Your fishing line is the decisive factor of coming home empty-handed or landing the big one.
And to find the best fishing line for bass that fits your needs, it’s just you keeping in mind some simple tips and tricks. This ultimate guide will show you how but first, let’s take a peek at this top-rated list:
Here are the best fishing lines for bass (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Berkley Trilene Big Game
- Best For Saltwater: Stren Monofilament Fishing Line
- Best For Long-Distance Casting: KastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line
- Best Overall: RUNCL PowerFluoro Fishing Line
- Invisible & Strong: KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line
- Best For Experienced Anglers: Berkley Vanish Fishing Line
- Most Durable: RUNCL PowerBraid Fishing Line
- Most Sensitive: SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braid Fishing Line
- Zero Stretch: mpeter Armor Braided Fishing Line
| 9 Best Fishing Lines For Bass | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Berkley Trilene Big Game | Read Our Review |
Best For Saltwater | Stren Monofilament Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Best For Long-Distance Casting | KastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Best Overall | RUNCL PowerFluoro Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Invisible & Strong | KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Best For Experienced Anglers | Berkley Vanish Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Most Durable | RUNCL PowerBraid Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Most Sensitive | SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braid Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Zero Stretch | mpeter Armor Braided Fishing Line | Read Our Review |
Monofilament Fishing Line
Best Overall: Berkley Trilene Big Game
- Highlight superior strength and shock absorption to handle violent hits of big fish
- Low memory to avoid kinking or coiling up, ideal for trolling
- A bit thicker than the Trilene XL
If you are about to run monofilament as your mainline to troll for large striped bass, this Berkley Trilene Big Game is unbeatable for its superior shock absorption.
It’s much stronger than its rating to handle violent hits like a breeze.
Compared to the Trilene XL, this version highlights lower memory but stretchier and stronger performance to not break easily. It can avoid the shock of a big bass trying to make a quick run and resist abrasion better than any mono lines in our test list.
The best thing is, it prices very cheap compared to other counterparts that there is very little reason to choose anything else for tough fish, especially in heavy cover.
| Berkley Trilene Big Game Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3 oz. |
Diameter | .012; .014; .015; .018; .019; .024; .028 inches |
Test | 10; 12; 15; 20; 25; 40; 50 pounds |
Length | 1500; 1125; 900; 650; 595; 370; 275 yards |
Material | abrasion-resistance synthetic |
Highlight Features | Amazing strength for confidence and control Shock-resistant design for controlled stretch Exceptional abrasion resistance |
Regardless of the excellent abrasion resistance and shock absorption, the Berkley Big Game exhibits all features desired by serious bass fishermen – low memory and accurate strength rating.
Best For Saltwater: Stren Monofilament Fishing Line
- Highly visible to easily see on no-sun days with heavy winds
- Efficiently avoid snagging or getting tangled
- Stretchy to be unbreakable and yet thin enough to use a double loop through the hole
- Hold a decent amount of memory, resulting in the line looking like a slinky after casting
For beginners who are still new to baitcasting reels, they will want something heavier for the ease of use yet inexpensive to practice more.
For them, Stren Monofilament Line is the best bet.
While it’s very easy to get lines tangled and crossed when drifting fish from a boat with several lines out, we find these Hi-Vis Stren solve such issues very easily.
Compared to the Berkley, it’s slightly thinner to use a double loop through the hole. For its size, this Stren line is very stretchy and absorbs the shock above any expectations.
Work great in saltwater and the cost saving is considerable.
| Stren Monofilament Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.25 Pounds |
Diameter | 0.30; 0.33; 0.40; 0.45; 0.50; 0.55mm |
Test | 10; 12; 15; 20; 25; 30 pounds |
Length | 400; 490; 650; 860; 1000; 1275 yards |
Material | synthetic nylon plastic material |
Highlight Features | Shock-resistant for fighting line-punishing gamefish Saltwater tough for all coastal and offshore fishing Excellent transparency for ultra-low visibility |
Stren has always been a great fishing line brand and this monofilament is no exception, especially the price. It’s a flawless alternative for saltwater on those days when you don’t feel like to use braided lines.
Best For Long-Distance Casting: KastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line
- Feature supple, silky smooth, and soft performance – ideal for long casting
- Emphasize the finest monofilament line manufacturing technology for thinner diameter yet unbeatable strength
- Efficiently avoid the line from digging into the spool, maximize your efficiency while on the waters
- Can fit most water conditions and fishing techniques - versatile
- A bit costlier than other counterparts
- Prone to curl up if a big fish gets on it.
