Why Braided Line Still Makes Some Anglers Nervous — And Why It Shouldn’t

For years, monofilament has been the default choice for most anglers. It’s familiar, forgiving, and in a lot of fishing situations it does the job perfectly well. But when absolute strength really matters — when tackle losses aren’t just annoying but potentially costly or dangerous to fish — braided line quietly outperforms mono in ways that are hard to ignore. And strength is only part of the story.

Many pike anglers choose braid to reduce the risk of line breakage and the danger of losing treble hooks in fish.

The single biggest advantage of braid is its strength relative to diameter. Put simply, for the same thickness of line, braid can be four times stronger than monofilament — sometimes more. That one fact alone changes how you can approach certain types of fishing.

If you’re fishing for pike, this matters immediately. Pike anglers rely on strong, reliable mainline because losing a fish isn’t just about losing a lure — it’s about the very real risk of leaving treble hooks either in a fish or attached to a snag. Being able to fish the same diameter line while massively increasing breaking strain is a genuine step forward in both fish welfare and angler confidence.

The same principle applies when line capacity becomes important. Hard-running fish demand space, and braid gives it to you. Whether it’s river sturgeon, powerful saltwater species like tuna, or simply strong fish in fast water, braid allows you to carry three or even four times the length of line on the spool for the same breaking strain you’d get from mono. That extra capacity can be critical. It’s also one of the reasons carp anglers fishing huge European lakes can boat rigs out extreme distances — many reels simply wouldn’t hold enough monofilament at the required strength.

Using 100lb Power Pro braid allows the angler to apply real pressure when fighting an enormous white sturgeon, without sacrificing line diameter or control.

Another advantage that’s often overlooked is how braid behaves in moving water. Because it’s thinner, braid catches less current. In strong flows, a fine braid cuts through the water far more efficiently than thicker mono, helping you hold bottom, maintain contact with your rig, and fish more accurately. This becomes very noticeable in rivers, tidal water, or deeper venues where bow in the line can quickly become a problem. Stick float and drop-shot anglers are increasingly realising that ultra-thin braids offer superb tackle control while still providing enough strength to land a specimen fish.

Then there’s stretch — or more accurately, the lack of it. Braid has very little stretch compared to mono, which means it transmits information exceptionally well. You feel more. Bites are clearer, changes in bottom composition are easier to read, and subtle movements at the end of the line make it back to the rod far more efficiently. For anglers who value feedback — whether that’s quivertipping, feature finding with a marker, or simply wanting to understand what’s happening below the surface — braid is hard to beat.

By using thin braid, this beach angler gains extra casting distance, clearer bite detection, and better control in fast tidal conditions.

Buoyancy is another factor that’s often misunderstood. Some braids float, some sink, and some sit neutrally in the water. Choosing the right one can be a real game changer. Livebait fishing or trotting no longer requires a greased line when a floating braid does the job naturally. Heavy sinking braids help pin line down for carp fishing, while neutral braids sit mid-water, making bite detection at long range far easier.

Of course, braid isn’t perfect. It’s less resistant to abrasion under heavy pressure than mono, particularly against hard edges like rocks or metal. That said, in most day-to-day angling situations this drawback is often overstated. Used sensibly — and paired with a suitable leader where necessary — braid’s overall wear resistance is excellent. Its fine construction and less slippery surface can make it more prone to so-called “wind knots”, but a reel with good-quality line lay all but eliminates this issue, especially if the spool isn’t overfilled. A quality braid can last ten years or more if it’s looked after properly. It’s UV resistant, doesn’t degrade in the same way monofilament does, and stands up well to long-term use.

With almost no stretch, ultra-thin braid delivers precise lure control and immediate feedback when drop-shot fishing.

Braid also allows for very small, neat knots — but knot choice really matters. Because braid behaves differently from monofilament, the wrong knot can fail unexpectedly. The right knot, tied properly, is incredibly strong. This is one area where experimentation pays off, and it’s well worth testing different knots until you find what works best for you.

Construction-wise, braid is made from multiple fibres spun into strands, which are then woven together. You’ll often see braids described as 4x, 8x, or even 16x. The higher the strand count, the smoother, rounder, and tighter the braid tends to be. Higher strand braids usually cast more quietly and handle better, though they often come at a higher price.

Cheap braids from online marketplaces can be hit and miss. Some are perfectly usable, but many suffer from inconsistent diameter and unreliable breaking strain. Sticking with proven brands like Power Pro, Daiwa, or Suffix removes a lot of uncertainty.

With smooth handling and sensible pricing, 8-strand braid has become the go-to choice for many anglers.

Braid isn’t a replacement for monofilament in every situation. But when strength, sensitivity, and control matter most, it’s often the better tool for the job. If you’ve never tried it, spool some up — you might be surprised how quickly it earns a permanent place on your reel.