The right fishing line is the crucial thing for successful walleye fishing. Sensitivity is the game’s key with most walleye fishing applications because of subtle walleye bites.
How to choose the best Walleye fishing line? Today, there are four basic types on the market: monofilaments, braids, fluorocarbons, and copolymers. In fact, no line works for all the different walleye techniques. The best fishing line for walleye fishing combines an 8 to 10-lb test braided mainline and a 6 to an 8-lb test fluorocarbon leader. Those are tied together.
More details are given below to help you. Let’s dive into the best Walleye fishing line article, so you can choose the right line for your needs.
Top 6 Best Walleye Fishing Line
- KastKing SuperPower Silky8
- Power Pro Spectra
- Berkley Trilene XT Monofilament
- KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament
- Seaguar Blue Label Fluoro
- 10-pound Suffix Fluoro
Related post: Best Spinning Reel For Walleye – Top 10 Spinning Reels
Best Braid Line For Walleye Fishing Line
Why should you use braid?
Advantages
Braid is the most excellent mainline option for lures and jigs. Braid does not stretch, which means it may provide you with an incredibly fine-tuned bite detection and luring sensation. Braided lines are especially beneficial for walleye, which may be highly delicate, sensitive, and picky. Also, the braided line transmits every rock, weed, or strike immediately, thanks to that extra sensitivity. The braid also has the strength that aids in cutting through weeds. Furthermore, the latest braided line moderns offer exceptional abrasion resistance and strength, which comes in handy in tangled and weedy areas.
Although crankbaits and trolling are great settings for a braided line, this method is less common among walleye anglers. A braided line is the most excellent option in muddy water with thick vegetation. Still, it is only recommended to experienced anglers because a braided line can be nearly impossible to break if snagged on a rock. It is advisable to avoid using a white or yellow braiding line instead of a dark green line to reduce visibility.
Disadvantages
When walleye fishing, braided lines have distinct advantages, but they also have significant downsides. The braided lines are pretty strong- however, its poor performance since it is visible and floats too effortlessly. Therefore, walleye are too hesitant to bite braided line as they can easily spot it.
Highest rated: Power Pro Spectra Braided line
The Power Pro Spectra is a well-known brand that many walleye anglers in North America trust and use for improving your jigging and spinning for your eyes. It has incredible sensitivity, allowing users to detect even the lightest bites. Shallow water and shorter casting lengths are ideal for the Power Pro.
Other pros of the Power Pro Spectra are Good abrasion resistance, high strength-to-diameter proportion: economic, and sneaky dark-green color.
The product also has disadvantages. They are:
- Unsuitable for longer distances
- It has no unique feature (zebra mussels, for example)
Second highest rated: KastKing SuperPower Silky8 Braided line
One of America’s most popular braided mainlines is the Kast King SuperPower; the product has the benefits of a high-end line at a fraction of the cost. This design is specifically for jigging walleye and is highly effective in sensitivity and bite detection. It also works well with all other sorts of lures. Furthermore, it has incredible line strength. It can be used for fishing mussels and sharp stones without a scratch.
Some more pros of this excellent line:
- Notably low memory
- Casting easily and smoothly
- Ideal for long distances
- Tiny diameter-to-pound test proportion
- Awesome hook setting capability
The product only has one disadvantage the color of the line will be faded after use for a while. However, this drawback does not negatively affect fishing. Still, it may annoy since it leaves stains on the angler’s fingers.
Best Monofilament Line For Walleye
Why Should You Use Monofilament?
Advantages
Monofilament’s knot strength is a significant advantage. The knot is always the weakest element of a line, and having confidence in it permits a large fish to stay hooked. Monofilament is likewise less apparent than braid, although walleye can see it. To minimize visibility to a minimum, stick with a clear line.
Unlike braid, the monofilament line stretches what you need when trolling or fishing for eyes with live bait. A monofilament mainline will offer your live baitfish or trolled crankbaits a more natural presentation since that “works” with your lures. Furthermore, when it comes to rapid, violent strikes or slashes, the increased flexibility provided by mono is significantly more convenient than braid. It gives you a higher chance of setting the hook.
Finally, mono will glide through slip bobbers faster and more smoothly than braid. Because of its forgiving flexibility and excellent shock absorption, monofilament is ideal for moving baits like crankbaits or trolling.
Disadvantages
Monofilament has a stretching ability. However, it has a sensitivity drawback.