Whether it’s in freshwater or saltwater, getting a round, silky smooth line is crucial for long-distance casting and this is where the KastKing World’s Premium Line really shines.
It is crafted from the finest monofilament line manufacturing technology to feature much thinner diameter than other counterparts but way stronger to handle small to medium-sized fish.
During our test, we found that it didn’t sink into the spool, which is versatile to fit different fishing styles and help maximize your efficiency while on the waters. So no matter it’s trolling used, topwater, or moving baits, just rest the heart that it will be the best workhorse in your tackle box.
Besides, lots of fishers praised for its supple and soft performance to give a bait or lure the most realistic motion.
| KastKing World's Premium Monofilament Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3 ounces |
Diameter | 0.21; 0.23; 0.25; 0.35; 0.50 mm |
Test | 4; 6; 8; 10; 12; 15; 17; 20; 25; 30 pounds |
Length | 300 & 600 yards |
Material | High-density nylon |
Highlight Features | Soft and supple Easy to tie knots and giving lures or baits vivid motion Round and silky smooth, easy long casting |
Silky smoothness and supple performance make the KastKing World’s Premium Line the best candidate for long-distance casting.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Best Overall: RUNCL PowerFluoro Fishing Line
- Can resist to UV and freezing cold weather to capably fish in different temperature ranges
- Heavier to sink faster – best to work in deep water columns
- Don’t provide various color options
- Not suitable for fishing in shallow water columns
RUNCL is one of the best brands developing successfully copolymer technology, hence, it makes the lines superior in terms of knot strength, flexibility with minimum memory.
While resisting to UV rays, we realized that it wasn’t cracked or frozen when very cold and pretty heavy - compared to other fluorocarbon - to sink faster into the water.
So despite its limitation at shallow waters, the PowerFlouro is still versatile. It can work flawlessly in any temperature ranges in deeper water columns with unsurpassed durability.
High sensitivity is another forte of this line. It allows you to feel any nibbles to improve your fishing experience, which is particularly useful for beginners.
| RUNCL PowerFluoro Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3 ounces |
Diameter | 0.15; 0.18; 0.20; 0.23; 0.26; 0.28; 0.30; 0.33; 0.38; 0.41; 0.43; 0.48 mm |
Test | 5; 6; 7; 8; 10; 12; 14; 16; 20; 25; 28; 32 pounds |
Length | 300; 500; 1000 yards |
Material | fluorocarbon outer coating with copolymer core |
Highlight Features | Virtually invisible, ultimate strength Faster sinking Extra sensitivity UV resistance |
Regardless of some minor drawbacks, RUNCL PowerFluoro is unbeatable in terms of durability. And as it can handle wider temperature ranges, this line is a versatile option to fish all year round.
Invisible & Strong: KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line
- Feature unbeatable knot and breaking strength to handle big fish easily
- Abrasion-resistant to handle collisions better and last longer
- Come in thinner diameter and made of 100% fluorocarbon to be virtually invisible – avoid scaring fish away
- Not suit topwater fishing
- Little stretch
Developed on the same copolymer technology, but KastKing FlouroKote is superior to its counterparts in terms of knot and breaking strength.
It improves casting ability significantly to maximize your catch rate in any situation.
Compared to the KastKing braided line, we also realized this came in thinner diameter, synonymous to better invisibility to catch the trickiest fish, such as bass or walleye.
It’s also built to be ultra-durable to bear abrasion flawlessly when colliding with any hard, edgy objects underwater, making it the best choice for bottom fishing.
| KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6 ounces |
Diameter | 0.18; 0.22; 0.23; 0.28; 0.30; 0.33; 0.35; 0.38; 0.43; 0.48 mm |
Test | 4; 6; 8; 10; 12; 15; 17; 20; 25; 30 |
Length | 300 yards |
Material | high-tech 100% fluorocarbon coating & Copolymer |
Highlight Features | High-tech 100% fluorocarbon coating Low Stretch High strength Superior abrasion resistance |
Considering some vital factors like strength, visibility, abrasion resistance and price, KastKing FluoroKote is our top pick.
Best For Experienced Anglers: Berkley Vanish Fishing Line
- Anti-shock and –abrasion to handle abuse better
- High transparency that fish hardly recognize in the waters
- Not absorb fluid or liquid to keep its integrity finely
- A little bit costly for the size
- Slightly stiff to use on spinning reels
Berkley is always known for producing only strong and high-tensile fluorocarbon lines and the Vanish is a shining example – or, more.
Aside from its remarkably durable construction with an emphasis on anti-abrasion and shock-absorption qualities to handle a lot, the line features traditional yet highly-capable leaders. And this is the thing making it reputable with professional anglers.
