool. The roll is quite effective in keeping the line organized and it gives you a smooth feel when casting your line.
While this monofilament line is definitely a lot thinner than other lines, it is still a strong and abrasion resistant material. It feels very flexible and pliable, making it quite easy to tie knots with. Although the line has a clear color option, most of the other colors typically show low visibility.
Product Review
"Good, cheap mono. I purchased the 10 pound test in red and had no issues with it. I caught over a dozen snook between 18 and 27 inches with it and the line never broke on me."
Best Visibility
The Stren Original Service Pool is a monofilament fishing line that is easy to see. Although there are also clear and low visibility options available, the hi-vis gold makes untangling and guidiny your line after casting easier.
Quick Specs
The Stren Original Service Pool is a Monofilament fishing line available in clear, fluorescent, lo-vis, and hi-vis colors. The Hi-Vis Gold is a great option for anglers who need a visible fishing line. It is easy to see even in low light conditions. The monofilament material is coated with a special UV Guard protection that serves to prolong the lifespan of the line.
The material feels quite durable. It has different options for tensile strength, most which are accurately tested. The LB ranges are also reliable but you’ll find that the ones less than 12lb tend to break a lot easier. Choosing a 17lb or 20lb line is recommended, especially since you might end up pulling on the line when it gets tangled or caught up somewhere. The line also casts quite well, giving anglers a smooth experience. It is also sensitive despite being so pliable.
Product Review
"The color is brilliant, and so it's easy to see, both in low light and direct sunlight... Great abrasion resistance, knot strength, and of course, visibility."
Best Uni-filament Line
The Berkley NanoFil Uni-filament Fishing line is the first uni-filament line in the market. It looks like a monofilament line but exhibits many characteristics of a braided line.
Quick Specs
Berkley claims to have made the first uni-filament fishing line. This Berkley NanoFil Uni-filament fishing line is neither a monofilament nor a braid line. Instead, the material is made of Dyneema gel-spun polyethylene nanofilament fibers which are molecularly linked together to shape into a unified-filament fishing line. The material has a smooth texture, and features combined characteristics. It primarily looks like a monofilament line but it feels more like a braid line when casting.
The line has zero memory, which means that it does not tangle as easily. It does not stretch but is actually very pliable that it is very easy to tie into knots. Despite being quite thin, the line is strong and durable, although the tested tensile strengths are not that high. Casting, however, feels very smooth and accurate.
Product Review
"This is hands down the best line for spinning reels. It is not affected by line twist like all other lines. The white is very visible to the eye above the water which helps detecting very light strikes on slackline, and there's zero stretch so you can get the hook set no matter how long of a cast."
Things To Consider Before Buying A Fishing Line for Spinning Reels
A spinning reel features a fixed and open-faced spool which should be placed in line with the rod. The spool should remain stationary while a rotor line guides the line around the spool. Typically, spinning reels can handle a variety of line weights. It is essential to check that your rod is able to handle a higher weight range if you’re looking to purchase higher tensile strength options as well. Aside from just choosing the best fishing line for your spinning reel, matching the right line with a proper rod is also key to smoother, easier, and more efficient casting and reeling.
There are different types of fishing lines to consider. The main types are braided lines, monofilament lines, and fluorocarbon lines. Each material provides a specific set of benefits and disadvantages. It can be difficult to compare between the different types of fishing lines. Instead, here is a quick overview of each one.
Braid Fishing Line
Braided lines were one of the first types of fishing lines used. Many anglers prefer this type of line because of the high knot strength, minimal stretch, and relatively higher tensile strength compared to other lines. A braided fishing line is also very sensitive, with more compactly braided lines showing higher sensitivity.
One of the major problems of using a braided line, however, is that these are very visible in the water. While it can actually be an advantage for anglers who want to see their lines, it can also deter fish from approaching your lures.
Monofilament Fishing Line
A monofilament line is a single strand material, typically nylon, that usually stretches more than other fishing lines. Monofilament lines are usually more affordable and easier to handle, making it a great option for beginners. However, these lines have lower tensile strength, especially when compared to braided lines. Monofilament lines usually have a wider range of color options because the material is easier to tint and retains color a lot better than braided lines.
Fluorocabon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon lines are quite similar to monofilament lines in that it is also made of a single strand. However, it is specifically made from polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). Fluorocarbon lines are more tightly packed than typical nylon fishing lines and are more dense. It also feels heavier, has less stretch, and is more durable. One of the major features to note for a fluorocarbon fishing line is that it is near invisible in the water because it has the same refractive index as water.
When choosing a fishing line for your spinning reel, the type of fishing line is the primary thing to consider. However, aside from this, you also need to look at the spool size, color, tensile strength, and durability of a material. Depending on your specific needs, you might be looking for a shorter but stronger line. It is important to know what specific characteristics you need to prioritize. Luckily, there is a wide range of options for each brand and product and you’re likely to find a good and reliable fishing line quite easily.
Our Top Pick
Best Overall
The KastKing SuperPower Fishing line is a 4-strand or 8-strand braided line that is affordable and durable. It has multiple color options and spool sizes available.
References
(1) Polypropylene - https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-polypropylene-820365
(2) Santoprene - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060920005086/en/
ExxonMobil-Chemical-Introduces-New-Food-Contact-FDA-Compliant
(3) NSF - https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/what-is-nsf-certification
Andrew! Thank you for this one! I’ll check the top 3 in your list and get back which one is better for me. Thanks again!