Highest rated: Berkley Trilene XT Monofilament line
Trilene XT is a popular monofilament mainline used by thousands of predator anglers worldwide. This monofilament line is ideal for trolling and slipping bobber rigs in shallow and deep water.
When trolling for walleye, an ideal line is a line with just enough stretch to turn a cautious bite into a hook-up. It is not too much so that the trolled crankbaits or live bait maintain their natural movement.
Monofilament is highly recommended when fishing with energetic baitfish. It is naturally stiffer than braid, and as it is naturally stiffer than braid and prevents the baitfish from being tangled, both when casting out and in the water. Also, the monofilament line glides effortlessly through slip bobbers, allowing anglers to get your bait to the proper depth in no time.
Pros of the Berkley Trilene XT:
- Super strong line
- Remarkably high abrasion resistance
- Easy to tie and create great strength for knots
- Implacable bait and lure presentation
- Incredible durability
Second highest rated: KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament line
The KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament is yet another dependable monofilament mainline for walleye fishing. It has deficient memory for a monofilament line, making it a terrific trolling option for those on a budget. KastKing’s transparency and invisibility underwater is another significant advantage. It resembles a fluorocarbon line in appearance.
Here are some more advantages of the product:
- Mono is highly abrasion-resistant.
- Absorption is low
- Inexpensive
However, KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament still has some disadvantages
- The product is not as durable as the Berkley Trilene XT
- Not create the most acceptable knot strength
Best Fluorocarbon Line For Walleye
Why Should You Use Fluorocarbon?
Advantages
When it comes to fishing for walleye, many anglers choose fluorocarbon lines. Finesse baits like jigging minnows and drop shots work well for this. Its primary advantage is that nearly undetectable, even in clear waters. Underwater, the fluorocarbon is almost invisible and does not stretch, making bites easier to detect and making walleye have difficulty consciously finding this line. Due to its sensitivity, it’s a very versatile line that may be used in various situations.
Fluorocarbon is abrasion-resistant and sinks slowly, making it ideal for fish suspicious of hooks.
Disadvantages
The drawback of fluorocarbon is its sensitivity, which makes it excellent for detecting bites but causes it to break when struck forcefully. Fluorocarbon’s next problem is its knot strength. Regarding knot tying, it’s also not as strong as monofilament. It is advisable to wet the knots or line before thoroughly fastening them, which allows the knots to cinch as firmly as possible. Fluorocarbon also doesn’t work well with crankbaits or trolling. Finally, fluorocarbons don’t have much more memory than monofilaments.
Highest rated: Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon line
The most versatile fluorocarbon line is Seaguar Blue Label Fluoro, which is more expensive. Extraordinarily sharp and sinking faster are the most significant differences the Seaguar makes compared to other models. It is advantageous when dropping bait near a fish leaped. The fluorocarbon can be used independently, but it’s also an excellent lead for almost any line form. Because of its poor visibility, it works particularly effectively for catching walleye.
Second Highest rated: Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is a more cost-effective choice. With the strong casting distance, the Berkley Vanish performs amazingly for its affordable price. Both lines tie strong knots. The invisibility of the Berkley Vanish attracts numerous bites from line-shy walleye.
Things About Walleye Line Strength You Need To Know
The pound Test Should Be Used For Walleye
Since walleye rarely grow to monstrous proportions, their size isn’t heavily influenced by the pound test. The water’s characteristics are the most important. A lower-pound test should be conducted in open and deep water with no snags. A robust line is also needed in shallower water with weeds or obstructions.
6 to 14-pound monofilament is the most durable for mono fishing, and a 6 to 8-pound test will handle most walleye in open water. Ten pounds is advisable for new anglers unused to huge, angry eyes. A line with a pound test of 10-14 pounds is ideal for walleye fishing because the line is robust enough to withstand giant walleye while remaining thin enough to allow crankbaits to drop to the bottom. Next, the most delicate trolling lines are the ones with the slightest stretch, allowing anglers to land strong hits without getting frustrated.
Braids can be used with line strengths ranging from 12 to 25 pounds. Twenty-five pounds seems a lot, but there is nothing to worry about as braid lines are significantly thinner than monofilament lines.
A clear 10-12 pound test line is recommended for Fluorocarbon lines.
Some Line Strength Recommendations
The line strength for walleye fishing differs depending on the line type. Specifically, the optimum strength for braid and monofilament lines is between 8 and 12 pounds. The ideal strength for fluorocarbon and finesse jigging is 8-10 pounds. For example, greater strength lines, 20-pound, are used for heavy-duty fishing, such as trolling with much weight.