During our tests, the materials of Vanish seem not to be susceptible to water permeability, meaning the line does not absorb liquid to retain its physical strength excellently under rugged conditions.
| Berkley Vanish Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.6 ounces |
Diameter | - |
Test | 2; 4; 6; 8; 10; 12; 14; 17; 20; 30; 40; 60 pounds |
Length | 110; 250; 350; 1700; 2000 yards |
Material | Soft low-memory synthetic with fluorocarbon coating |
Highlight Features | Extra sensitive yet shock-absorbent Soft low-memory for easy casting Great for spinning and casting reels; |
Based on its extraordinary integrity retention and transparency, we vote Berkley Vanish as the best fluorocarbon fishing line for pro anglers.
Braided Fishing Line
Most Durable: RUNCL PowerBraid Fishing Line
- Feature 20% thinner yet higher tensile strength for better invisibility and durability, improving your catch rates
- Can stand to the heaviest catches
- No tangles or snags
- Quality control feels like hit or miss
Speaking of heavy-duty tough construction, you can’t beat the RUNCL PowerBraid over other braided counterparts.
It is crafted from a blend of raw imported synthetic fibers using Seamless Weaving technology to deliver incredibly high-tensile strength and abrasion resistance to stand up to the heaviest catches.
In fact, its tensile strength was tested already during 1500 cycles and preserved over 95% of that, giving twice more abrasion resistance ability than other comparable brands.
Despite of that, it is 20% thinner in diameter compared to the standard-sized braided for higher sensitivity and transparency without compromising its strength or durability.
What we love the most is it can cast 10% further while the line itself is specifically coated to avoid spool memory.
| RUNCL PowerBraid Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | - |
Diameter | 0.14; 0.16; 0.18; 0.20; 0.23; 0.30; 0.32; 0.37; 0.40; 0.45; 0.50 mm |
Test | 15; 18; 20; 25; 30; 35; 40; 45; 50; 60; 70; 75; 85; 90; 95; 100 pounds |
Length | 300; 500; 1000 yards |
Material | made of imported raw fibers and constructed of PowerBraid Seamless Weaving Technology |
Highlight Features | Made of imported raw fibers and constructed of PowerBraid Seamless Weaving Technology (PSWT) |
Preserving 95% of its tensile strength during 1500 cycles while featuring a 20% thinner diameter to be more virtually transparent, RUNCL PowerBraid is the best candidate for durable lines.
Most Sensitive: SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braid Fishing Line
- Come in the highest sensitivity level, perform greatly at a great depth
- Coated with fluoropolymer material to be ultra-smooth and silent
- Provide a wide range of color options to fit different water conditions
- The glow-vis thing is slightly not visible above the water
- Colors don’t last long
- Some anglers might not like its small diameter
When fishers want to cast noiselessly, they choose the SpiderWire Stealth Superline.
Though naturally rougher than the 8, it highlights the fluoropolymer coating to smooth out all edges so it can cast as silently as a stalking cat no matter which tests you choose.
Ungiving sensitivity and strength are two other results from our testing.
Unlike monofilament, the Stealth Superline gives little stretch but masters sensitivity that you can feel even the smallest nibbles at great depth to relearn your drags. This, therefore, delivers a good performance in open water, cutting through lily pads, kelp, and fronds where other lines will break.
Last but not least, there are a lot of color options to choose from.
| SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braid Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4 ounces |
Diameter | - |
Test | 10/4; 15/6; 20/8; 30/10; 40/12; 50/14; 65/17; 80/20; 100/25 |
Length | 125; 200; 250; 300; 500 yards |
Material | Teflon treated microfibers |
Highlight Features | Superior strength and sensitivity Teflon treated microfibers Super quiet line flies through the guides |
All-in-all, the SpiderWire Stealth Superline delivers all the typical features needed in a good braided line for bass fishing, especially the excellent sensitivity to be used in open water.
Zero Stretch: mpeter Armor Braided Fishing Line
- Longer-lasting color and not terribly bleed for higher longevity and convenience
- Easy to tie a knot
- It seldom has kinks
Unlike the SpiderWire Stealth Superline, the color of this braided line holds up very well to use over time or at least, it doesn’t bleed terribly when you first started using it.
The best thing is its zero stretch with no signs of weakness or fraying to behave excellently on any casting rod and reel.
Fans of the Armor give compliments for its dynamically incorporated strands. It helps you tie a knot more easily and solidly. The line also gives no issues with backlashes as well.
