What Fishing Line to Use for Bass: And Why It Might Just Depend on the Moon Phase

When it comes to bass fishing, the choice of fishing line is one of the most critical decisions an angler can make. The right line can mean the difference between landing a trophy bass and watching it swim away with your lure. But with so many options available—monofilament, fluorocarbon, braided, and more—how do you know which one to choose? And why does it sometimes feel like the moon phase might have something to do with it? Let’s dive deep into the world of bass fishing lines and explore the factors that can influence your decision.

1. Monofilament: The Classic Choice

Monofilament fishing line has been a staple in the tackle boxes of bass anglers for decades. Its versatility, affordability, and ease of use make it a popular choice for beginners and seasoned fishermen alike.

Pros:

• Stretch: Monofilament has a good amount of stretch, which can be beneficial when fighting a hard-pulling bass. This stretch acts as a shock absorber, reducing the risk of the line breaking during sudden movements.
• Buoyancy: Mono floats, making it an excellent choice for topwater lures like frogs and poppers.
• Visibility: While it’s not as invisible as fluorocarbon, monofilament is less visible than braided lines, which can be an advantage in clear water conditions.

Cons:

• Memory: Monofilament tends to retain memory, which can lead to tangles and reduced casting distance.
• Durability: It’s more susceptible to abrasion and UV damage compared to other lines, meaning it may need to be replaced more frequently.

2. Fluorocarbon: The Invisible Workhorse

Fluorocarbon is often touted as the go-to line for bass fishing, especially in clear water where visibility is a concern. Its refractive index is similar to that of water, making it nearly invisible to fish.

Pros:

• Invisibility: Fluorocarbon’s low visibility makes it ideal for finicky bass in clear water.
• Sensitivity: It has less stretch than monofilament, providing better sensitivity to detect subtle bites.
• Durability: Fluorocarbon is highly resistant to abrasion and UV damage, making it a durable option for long-term use.

Cons:

• Stiffness: Fluorocarbon is stiffer than monofilament, which can affect casting distance and lure action.
• Sink Rate: It sinks faster than mono, which can be a disadvantage when using topwater lures.

3. Braided Line: The Powerhouse

Braided fishing line is known for its incredible strength and thin diameter, making it a favorite among anglers who need to pull bass out of heavy cover.

Pros:

• Strength: Braided line has a high strength-to-diameter ratio, allowing you to use thinner lines with greater breaking strength.
• No Stretch: The lack of stretch provides excellent sensitivity and hook-setting power.
• Durability: Braided lines are highly resistant to abrasion and can last for multiple seasons.

Cons:

• Visibility: Braided lines are highly visible in the water, which can spook bass in clear conditions.
• Buoyancy: It doesn’t float, making it less suitable for topwater applications.

4. Hybrid Lines: The Best of Both Worlds?

Hybrid lines combine the properties of monofilament and fluorocarbon, offering a balance of stretch, invisibility, and strength.

Pros:

• Versatility: Hybrid lines can be used in a variety of fishing conditions, making them a versatile choice for bass anglers.
• Balance: They offer a good mix of sensitivity and shock absorption, which can be beneficial when fishing in different environments.

Cons:

• Cost: Hybrid lines can be more expensive than traditional monofilament or fluorocarbon lines.
• Performance: While they aim to balance the best qualities of both lines, they may not excel in any one area.

5. The Moon Phase Factor: Does It Really Matter?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the moon phase. Some anglers swear by fishing during specific moon phases, claiming that bass are more active during full or new moons. While there’s no scientific consensus on this, it’s worth considering how the moon might influence your choice of fishing line.

Full Moon:

• Visibility: During a full moon, bass may be more active at night, making low-visibility lines like fluorocarbon a good choice.
• Topwater Action: If you’re fishing topwater lures under the light of a full moon, monofilament’s buoyancy could be advantageous.

New Moon:

• Low Light: With less moonlight, bass may rely more on their lateral lines to detect prey, making braided lines a viable option for their sensitivity.

6. Water Clarity and Line Choice

Water clarity is another critical factor in choosing the right fishing line for bass.

Clear Water:

• Fluorocarbon: Its invisibility makes it the top choice for clear water conditions.
• Light Monofilament: If fluorocarbon isn’t an option, a light monofilament line can also work well.

Stained or Murky Water:

• Braided Line: The high visibility of braided lines is less of a concern in murky water, and their strength is ideal for pulling bass out of heavy cover.
• Monofilament: Its buoyancy and stretch can be beneficial in stained water, especially when using topwater lures.

7. Lure Type and Line Compatibility

The type of lure you’re using can also influence your choice of fishing line.

Topwater Lures:

• Monofilament: Its buoyancy and stretch make it ideal for topwater applications.
• Braided Line: While it doesn’t float, braided line can be used with topwater lures if you add a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader.

Crankbaits and Jerkbaits:

• Fluorocarbon: Its low visibility and sensitivity make it a great choice for these lures.
• Monofilament: The stretch in monofilament can help prevent the hooks from tearing out of the bass’s mouth.

Soft Plastics and Jigs:

• Braided Line: The lack of stretch and high sensitivity make braided line a top choice for these finesse techniques.
• Fluorocarbon: Its invisibility and sensitivity also make it a strong contender.

8. Personal Preference and Experience

Ultimately, the best fishing line for bass is the one that you’re most comfortable using. Your personal experience and fishing style will play a significant role in determining which line works best for you.

Experiment:

• Try Different Lines: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of lines to see which one suits your fishing style and conditions.
• Adjust Based on Conditions: Be willing to switch lines based on the water clarity, weather, and other environmental factors.

FAQs

Q: Can I use braided line for all types of bass fishing?

A: While braided line is incredibly strong and sensitive, it’s not ideal for all situations. Its high visibility can spook bass in clear water, and it doesn’t float, making it less suitable for topwater lures.

Q: How often should I replace my fishing line?

A: It depends on the type of line and how often you fish. Monofilament should be replaced more frequently due to its susceptibility to UV damage and abrasion, while fluorocarbon and braided lines can last longer.

Q: Does the color of the fishing line matter?

A: Yes, line color can affect visibility. Clear or low-visibility lines like fluorocarbon are best for clear water, while high-visibility lines like braided can be used in murky water or when you need to track your line.

Q: Should I use a leader with braided line?

A: Using a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader with braided line can help reduce visibility and provide some stretch, which can be beneficial in certain fishing conditions.

Q: How does the moon phase affect bass fishing?

A: While there’s no definitive proof, many anglers believe that bass are more active during full and new moons. This could influence your choice of line, especially if you’re fishing during low-light conditions.

Choosing the right fishing line for bass is a nuanced decision that depends on a variety of factors, including water clarity, lure type, and even the moon phase. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type of line, you can make an informed decision that will help you land more bass and enjoy your time on the water. Happy fishing!