Because most walleye fishing occurs near the bottom, snagging the bottom is practically unavoidable. Certain lines, such as braided ones, are less desirable for walleye fishing as they are almost impossible to break and frequently cut.
Crankbaits are one of the most effective methods for catching colossal walleye, as they resemble tiny fish. The walleye frequently strike the reel with enough force to knock the rod from the anglers’ hands.
The Lightest Lines To Use For Walleye
For each line, the lightest line used for walleye is different. Fluorocarbon is more robust than monofilament and braid. In most walleye fishing situations, a 6-8 pound test fluorocarbon leader will suffice.
With a 2-4 pound test, fluorocarbon or monofilament can be utilized to catch strictly smaller walleye. However, these rigs only work on tiny fish, and pike bite-offs are typical. Warmer temperatures in water make walleye more aggressive, whereas more incredible temperatures in water make them sluggish. Understanding the ecosystem directly correlates with catching more fish, so keep in mind that, depending on the season, walleye can be found between 10 and 40 feet underwater. The warmer it gets, the deeper the walleye will be.
Related post: 7 Most Important Rigs For Walleye (Walleye Rigging Guide)
FAQs About Best Walleye Fishing Line
Does Walleye Fishing Need Leaders?
Although leaders are not required to catch walleye, most anglers believe using one will improve their chances. Walleye are cautious and selective hunters with excellent visions; they avoid lures that do not resemble walleye prey and move unusually. Unless fishing in fast-moving seas, fluorocarbon leaders are highly recommended for anything. In the situation of fisheries in fast-moving water or heavy trolling, monofilament as a leader is advisable to use.
A direct connection from lure to hook will provide better sensitivity and feeling while fishing for walleye without leads. For poor visibility, excellent sensitivity, and a somewhat strong line, fluorocarbon with no knots will work well. On the other hand, a mainline increases the chances of snagging your line on something on the bottom.
Related post: What Is The Walleye Hook Size For Anglers?
Can Walleye See Lines?
Lines are visible to the walleye. Most lines that do not act like their usual prey will be avoided, and they will typically take their time before biting.
In clear, quiet water, walleye have less time to analyze the lines and finesse rigs. They rely on their reaction to strike while fishing with moving baits, crankbaits, and trolling and show tremendous line-shy tendencies. Taking advantage of this is crucial to catching walleye after walleye.
Braid and monofilament will work better than fluorocarbon when trolling or using a crankbait. Use a neutral-colored or clear line to make the line as unnoticeable as possible.
Which Walleye Lines Are The Best For Trolling?
Abrasion resistance, consistency, controlled stretch, narrow diameter, low visibility, and excellent knot strength are all features of the best trolling lines. When it comes to walleye fishing, many experienced anglers recommend monofilament.
Best Ice Fishing Line For The Walleye
Cutting holes where walleye eat is the best ice-fishing technique for walleye.
Because of its low stretch and abrasion resistance, fluorocarbon is the preferred material, followed by 6-8 pound braids with a fluorocarbon leader. The braid works well in deep water or low-light/dark environments.
Should a leader be applied when jigging for walleye?
The answer is definitely yes because a braided mainline is almost visible underwater, which can prevent walleye bites, especially in clear water, which is almost invisible underwater. You can tie a 1 to 4-foot fluorocarbon leader to solve this issue.
Lower strength than the mainline is another advantage of using a leader. If only your jig gets snagged, your leader will be broken.
How to set up fishing line for walleye jigging
The first step is spooling your spinning reel with a test braided mainline, 8 to 10 lb. Then let the line through the guides of your rod and tie it to a size 12 barrel swivel to make a uni knot (or an improved clinch knot).
Next, tie a 6 to 8-lb test fluorocarbon leader to the other swivel eye. The leader can be between 12 inches to 4 feet at any length. Then use either a uni knot or an improved clinch knot to tie your jig to the other end of the leader, and you are done.
Using a swivel between your mainline and leader is necessary, as the jigs can produce many twisted lines. Also, the line twist propagating to your mainline is avoided by using a swivel. Your line is often wrapped or tangled in case there is a swivel.
Conclusion
Deciding between 3 types: monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braid, might not be challenging if you are an experienced angler. But the most important thing you need to be concerned about is the suitable line for each situation. So, understanding the environment before casting a line improves your chances of success.
I hope the article “the best walleye fishing line” will be helpful for you.