We also love it for the budget-friendly price range to be within any angler’s reach. They can even buy more than one for backup.
| mpeter Armor Braided Fishing Line Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 ounces |
Diameter | 0.1; 0.12; 0.16; 0.2; 0.26; 0.32; 0.37; 0.45; 0.5; 0.55; 0.6; 0.65 mm |
Test | 10; 15; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 65; 80 pounds |
Length | 128; 327; 547; 1097 yards |
Material | new epoxy coatings |
Highlight Features | Ultra-high sensitivity Smaller diameter |
If you want a braided line with zero stretch for solidity and no color bleeding, look no further than the mpeter Armor.
How To Choose The Best Fishing Lines For Bass?
Type Of Line
Whether you use baitcasters, spinning gear, or jigs, there is surely one suitable type of line for it. Three common fishing line types are:
- Fluorocarbon
- Monofilament
- Braided line
Strengths | Weaknesses | Best for | |
Fluorocarbon | Transparent to be virtually invisible underwater Shock- and abrasive-resistant | Stiff – make control and casting difficult | Fishing in extremely pure water Used for leader Work with lures that need to sink Jig fishing |
Monofilament | Less visible underwater than braided lines Floatable and castable Beginner-friendly, easy to tie knots Stretching – easier for bass to bite and hold, giving you more time to set a hook Low price | Might break when working with stronger hookset | Fishing with treble hooked lures or topwater fishing Baitcasting (if you’re a beginner) Spinning gear when you go fishing in extremely clear water conditions, with trolling baits or finicky bass |
Braided line | Easier to detect a bite set a hook Cast well Incredibly strong | It’s easier for bass to spot underwater Difficult for beginner fishers | Catch big-sized bass in low-light or murky conditions Baitcasting (if you’re a pro angler who has experienced with casting rod and reels) Work with spinning gear when you go fishing long distances Jig fishing – used with fluorocarbon leaders |
Color
- This factor would depend on the water conditions where you’re about to fish.
- The purpose of considering line’s color is making it invisible to fish. For example, clear lines are the best choice in crystal clear water, meaning that fluorocarbon leaders are the best candidate as they feature similar refraction index as water.
- Mossy green, on the contrary, is ideal to use in murky or low-light water conditions.
Test Strength & Diameter
- Choose the line’s diameter based on distance and the test strength based on your targeted fish size.
- For bass, a test range of 8 to 20 pounds is generally fine. If you’re going to fish with fishing tackles like swimbaits, topwater lures, and bass frogs, or in light cover, choose 10 to 40 pounds of test strength.
- For the heavier cover, 65 pounds or higher would be better.
Which Brands Make The Best Fishing Lines For Bass?
Berkley
- This is an OG in the fishing tackle industry. Founded in 1937, Berkley has been through many significant technology improvements, the most well-known of which is Berkley Trilene' fishing line.
Stren
- Stren is another noteworthy and reliable brand name that you can count on. It was established in 1938, US. At Stren, anglers can find any types of fishing lines, from monofilament, fluorocarbon, to super lines to fit their fishing needs.
KastKing
- Compared to the two brands above, KastKing is quite a youngster which was set up in 2011. But it has quickly caught worldwide anglers’ attention by getting 2015 ICAST Best of Show Award for performance, innovation, and quality.
RUNCL
- Started in 2017, RUNCL is a newcomer in this industry, which is the reason why their product lines are still not various as others. In turn, their price range is very low and budget-friendly while importantly, the quality and performance are very good.
SpiderWire
- SpiderWire is a California-based company specializing in fishing lines. It’s a good brand where you can rest the heart to spend more on premium lines and receive superior durability and performance.
FAQs
How deep do you fish for bass?
It’s dependent on the habits of bass during each season:
- Pre-spawn – 8 to 15 feet
- Spawn – shallower depths
- Post-spawn – 8 to 15 feet
- Late spring – around the shore or structures
How do you rig for bass?
To help you get a more understandable idea of how to rig for bass, watch this video:
What color fishing line is best?
This feature is based on the water conditions that you’re going to fish in. In murky water, mossy green is the best choice while clear hue is ideal for crystal clear water conditions.
What is the best month to catch bass?
Each season will give you specific chances and challenges to catch bass but from our experience, try to avoid fishing in extremes of heat or cold and times when the water temperature rapidly drops.
What color jig is best for bass?
Chartreuse/black and yellow/black is the best choice of jigs to fish in stained water whereas blue trailer/black jig is better in clear water conditions.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, there are three types of fishing lines available for bass fishers, each of which features individual qualities to paired the best to specific circumstances.
Before getting started, determining your own needs, budget, and the water conditions where you intend to fish in will help find out the best fishing line for bass more easily.
Good luck and happy fishing!
Bryan Listor
